Interesting Wind Facts

• One megawatt of wind capacity is enough to supply 240-300 average American homes. — American Wind Energy Association

• The United States is No. 1 in the world in total installed wind capacity as of December 2008, with 25,170 megawatts. Here are the rest of the top 10:

2. Germany 23,903 megawatts

3. Spain 16,754 megawatts

4. China 12,210 megawatts

5. India 9,645 megawatts

6. Italy 3,736 megawatts

7. France 3,404 megawatts

8. UK 3,241 megawatts

9. Denmark 3,180 megawatts

10. Portugal 2,862 megawatts

Rest of the world 16, 686 megawatts

Total top 10: 104, 104 megawatts

World Total: 120,791 megawatts

www.EcoFriendly.in:Wind Power Helps Galapagos Go Green

Inaugurated in April 2008, the three turbines—the first stage of the island-wide project—illustrate the power of renewable energy in some of our last remaining pristine environments.

Wind turbine request granted

The 120-foot tower would have 20-foot blades and generate 39.5 kilowatts of electricity. Pearson’s original proposal was rejected by the township, so he moved it to a shore land area where the county has regulatory authority.

Eco Friendly Wind Sites One Step To Diversify

Locally, Dominion already is building a $1.8 billion power plant in Wise County, largely to meet the energy needs of northern and eastern Virginia. Numerous environmental groups have tried to fight its construction and air-permitting process. They worry about heavy metals in the air and water from burning coal to generate electricity. They wonder if the safeguards will really keep them safe.

TPI Composites raises $20M for wind turbine blades

TPI’s current plants supply energy to Mitsubishi Power Systems and GE Energy, the division of General Electric that makes turbines. Previously, GE has invested in wind farms and other startups specializing in turbine components — Horizon Wind and Airtricity just two of many.