US generates the most wind energy. Which state is tops?

I read a really interesting article in the LA Times on Sunday, on the new jobs being created by wind energy. These 30-story machines need maintenance: “Wind Power Idustry Seeks Trained Workforce” Fantastic news for those hardy souls who love a dangerous challenge, and need a new career. The growth of this industry in a time when most businesses are struggling means a growing source of jobs – not just in maintenance, but also in design, manufacture and installation. What also caught my eye were two statistics:

1. The US has passed Germany as the world leader in wind power generation measured by megawatts generated: “The U.S. last year surpassed Germany as the world’s No. 1 wind-powered nation, with more than 25,000 megawatts in place. Wind could supply 20% of America’s electricity needs by 2030, up from less than 1% now, according to a recent Energy Department report.” (Marla Dickerson, LA Times, March 1, 2009). Pretty exciting, in my view, as it means we have clearly embarked in a journey toward more intelligent energy generation.

2. The top three states in wind power generation are Texas, California and Iowa. Iowa? Wait a minute. Iowa is nearly 1/5 the size of Texas, and just under 1/3 the size of California. According to a Wikipedia chart, Texas is #1, with 6698 MW, California is second with 2537 MW, and Iowa third, with 1655 MW. But here’s the thing: Iowa is the smaller state, and when I compared the watts generated per square mile, Iowa tops the other two:

Iowa: 29.41 KW/Sq Mile

Texas: 24.94 KW/Sq Mile

California:15.50 KW/Sq Mile

I live in California, and have seen the wind farms in Tehachepe many times, awed by the many busily spinning turbines. Texas I’ve been to, and even though I have not seen the turbines first hand, with the broad plains and the sheer size of the state, I can easily understand it’s leadership in total MW generation. But Iowa? I think this state is to be congratulated on their vigorous embrace of this power generation method. As I stated in a previous post, I drove across it this summer, and saw the surprising number of existing and under-construction wind farms, and the amazing number of trucks carrying wind turbines.

I am impressed, Iowa.  Congratulations on your vigorous embrace of this power generation method, and investment in your power future. I hope many other states follow your example, embracing whichever renewable energy resource makes sense for their geography and resources.