According to current data, wind power capacity in the United States might beat natural gas and coal in 2012. Up until November 2012, the United States has installed new wind power adding up to 6,519 megawatts. That’s slightly more than natural gas at 6,335 megawatts, and more than twice as much energy produced by coal.
This growth in wind power can partly be credited to the reduced cost of producing wind energy, but also to the advantage of a 2.2 cents/kWh renewable energy tax credit that survived the fiscal cliff deal.
“It shows that wind has firmly planted its foothold as a valuable energy source,” said Jacob Susman, chief executive officer of New York wind developer OwnEnergy Inc. “Five years ago we had to drag utilities in kicking and screaming. Now they’ve got teams of experts who understand its value.”
When it comes to wind power, 2013 predictions look good, especially with the tax credit being extended for at least another year. Without any fuel costs or carbon emissions, wind turbines could easily surpass natural gas in 2013. If natural gas prices keep rising, this scenario seems even more likely to happen.