January 17, 2008, The Wind Coalition

TEXAS #1 AGAIN AS WIND CAPACITY SURGES 59% IN 2007

Wind production capability now enough for 1 million homes  

Austin, Texas  –  For the third consecutive year, Texas was the nation's leader in the amount of wind capacity added to the electric grid.  Nearly $3 Billion worth of wind-powered electric generators were installed in Texas during 2007, growing the state's total wind capacity by 59%.  Texas' 1,618 megawatts (MW) of new wind power installations were more than twice as much as were added in any other state during this record-shattering year for the U.S. wind industry.  

"Texas' competitive market is succeeding in delivering results, both for our economy and for our environment," said Gov. Rick Perry. "By harnessing the energy potential of wind, Texans are utilizing a form of energy that is clean, affordable, and easily renewable. The result is as good for consumers as it is for the environment."  

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reports that 4,356  MW of the nation's 16,818 MW is currently operating in Texas.  The state's cumulative wind generating capacity  – representing 26% of all wind power installed in the nation – will produce as much electricity as is used by 1 million Texas homes.    

"Wind is ready to play a significant role in meeting our growing energy needs as part of a balanced mix of resources that is reliable, cost-effective and environmentally sound."  says Mike Sloan, Managing Consultant of The Wind Coalition, a regional wind advocacy group operating in the south central United States.  "Texas leaders have done an exceptional job in attracting the wind industry, and with steady federal support and access to new transmission lines, wind power can continue to thrive."  

According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), there were 3,064 MW of signed commitments made during 2007 to build new wind power plants – a level that is greater than for any other type of new power plant.  ERCOT is currently developing plans and cost estimates for new transmission lines that could support much higher levels of wind power in the future as part of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) process, which is expected to be finalized during 2008.  Previous studies by ERCOT suggest that the wind on the drawing board combined with that now operating in Texas could reduce wholesale power costs by more than $1 billion per year while reducing statewide power plant emissions by as much as 5%.    

Texas" record-setting year of wind power development represents about 10% of all power plant capacity completed in the United States during 2007.  

AWEA’s press release can be found at:

The Wind Coalition is a non-profit association formed to promote an economic and regulatory climate that encourages the development of the vast wind energy resources of the South Central United States.  Its membership includes major wind developers, equipment vendors and public interest groups.