Overview

The 100 companies in the US use wind power to drive a turbine and produce electric energy, which is provided to electric power transmission systems or electric power distribution systems. Utility-scale turbines are generally defined as turbines that exceed 100KW in capacity, but typically range from 1.5 to 7.5MW. Wind energy accounts for about 7% of total US electricity generation and about 42% of electricity generation from renewable energy, according to the EIA.

“NIMBY” Opposition

Wind farms often face opposition from local residents concerned about noise, aesthetic impacts, and harm to bird populations.

Dependence on Government Support

Wind power has benefited from federal production tax credits (PTC) during the first 10 years of production and investment tax credits (ITC).