According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, the United States is the fastest growing wind power market in the world. Last year alone the U.S. wind energy industry installed 5,244 megawatts of power, expanding the nation’s total generating capacity by 45%. With increasing demands for alternative and renewable energy sources, companies are also growing to meet the challenge.

The largest producer of wind turbine gear drives in the world, Siemens, has announced they will be investing more than $20 million to develop a second plant for the assembly and testing of mechanical gear drives in Elgin, IL. The expansion of the current facility will increase production, enabling the company to meet the expectations of its customers. The new plant will create approximately 350 new jobs over the next three to four years.
 

 
Siemens Power Generation - Wind Power
 
Illinois currently ranks 16th among U.S. states for wind energy potential. California leads the nation in wind power development with Texas coming in a close second. Other states with sizeable wind plants include Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.