US wind energy pricing near all-time low

Around 13.1 gigawatts ( GW) of new wind power capacity were connected to the US grid in 2012, well above the previous high in 2009, and motivated by the scheduled expiration of federal tax incentives at the end of 2012. The prices offered by wind projects to utility purchasers averaged US$40/ MWh for projects negotiating contracts 2011 and 2012, spurring demand for wind energy. However, even with a short-term extension of federal tax incentives now in place, the wind power industry is facing uncertain times, in part due to low natural gas prices and continued policy uncertainty.