The United States is now even closer to the point where 2% of its electricity will come from wind turbines. That may seem like a small number, but considering that growth came during the recession, hopefully it is a sign of better things to come.

The American Wind Energy Association, in its annual report, said the amount of capacity added last year, 9,900 megawatts, was the largest on record, and was 18% above the capacity added in 2008, also a huge growth year.

The A.W.E.A. said the growth of wind power was helped by the federal stimulus package that passed a year ago, which extended a tax credit and provided other investment incentives for the industry.