Texas Passes California in Wind Energy Production

When the words Texas and energy appear in the same sentence, we often draw images of oil derricks and large refineries. Aside from oil, Texas is also the leading state for natural gas production. Yet after a recent report issued by the American Wind Energy Association Texas has also the nation's leader in wind energy production. According to the report, Texas' wind power capacity stands at 2,370 megawatts. With enough wind energy to power roughly 600,000 mid-sized homes, Texas' initiative into renewable energy puts them ahead of long time leader California.

Having led the nation in wind energy since 1981, California produces 2,323 megawatts of capacity. Combined with Texas, the two states produce 47 percent of the wind power capacity in the United States which totaled a 9,971 megawatts last year.

With four wind power projects completed this year, Texas shows no signs of slowing down. Currently, there are three more projects in the works with names such as; Forest Creek, JD Wind IV, and Lone Star Wind. Interestingly, some of these future projects are scheduled to exist offshore in the gulf coast area.

Thanks in part to Texas' efforts, the generation of wind energy in the United States grew by 35 percent, adding a total of 2.431 megawatts of capacity. While this seems impressive, it fell short of the projected 2,500 megawatt goal. The wind association believes it can add 3,000 megawatts nationwide this year, even if that means another 2,178 megawatts by year's end.