U.S. takes lead worldwide in harvesting green wind energy

The United States already holds the nebulous honor as the largest energy consumer in the world, but it may be turning over a new leaf. Large open spaces make good locations for wind turbines and the United States has quite a few plains and farms which meet the need. That’s one reason why it’s recently taken the lead in producing the most wind energy in the world.

Germany was the previous world leader, and though the U.S. has pushed ahead in total wind energy produced, it also consumed nearly 7 times the amount of electricity as Germany in 2006, according to the Energy Information Administration. That means the U.S. has a long way to go before it becomes a true leader in renewable energy usage, which would be more accurately measured by capturing how much is used per person.

Still, 21,000 megawatts of wind energy is a milestone worth noting, and it’s a nod toward the ongoing push toward green living. That’s enough energy to power 5.5 million homes in America, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

The wind industry is on track to provide 20% of electricity needed in the U.S. by 2030. That’s an admirable goal, but anyone involved certainly needs to keep an eye on the horizon for longer range planning like that. Of course, who’s to say that innovations in solar or metabolic absorption won’t leapfrog ahead of wind turbines by 2030.

Besides the benefits to the environment, the wind energy industry has benefited the labor force as well. It’s projected to support 500,000 jobs by 2030. That a significant economic impetus, one that speaks more directly to those focused on profits. Right now that number hovers nearer to 60,000 workers.

While this is a sign that the U.S. is moving in a good direction it will be interesting to see how much inertia the green movement can retain in the face of a tightened economy and rock bottom energy prices from oil.