Wyoming wind energy capacity nearly doubled, report says
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming played a significant part in helping the country increase its wind energy production by nearly doubling capacity in 2020, a new report said.
Wyoming installed 1,123 megawatts of wind power, ranking second nationwide behind Texas in new wind capacity added in last year's fourth quarter, the Star-Tribune reported Saturday.
A quarterly report compiled by the American Clean Power Association said the U.S. installed 16,913 megawatts of new wind power capacity last year, which was an 85% increase compared to 2019.
A significant portion of the development was led by Wyoming's largest utility, Rocky Mountain Power.
"The fourth quarter was not only the strongest quarter on record, but it also saw more wind installed in just that quarter than in any full year in the modern industry's 40 plus year history, except 2012," American Clean Power Association CEO Heather Zichal said in a statement.
Energy experts warned Wyoming should not expect wind power capacity to grow yearly.
The Industrial Siting Council, the regulatory board charged with reviewing Wyoming wind project applications, has not received a new project proposal since 2019.
