Global Overview

The global wind energy sector has experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and is expected to continue growing by around 18% per annum until 2010.

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) estimates that global cumulative wind generating capacity will reach 135 GW by 2010, more than double the present amount. Annual installed capacity is expected to reach 17.8 GW by 2010, compared to the 11.5 GW installed in 2006. (By way of comparison, a typical nuclear reactor has a capacity of 1 GW, while a large coal-fired power station is usually in the range 1.0 –1.2 GW.)

Improvements in turbine technology and the ability of electricity grid managers to integrate variable wind energy output have been important drivers for the growth in wind generating capacity.

However, by far the most important spur for growth has been regulatory support, typically in the form of mandatory targets for sales of power from renewable sources, including wind. While this support varies widely by jurisdiction, most countries have implemented, or are considering implementing, regulatory mechanisms to encourage investment in renewable energy generally, and wind power projects in particular. Political support at the national and international level will continue to underpin the growth of the wind energy sector.

Europe is considered the most important wind energy market; by 2010, GWEC estimates total installed capacity in Europe is expected to reach 77.6 GW, representing 57% of world capacity. It is well known that the wind power industry in Europe is a very well established industry with high penetration of wind power in the German, Danish and Spanish electricity market in particular.

The United Kingdom has lagged behind Europe in its uptake of wind-generated power, despite it having the highest wind resource of all European countries, especially Scotland.

The growth of wind power generation in Australia has also been relatively slow, mainly because of lukewarm political support by the Federal Government and the relative abundance of cheap coal, which contributes to low energy prices generally. However, State Governments such as South Australia and Victoria are taking a lead in Australia to address global warming and are looking at ways to encourage investment in renewable energy solutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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