EWEA Predicts a Strong European Market for Wind Turbines in 2010
By Ewea - European Wind Energy Association, PRNESunday, June 13, 2010
BRUSSELS, June 14, 2010 - The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) today released its forecast
for wind power installations in 2010. It expects 10 gigawatt (GW) of new wind
power capacity to be installed in the EU during 2010, taking total installed
capacity by the end of 2010 to almost 85 GW - an increase of 13%.
Last year - a record year for wind power installation - saw 10.163 GW of
new wind power capacity installed, constituting 39% of all new power capacity
installed in the EU that year. Total installed wind power capacity by the end
of 2009 was 74.767 GW.
"We predict another strong year for wind turbine installations in Europe,
repeating the high level achieved in 2009," said Christian Kjaer, CEO of
EWEA. "What is encouraging is that, unlike in 2009, the 2010 results consist
of orders placed after the start of the financial crisis. This shows
continued and strong investor confidence in the technology."
"It is too early to say whether, for a third year running, there will be
more wind energy capacity installed than any other electricity generating
technology, but it is clear that wind energy will be competing for the top
spot with new gas power plants," added Kjaer.
2010 will see more installations in offshore wind power, with up to 1 GW
of new capacity expected to be installed during the year compared to 577 MW
installed in 2009.
EWEA expects France and Italy to again install around 1 GW each in 2010.
The expected decline in installations in Spain will be more than compensated
for by a doubling of installations in the new member states - led by Romania
and Bulgaria - and significant growth in the UK, particularly offshore.
Germany is expected to be the largest market this year, closely followed by
the UK.
EWEA's announcement was timed to coincide with Global Wind Day which
takes place on 15 June. Over 198 events will take place in at least 26
countries including the display by EWEA and Enel Green Power of a 29.5 m wind
turbine blade in Brussels next to the main buildings of the European
Commission and the European Council. For more information about the Global
Wind Day and events around the world see www.globalwindday.org
For more about wind energy capacity at the end of 2009 see
www.ewea.org/index.php?id=1665
Paolo Berrino Press Officer EWEA - European Wind Energy Association asbl Renewable Energy House, 63-65 Rue d'Arlon, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32-2-400-10-55 Fax: +32-2-546-19-44 Email: paolo.berrino@ewea.org Web: www.ewea.org
Paolo Berrino, Press Officer, EWEA - European Wind Energy Association asbl, Renewable Energy House, 63-65 Rue d'Arlon, B-1040 Brussels, Tel: +32-2-400-10-55, Fax: +32-2-546-19-44, Email: paolo.berrino at ewea.org
Tags: belgium, Brussels, Ewea - European Wind Energy Association, June 14