U.S. Wind Power Generation Hits Record Highs in September-October

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Renewable wind power generation continued to break records across the U.S. in September, October and November, according to a recent blog from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

Wholesale electrical grid operators in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) reported 12,383 megawatts (MW) of generation in October, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), reported 12,641 MW in November, both record amounts for the respective regions.

ERCOT also reported record wind generation of 11,467 MW for September.

The American Wind Energy Association attributes the jump in wind generation output to advances in wind turbine technology that are creating new opportunities in areas with lower average wind speeds, which were previously passed over by developers.

Additional records for wind generated power this year across the country were reported by ISO New England (ISO-NE) for October, with output of 748 MW; PJM Interconnection (PJM) for November, with output of 5,648 MW; and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) for October, with 4,594 MW.

Industrial Info is tracking 105 wind energy projects in the MISO, valued at $33.3 billion; 73 wind projects in ERCOT, valued at $31.7 billion; and 45 projects in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), valued at $14.5 billion.

Advanced wind turbines, turbine blade, electronics, direct-drive technology and updated maintenance practices have paved the way for wind power generation to triple in the last six years to 4.5% of the total generation in the U.S.

Wind towers ranging from 120 to 140 meters, which are more common in Europe, could tap additional wind resources in the U.S, which now uses 80-meter turbines, especially in the Southeast.

The southeast is currently home to 227 companies involved in the wind energy industry's supply chain, even though almost no utility-scale wind power has been developed in the region.

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