US building has hit a record of 10.3GW of wind projects, racing to complete by the end of this year.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) revealed the activity in a second quarter report. This period showed a 14.6% increase in wind power capacity from this time last year, installing 1.2GW. The first half of 2012 saw a growth of 34% compared to the same period in 2011.

The total US wind capacity installations now stands at 49.8GW.

The report incorporates data from 30 states and Puerto Rico. Texas has the largest capacity at 1.5GW, and Kansas and California are close behind with over 1GW each. Michigan, Iowa and Oklahoma are constructing at least 500MW.

US Wind Construction Record

This is a record in wind construction in the US. Only in 2008 did capacity near these levels.

The race in construction is to qualify for a production tax credit (PTC), which extends to building completed and connected to the grid by the 31st December 2012. However, a bill has been approved by the Senate Finance Committee to provide a 1-year extension, also allowing projects that have started but not necessarily finished by the end of 2013 to be included.

The bill is estimated to cost $135 million over 10 years.

Jin Lenard, president of Washington-based industry group Offshore Wind Development Coalition said that the vote was "a critical step towards the establishment of a sustainable and robust offshore wind industry.

"The offshore wind industry has the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs, invest billions of dollars in new, domestic renewable energy production and help support efforts to reduce carbon emissions and sea-level rise," he continued.

Under the legislation, developers of renewable energy could be rewarded with a 30% ITC over the 10-year period. The entitlement for PTC is only available after the installation begins to generate energy.

The bill still requires the full Senate's vote and the House of Representatives - the latter unlikely to address the issue until after the national election on November 6.

Chris Chwastyk, AWEA vice president of federal legislative affairs, describes the industry as "light years ahead of where we were just a week ago", after the committee approval.

Image copyright 'Svdmolen' - Courtesy Wikimedia Commons