Those wind turbines stretching across the western Oklahoma landscape won't be a novel sight much longer.
The U.S. has set aside about $66 billion in stimulus funds for renewable energy and wind generation will get a big share of that. Only about 20 percent of that money has been allocated, according to The Associated Press.
Wind farmers installed more capacity in the third quarter, generating enough electricity for nearly 500,000 homes. It was about 18 percent more than the third quarter a year earlier.
But most turbine makers were struggling with excess capacity and are hoping federal grants will pull them out of the recession. Most other financial avenues remain difficult to access, according to the AP.
Renewable energy -- mostly wind and solar -- is used to produce a small fraction of all electricity. It gained steam as oil prices soared but lost momentum when natural gas and oil prices fell and electric demand dropped.
The renewable energy boom helps more than just turbine manufacturers. It creates jobs for construction workers, operations and maintenance crews and pays royalties to property owners. A local community college has designed a curriculum for technicians that will be needed to repair the massive structures.
Opinion
Wind turbines will get good part of energy stimulus
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