(August 10, 2015) Wind
energy pricing is at an all-time low, according to a new report released by the
U.S. Department of Energy and prepared by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
(Berkeley Lab). The prices offered by wind projects to utility purchasers
averaged under 2.5¢/kWh for projects negotiating contracts in 2014, spurring demand
for wind energy.
“Wind energy prices—particularly in the central United
States—have hit new lows, with utilities selecting wind as the low cost
option,” Berkeley Lab Senior Scientist Ryan Wiser said. “Moreover, enabled by
technology advancements, wind projects are economically viable in a growing
number of locations throughout the U.S.”
Key findings from the U.S. Department of Energy’s latest
“Wind Technologies Market Report” include:
Wind is a credible source of new electricity generation in
the United States. Wind power capacity additions in the United States rebounded
in 2014, with $8.3 billion invested in 4.9 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity
additions. Wind power has comprised 33% of all new U.S. electric capacity
additions since 2007. Wind power currently meets almost 5% of the nation’s
electricity demand, and represents more than 12% of total electricity
generation in nine states, and more than 20% in three states.