market status 2012
Published in January 2012, Windpower Monthly's annual look at developments in the world's wind energy sector during 2011 shows 38GW of new capacity added around the globe.
Introduction - Emerging markets enter the mainstream
WORLDWIDE: On the face of it, 2011 was a good year for wind energy. The figures collected by our global network of correspondents reveal an annual installation of around 38GW wind-power capacity, achieving a new record high. Total installed capacity rose to around 230GW, a 20% growth on 2010's total.

Major markets
United States - Bumper 2012 expected to precede mass downturn
UNITED STATES: Fasten your seat belts -- it will be a bumpy ride. The domestic US wind market has entered a period of unprecedented boom as turbine makers and developers scramble to beat market uncertainty due to the possible expiration in December of the country's most significant financial incentive.
United Kingdom - Gearing up for a busy year amid regulatory change
UNITED KINGDOM: This year will be a busy one for the UK wind industry, with onshore developers striving to ensure that projects are operational ahead of changes to the renewables' incentive scheme next year. Offshore, manufacturers will be pinning down locations for factories and distribution centres ahead of the massive demand expected from developers involved in the UK's next wave of offshore projects - Round 3.
China - Testing times ahead with more balanced growth
CHINA: The Chinese wind-power market faces a tough year as the industry gets to grips with new government requirements. Though growth slowed in 2011, the market still performed very strongly, with over 15GW of newly installed capacity. Industry officials expect the wind industry to continue to lead the world in growth in 2012 as the government counts on the technology to raise the nation's consumption of renewable energy.
Germany - Market reform and end of nuclear aid steady growth
GERMANY: Stable growth in both onshore and offshore wind is expected in 2012 due to the support set out in Germany's renewable-energy law last year. The country could add another 2GW in 2012, of which 200MW is likely to be offshore, according to a cautious forecast by the German wind energy association, Bundesverband Windenergie.
Rest of world
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Australia Australia - Carbon price brings new hope after lean years
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Austria Austria - Green electricity law opens doors for more wind
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Estonia Baltic States - Region's only bright spot could fade after 2012
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Belgium Belgium - Bright future beckons if regulations resolved
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Brazil Brazil - Project and production activity set to spiral
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Bulgaria Bulgaria - New rules may spark investor exodus
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Canada Canada - Construction surge may lead to finance bottleneck
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Cyprus Cyprus - Growth likely to slow as high tariff is recalculated
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Czech Republic Czech Republic - Investment bombshell hits suffering sector
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Denmark Denmark - Sector waits for new energy act to end limbo
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Finland Finland - Cut in red tape and offshore plans lift dark mood
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France France - Offshore growth will lead new build in wind market
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Greece Greece - Wind awaits return of financial investment
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Hungary Hungary - Progress on hold as wind awaits new tender
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India India - Grid and tax rules change as wind sector takes off
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Ireland Ireland - Proposed curtailment policy threatens growth
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Italy Italy - Sector acts fast ahead of expected incentives slump
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Japan Japan - Regulatory hurdles slow potential growth
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Dominican Republic Latin America - Legislative delays stall nascent markets
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Algeria Middle East & North Africa - Political events bring delays but offer hope
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Netherlands Netherlands - Big onshore projects with large turbines on horizon
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New Zealand New Zealand - Low expectations amid too many uncertainties
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Norway Norway - Green certificates could bring big boost for wind
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Poland Poland - Industry prepares to fight 'destructive' draft rules
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Portugal Portugal - Austerity measures halt near-future wind growth
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Romania Romania - Booming market aims to treble in two years
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South-East Asia - Small steps forward but still a long way to go
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Bangladesh South Asia - Governments act to ease the way for more capacity
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Bosnia and Herzegovina South-East Europe - Croatia advances while neighbours struggle
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South Korea South Korea - New policy set to build on last year's promise
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Spain Spain - Big freeze on horizon for Spanish wind
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Cape Verde Sub-Saharan Africa - New players join the world of wind
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Sweden Sweden - Grid upgrade decision will be key to continue growth
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Cyprus Turkey - Industry seeks better incentives to boost wind
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Ukraine Ukraine - Local requirements may stifle huge ambition