Prices Dropping as More Turbines Turn

摘要

In December, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. placed the world's largest-ever order for onshore wind turbines, estimated at $1 billion for 448 units totaling 1,050 MW, to be installed on five Iowa wind farms. Despite its size, the large capacity is not unusual for Iowa, which already boasts 5,571 MW of installed wind capacity, generating 27.4％ of its electricity mix. Amid growth in wind-generation nationwide, Iowa's is the highest proportion for any state. According to the Energy Information Administration, some 5.7％ of total U.S. generating capacity-61,108MW- now comes from wind. In 2012 alone, a record-setting 13,131 MW of wind-energy generation was installed in the U.S., the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reports. More than 12,000 MW were under construction in 2013, more than ever in history. But the boom times may be ending. Total wind power installations for 2 013 were just 1,084 MW, down 92 ％ from the 2012 level. The reason why goes to the heart of one of the greatest hindrances to the U.S. wind industry: inconsistent, start-and-stop regulation.