During Past Decade, U.S. Wind Turbines Became Taller and More Efficient

Nov. 29, 2017

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that wind turbines in the United States have grown in both average height and capacity over the past decade. Wind turbine capacity is based largely on the length of the blades, and taller turbines are able to not only have longer blades, but they also can take advantage of the better wind resources available at greater heights. Since 2012, the average hub height of wind turbines installed in the United States has been about 280 feet, or 80 meters. Before 2006, few wind turbines were as tall as 280 feet. Wind turbines accounted for 8% of the operating electric generating capacity in the United States in 2016, surpassing hydropower as the renewable technology with the largest installed generating capacity.