In the year 2009, eight new wind farms comprising 199 offshore wind turbines with a combined power generating capacity of 577 MW were connected to the grid in Europe. In comparison with the 373 MW of installed capacity in the year 2008, the installation of this 577 MW in 2009 represents 54% growth rate. The European Wind Energy Association plans to complete 10 more European offshore wind farms with an addition of 1,000 MW for the year 2010.
Christian Kjaer, Chief Executive of the European Wind Energy Association, remarked that the European Commission and the governments should provide policy frameworks to enhance the continuous development of the offshore wind power industry. These policy frameworks, according to Kjaer, will motivate project developers to proceed with their plans and stimulate investor interest.
Europe currently has 17 offshore wind farms that are under construction with a total generating capacity of more than 3,500 MW. Less than half of the wind farms are being constructed in UK waters. Another 52 offshore wind farms have achieved complete consent in European waters with a total crossing 16,000 MW and little more than half of this capacity is being planned in Germany. The European Wind Energy Association expects the turnover of the offshore wind industry to double the 2009 turnover of EUR1.5 billion in the year 2010 to EUR3 billion.
Sufficient power could be provided by more than 100 GW of projects that are at different planning stages to meet 10% of the electricity demands from Europe. CEO of the European Wind Energy Association remarked that the decision to inject EUR255 million into the offshore wind sector under the European Union’s European Economic Recovery Plan highlights the importance given by the decision makers for offshore wind energy, which will play a significant role for Europe’s future energy needs. CEO further added that the increased involvement of the European Investment Bank will contribute to the future success of offshore wind that will give rise to the creation of fresh jobs and technology leadership besides contributing to European recovery.
Source: http://www.ewea.org/
