According to a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy, the number of wind turbines used in the United States that are also built in the United States has increased significantly over the last several years.
In 2007, only 25% of turbine components were built locally, but by 2012, that number rose to 72%. Pretty impressive, especially since wind was the fastest-growing electricity source in the United States last year, with more than 13.1 gigawatts added to the grid.
“The tremendous growth in the U.S. wind industry over the past few years underscores the importance of consistent policy that ensures America remains a leader in clean energy innovation,†said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz in a press release on energy.gov. “As the fastest growing source of power in the United States, wind is paving the way to a cleaner, more sustainable future that protects our air and water and provides affordable, clean renewable energy to more and more Americans.â€
Not only was there a nearly 50% increase in locally produced turbine components, but equipment exports also rose by a whopping $372 million during the same time period, from $16 million to $388 million.
The wind energy tax credit may still have an uncertain future, but this goes to show that the industry is definitely taking advantage of the growing opportunity. Hopefully this will help more of the American population get on board with these projects, which will give us even more opportunity to take advantage of plentiful clean energy sources around the country.
Image CC licensed by TumblingRun: Wind turbines, Iowa
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