subject: Wind Power Capacity Expected to Grow in 2010 [print this page] EWEA or the European Wind Energy association has forecasted its latest figures on wind energy installations and expects to the EU to generate 10 gigawatts (GW) of new wind power capacity in 2010. This would bring the total installed power capacity at the end of 2010 to nearly 85 GW This is an increase of 13% on the previous year.
In the last year - a record year for existing wind power installations - 10.163 GW of new installed wind power capacity.This accounted for 39% of all new power capacity in the EU last year.The total installed wind energy capacity was at the end of 2009 to 74.767 GW.
"We expect another strong year for wind energy installations in Europe, making the high level reached in 2009 is repeated," said Christian Kjaer, CEO of EWEA."It is encouraging that - are in contrast to 2009 - the results of 2010, orders that were placed after the start of the financial crisis.This is a still-existing and strong investor confidence shows in the technology. "
"It is too early to predict whether in the third year, more wind energy capacity installed than any other energy producing technologies, but it is clear that wind energy will fight together with new gas power plants to square one," adds Kjaer.
In 2010, more offshore wind turbines are to be installed - this year up to 1 GW of new capacity - compared to 577 MW installed in 2009.
EWEA expects that France and Italy will each install new systems to increase output by 1 GW in 2010.The expected decline in installations in Spain is led by a doubling of the installations in the new member states - Romania and Bulgaria - and a significant growth in the United Kingdom, particularly in offshore areas, are more important.It is expected that will be the strongest market in Germany this year.The United Kingdom is located just behind it.
The publication was timed to the EWEA, that the "day of the wind" coincides, on 15To be held in June.It will take place here over 198 events in at least 26 countries.EWEA will present a "Enel Green Power" wind turbine blade, which is 29.5 m long.This will be on display next to the main building of the EU Commission and the European Council.
