U.S. Wind Energy Construction Reaches Record in Q2

July 31, 2018 - AWEA’s U.S. Wind Industry Second Quarter 2018 Market Report reveals that 5,322 MW worth of wind farms started construction during the second quarter of 2018. That brings total construction activity to 18,987 MW. An average new American wind turbine produces 2.32 MW of capacity, roughly enough to power 750 typical homes.

In addition, another 3,901 MW of new wind power capacity reached advanced development. AWEA says projects in advanced development are likely to progress into construction soon because they have seen a major milestone, such as placing a turbine order or finding a buyer for their power. Near-term U.S. wind farm development grew 13% over the previous quarter, with 37,794 total MW under construction or in advanced development.

The AWEA report says the U.S. wind industry installed 626 MW this quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,032 MW. That brings America’s total wind-power capacity to more than 90,000 MW, which extends wind’s lead as the largest source of U.S. renewable energy. The country’s 90,004 MW of wind energy can power more than 27 million average homes.

Wind farm developers signed 1,524 MW of power purchase agreements (PPAs) during the quarter. During the first half of 2018, PPA’s bought 44% more wind power than during the first half of last year. Corporate customers bought 56%; utilities bought the rest.

Utilities also announced plans to add 1,491 MW of wind capacity under direct ownership, including MidAmerican’s 591 MW Wind XII project in Iowa and Ameren Missouri’s 400 MW High Prairie project in Missouri.