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US states with highest installed wind energy capacity

Wind energy is one of the cleanest forms of energy. All the developed and developing countries are trying to increase the amount of wind energy they produce to reduce the usage of non-renewable energy sources. USA is second only to China in producing wind energy as an alternative energy source. The total amount of wind energy production capacity of US in 2013 was 61,108 MW and this year it is expected to increase. The following five states of the USA have highest installed wind energy capacity, according to the second quarter report of 2014, published by American Wind Energy Association.

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Texas

Presently, Texas is the top installed wind energy producer in the US. Its wind energy production capacity is 12,753 MW. Only a few regions around the world produce more wind energy than Texas. Currently, this state has 40 different wind energy projects in the pipeline. Once these projects start production, Texas will take a prominent position in wind energy generation.

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California

The second state of the US that produces huge amount of wind energy is California. The wind energy industry of California has expanded at a fast pace in the last decade. Their total installed wind energy capacity at present is 5,829 MW. Wind energy production started back in the 80s in California. The Alta Wind Energy Center with 1020 MW capacity was established back then.

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Illinois

Around 4.7% of the total energy produced in Illinois is wind energy. There are more than one wind farms in Illinois producing wind energy. The first ever wind energy farm of Illinois started functioning in 2003. The total power generating capacity of the farm back then was only 50 MW. At present total 3,568 MW wind energy is being produced by Illinois farms.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma is one of the states of the US that are located in the Wind Tunnel. Due to the strong wind that blows over this state throughout the year, Oklahoma is well placed for wind energy generation. The state generates 3,134 MW of wind energy. Wind energy industry has helped in creating new job opportunities in this state. 14.8 % of the total electricity produced in the state comes from wind energy plants.

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Washington

Initiative 937 has strengthened Washingtonโ€™s will to increase wind energy production. This project makes it mandatory that 15% of the total power has to be produced using renewable energy resources. Around 250,000 consumers will benefit from this power. The Lower Snake River Wind Project has helped Washington generate 2,808 MW wind energy.

Summary

Several states in the US are attempting to harness the power of the wind for generating electricity. Texas is the forerunner among them all, though more states are showing willingness to increase wind power generation.

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