After tremendous growth rates averaging 40% per year from 2005 to 2009, the growth of new wind power generation capacity slowed to 11% last year. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that the US added 3,657 megawatts (MW) of new wind generation capacity in 2010, down from 9,645 MW of new capacity in 2009.
In 2008 and 2009, more wind power capacity was built than either natural gas- or coal-fire power plants. In 2010, however, natural gas-fired capacity grew by 6,309 MW and coal-fired capacity grew by 5,217 MW.
The Financial Times reports a similar shift in private equity investments, with more funds focusing on the oil and gas sector.
John Howley
Woodbridge, New Jersey
In 2008 and 2009, more wind power capacity was built than either natural gas- or coal-fire power plants. In 2010, however, natural gas-fired capacity grew by 6,309 MW and coal-fired capacity grew by 5,217 MW.
The Financial Times reports a similar shift in private equity investments, with more funds focusing on the oil and gas sector.
John Howley
Woodbridge, New Jersey