Although the wind energy industry in the United States is below the peak it hit three years ago, 2011 was still a pretty good year.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s annual market report, last year, wind power accounted for about one-third of the nation’s new sources of electricity. And much of the equipment installed at U.S. wind farms last year came from domestic factories.
Almost three-quarters of the wind turbines, towers, blades, and generators were made within the U.S. That number is double what it was in 2005.
When it comes to capacity, New Mexico ranks within the top 20 states. Just over five percent of the electricity generated here comes from wind power. And all told, turbines here generate enough electricity to power about a quarter of a million homes.
But when it comes to manufacturing, the state is lagging.
There are only two manufacturers of wind energy parts in New Mexico: Vert-I-G0 Wind Energy in Clovis and Johnson Plate and Tower in Santa Teresa.
Visit the Energy Department’s website to view a nationwide map of manufacturing facilities.