Reported by Staff

The wind power industry enjoyed record growth last year, according to the American Wind Energy Association, and the trade group says growth could be even higher if lawmakers could find agreement on a national renewable electricity standard.

The industry installed more than 10,000 megawatts of wind energy throughout the country in 2009. More than 35,000 megawatts are now being generated.

One of the small numbers reported may indicate that wind geneation is moving to critical mass. “We reported 1.8 percent of generation and we’re closing in on 2 percent,” said Liz Salerno, AWEA’s director of industry data and analysis. Wind’s share was 1.3 percent in 2008, so even modest growth this year should see 2% realized. This is a national average.

More than 200 facilities manufacture wind turbine components,  but that industry segment grew at a slower rate than installations. GE Energy continues to lead in U.S. turbine sales, while NextEra Energy Resources is the largest owner of wind farms. Not surprisingly, Mineapolis-based Xcel Energy leads in utilities’ use of wind power, and with the recent passage of Colorado’s 30% RES, that position should strengthen.

The AWEA reports that the industry employs about 85,000 people, who have access to 205 educational programs such as colleges and technical schools offering a certificate, degree or coursework related to wind energy.

Nationwide, the demand for residential and small-business wind systems producing 100 kilowatts or less surged 15% in 2009, which added 20 megawatts of capacity nationwide.