More than 2500MW of new wind power capacity was added in the US in the second quarter of 2020, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
Total capacity in the US is now almost 110GW, AWEA said in its ‘Wind Powers America Second Quarter Report 2020’.
AWEA said that the report shows that many wind developers managed to complete projects during the three-month period, despite the significant challenges associated with Covid-19.
Fourteen new wind projects totalling 2546MW became operational across nine states during the second quarter, enough to power 860,000 American homes and setting a record for second quarter additions.
Texas led with 810MW, followed by Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Missouri passed 1GW in total capacity in the second quarter, making it the 20th state to reach the gigawatt milestone.
There are now 109,919MW of operating wind power capacity in the US.
AWEA said wind power development and construction activity also remained resilient in the face of the pandemic, partially thanks to additional flexibility from the US Treasury and Internal Revenue Service regarding tax credit qualification.
Construction activity reached another new record in the second quarter, with 25,318MW being built across the country.
Another 18,310MW are in advanced development. The combined 43,628MW represents a 4% year-over-year increase from the second quarter of 2019.
AWEA chief executive Tom Kiernan said: “American wind power is immensely proud of its 120,000 workers who have fought to bring additional clean, reliable electricity to American citizens, even in the initial stages of the global pandemic. This work is more important than ever during these challenging times.
“As we cap off this year’s American Wind Week, America’s largest source of renewable energy remains committed to building on its 50-state footprint of investment and job creation and to continue adding affordable, clean power to local communities across the country.”