The US Energy Department (DOE) tracked $16 billion in 2008 investment in the wind industry, driving new capacity of 8,558 megawatts (MW).



The agency’s report largely matches a self-assessment issued by the American Wind Energy Association earlier this year, which found 8,545MW of new capacity added in 2008.

Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced $13.8 million in funding for 28 wind projects including $200,000 to Alpha Star Corp.,