U.S. wind power installation slows

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – New installments of U.S. wind energy in the second quarter of this year fell by more than half from the first quarter as the recession helped cut contracts for new turbines, an industry group said.

New installations totaled about 1,210 megawatts in the second quarter compared with about 2,790 MW in the previous one, the American Wind Energy Association said on Tuesday.

“The recession is a force that is having an effect on the industry, as it is on most other industries,” said a spokeswoman.

Many wind power supply chain companies have stopped hiring or have furloughed employees due to the slowdown in contracts for turbines, AWEA said.

Reuters