Wind capacity figure rises by 40%

Europe's wind energy capacity has increased 40% over the last 12 months according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). With installed capacity reaching 20,447 MW in the autumn, Europe accounts for 74% of the world total. EWEA's Corin Millais says this is further proof that the European wind industry is a high-growth, global clean technology leader. Moreover, it is just the beginning, he adds. "Within eight years, the total amount of wind energy installed globally can be more than ten times that achieved in Europe today, if the appropriate policies are put in place. The cumulative global industry sector can be worth over EUR 130 billion by 2010." Germany leads the expansion, commissioning 1896 MW of wind energy in the first nine months of 2002, with Spain in second place with 742 MW. Germany, Spain and Denmark account for 84% of European wind capacity. Wind energy provides 4% of national electricity consumption in Germany and 18% in Denmark. Some 80% of all wind turbines sold worldwide are manufactured in Europe.