Kansas wind energy industry sees slower year

2013 has been a slower year for the wind energy industry in Kansas than last year.

Elizabeth Salerno, director of industry data and analysis for the American Wind Energy Association, said 2012 was a record year for the wind power energy in Kansas.

Capacity increased to 2,713 megawatts, a gain of more than 1,441 megawatts.

Capacity is the amount of energy that wind farms could produce if all are running at full tilt. Kansas wind turbines are productive 50 to 60 percent of the time, said Kimberly Svaty, public policy director for the Kansas Wind Coalition, adding that percentage is expected to improve as blades grow larger, allowing turbines to produce energy on calmer days.