Seven-fold increase in wind turbine equipment forecast

The market for export of turbines and associated components by Finland's wind power industry is expected to increase in value seven-fold from EUR 200 million in 2004 to EUR 1.4 billion by 2020, says Finnish industry association Teknologiateollisuus (TT). The forecast is based on the current growth rate in exports from the industry's principal domestic manufacturers and a new report produced by energy consultant Elektrowatt-Ekono in co-operation with Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus (VTT), Finland's state-funded technical research centre. "Finland's special conditions, with dramatic changes in temperature and wind, provide for the possibility to develop high quality products and components for existing and emerging markets for wind power globally," the report says.