By Ken Silverstein | EnergyBiz
Wind energy is getting a nice tail wind now that the U.S. Department of Energy has released some info showing that the sector has shown strong growth and has created thousands of jobs. But the agency is also forewarning that the expected expiration of valuable tax incentives will, in turn, create new head winds.
According to that analysis, 2012 was a banner year, with wind energy becoming the number one source of new U.S. electricity generation for the first time. It represented 43 percent of all new electric additions and has accounted for $25 billion in new national investment, says the Energy Department. Today, more than 80,000 people work in wind-related businesses.
“The tremendous growth in the U.S. wind industry over the past few years underscores the importance of consistent policy that ensures America remains a leader in clean energy innovation,” says Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “As the fastest growing source of power in the United States, wind is paving the way to a cleaner, more sustainable future that protects our air and water and provides affordable, clean renewable energy to more and more Americans.”
