Wind energy increase
In 2009, a total of eight new wind farms consisting of 199 offshore wind turbines, with a combined power generating capacity of 577MW, were connected to the grid in Europe, a growth rate of 54 per cent compared to the 373MW installed during 2008.
For 2010, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) expects the completion of 10 additional European offshore wind farms, adding 1,000MW and equivalent to a market growth of 75 per cent compared to 2009.
‘This is an incredibly good result considering the continued difficulties of obtaining project finance for large projects,’ said Christian Kjaer, EWEA chief executive. ‘Independent project developers, in particular, are still struggling. For the offshore wind power industry to continue its development, it is vital that governments and the European Commission provide policy frameworks that stimulate investor interest and allow project developers to move their plans forward.’
Currently, 17 offshore wind farms are under construction in Europe, totalling more than 3,500MW, with just less than half being constructed in UK waters. In addition, a further 52 offshore wind farms have won full consent in European waters, totalling more than 16,000MW, with just over half of this capacity planned in Germany.
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