PowerFacts

AWEA Report Shows Competition Leading the Way for New Wind Energy

According to the American Wind Energy Association's 2nd Quarter 2008 Market Report, released August 5, over 1,000 MW of new wind capacity was installed in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2008, bringing the total installed capacity for the year to over 2,700 MW and making the United States the world's largest wind energy producer. The report shows that an additional 8,000 MW is currently under construction and 7,500 MW of that will likely be installed by the end of the year. Facilitating this drive for new wind energy are organized wholesale electricity markets and investment by competitive suppliers, who are responsible for over 85% of the new wind capacity and are paving the way for clean, renewable energy.

2008 HAS A STRONG START WITH MORE TO COME

2,365 MW (87%) of the 2,725 MW of new capacity installed in the first two quarters of 2008 was constructed by competitive suppliers.

2,350 MW (86%) of the new capacity installed so far in 2008 was constructed in independently administered organized wholesale electricity markets because they offer greater transmission and market access.

Eighty-three additional wind-powered generation units are currently under construction, totaling just over 8,500 MW. These projects are expected to be completed this year or in early 2009. According to AWEA, over 7,500 MW of that new capacity will likely be installed by the end of the year.

Of the capacity currently under construction, 7,944 MW (93%) belong to competitive suppliers, while 7,841 MW (92%) is being constructed in organized wholesale electricity markets.

EPSA member companies, through the end of June, have completed construction of 622.3 MW of wind generation in 2008. An additional 2,554.9 MW of wind-generated electricity is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed at the end of the year or early 2009.

"It's clear that wind power is not only a major technology with which to fight climate change, but also one of the most promising and dynamic economic engines we have today." (AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher)

The full report can be found at www.awea.org/publications/reports/2Q08.pdf

AWEA Report Shows Competition Leading the Way for New Wind Energy

CONTACT: JOHN SHELK
(202) 349-0154or 703-472-8660

EPSA is the national trade association representing competitive power suppliers, including generators and marketers. These suppliers, who account for nearly 40 percent of the installed generating capacity in the United States, provide reliable and competitively priced electricity from environmentally responsible facilities serving global power markets. EPSA seeks to bring the benefits of competition to all power customers.