WINDFORMATION: QUICK WIND FACTS

In 2009, the U.S. wind industry installed over 10,000 MW of generating capacity— enough to power over 2.4 million homes or generate as much electricity as three large nuclear power plants. Wind power represented 40% of all new U.S. electric generation capacity in 2009

U.S. wind turbines operating today avoid as much carbon as taking over 10.5 million cars off the road.

Only approximately one percent of the land within a wind farm is actually used for wind generation—the rest can still be used for farming or ranching.

For every megawatt of wind energy produced, $1 million in economic development is generated. This includes revenue from development, construction, and operations.

Onshore U.S. wind resources could generate nearly 37 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, more than nine times current total U.S. electricity consumption.

For the past five years, U.S. wind energy capacity has grown by an annual average of 39 percent.

A modern wind turbine has more than 8,000 component parts. To supply this market, 39 manufacturing facilities were brought online, announced or expanded in 2009, bringing the total number of wind turbine component manufacturing facilities now operating in the United States to more than 200.

A single 1 megawatt turbine on land can provideenough electricity to power 225 to 300 households.

Wind energy leaves no harmful emissions or pollutants in the environment.

Wind energy is a renewable energy resource. The wind will never be used up.

Almost every country has some areas with good wind resources.

Source: American Wind Energy Association