U.S. Wind Power Installations Surged to Record in 2020

The U.S. wind industry had its strongest year ever in 2020, nearly doubling installations from the prior year to reach a record high.

Developers built almost 17 gigawatts of capacity during the year, enough to power over 5 million homes, according to a report from the American Clean Power Association, a trade group. Most of that growth came in the fourth quarter as developers moved to complete projects before the expected expiration of federal tax incentives at year-end.

“2020 was a banner year,” said Heather Zichal, chief executive officer of the association. “Despite all the challenges Covid-19 placed ...