Texas has 14,200 megawatts of wind-generating capacity, more than twice the installed capacity of any other state, according to a report released at the end of April by the American Wind Energy Association. One MW is enough to power about 200 homes during periods of peak demand, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the grid operator for most of the state.
More than 8,500 wind turbines operate in Texas, generating 10.6 percent of the state’s electricity generation mix in 2014. Most utility-grade wind turbines have an expected operating lifespan of more than 20 years.
More wind turbine facts: The towers for wind turbines are typically 260–320 feet tall. Blades, made of composites of wood, fiberglass, resin and carbon, can be up to 260 feet long and weight 6–10 tons each. Tip speeds can reach 200 mph.