American Wind Energy looks ahead

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The American Wind Energy Association recapped the U.S. wind industry's progress in 2008.

The AWEA also highlighted some upcoming projects. "The world's largest operating wind power project" is expected to surpass FPL Energy's 736-megawatt Horse Hollow wind farm.

Wind power was the second-largest source of new U.S. power generating capacity for the fifth year in a row, second only to natural gas plants.

The AWEA said it hopes President-elect Barack Obama will put in place policies to encourage investments in wind and renewables. The association also continues to call for a national renewable electricity standard with a target of generating at least 25 percent of the nation's electricity from renewables by 2025.