Illinois 5th in wind power installations in 2012 via the Chicago Tribune

In what shaped up to be a record wind for American wind, Illinois was fifth in the nation for new wind installations in 2012, the American Wind Energy Association said Wednesday.

The state installed 491 turbines, or about 820 MW of capacity, and is fourth in the nation for wind power installed.
In the U.S. overall, nearly two-thirds of the more than 13,000 MW of new wind power in 2012 came online in the fourth quarter to take advantage of a wind production tax credit tht expired at the end of 2012. Ultimately, the 2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour tax credit was extended for one year as part of the “fiscal cliff” deal signed in the New Year. While the tax credit generally is reserved for wind farms that are generating electricity, the extender package allows wind farms under construction in 2013 to take advantage of the tax credit.

Still, industry watchers expect 2013 to be a difficult year for wind. In 2012, in light of the tax credit’s looming expiration, developers stopped placing orders for wind-related machinery for projects that were to come online in 2013 . AWEA said its members are receiving orders and calls now for equipment that will take six to nine months to deliver. The lobbying group would not provide its projections for installations in 2013. Some experts have forecasted a drop of as much as 75 percent, along with massive layoffs.

Read more at Illinois 5th in wind power installations in 2012

◇See also Congress extends wind energy tax credits for projects that start in 2013
◇And on opposition to extension of the tax credit, Exelon Skips Utility Fly-In to Lobby on Wind Tax Credit

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One Response to Illinois 5th in wind power installations in 2012 via the Chicago Tribune

  1. norma field says:

    It’s heartening to learn about the advance made in wind power as well as the industry’s contribution to jobs and communities. Shouldn’t we also be learning about nuclear Exelon’s role in opposing the continuation of tax credits?

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