Wind power constituted 41% of all U.S. generation capacity additions in 2015, up sharply from its 24% market share the year before and close to its all-time high.
The U.S. wind power market remained strong in 2015 thanks to continued low prices, more-efficient wind turbines, and fast-growing demand nationwide, as detailed in two annual reports released by the Energy Department.
Wind turbines in distributed applications are found in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to provide energy locally, either serving on-site electricity needs or a local grid.
Image: Patsy McEnroe Photography
Between 2003 and the end of 2015, over 75,000 wind turbines, totaling 934 MW in cumulative capacity, were deployed in distributed applications across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Image: Northern Power Systems
The U.S. wind industry has positively impacted the American workforce by currently supporting 88,000 jobs related to development, siting, manufacturing, transportation and other industries -- an increase of 15,000 jobs from 2014 to 2015.
Image: Roger Dixon, Skylands Renewable Energy
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