Wind energy markets set to continue booming (triple to 332 GW, 2013)

[jpak]

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/wind-energy-markets-set-to-continue-booming-2009-04-10

The 2009 industry forecast predicts that the world’s wind energy capacity will nearly triple in the next five years, following a decade of spectacular growth. The development will be led by tremendous growth in China and steady expansion in Europe and North America.

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) predicts that, in 2013, global wind generating capacity will stand at 332 GW, up from 120 GW at the end of 2008. During 2013, a generating capacity of 56,3 GW will be added, more than double the annual market in 2008. The year-on-year growth rates during this period will average 22%, which is modest compared with an average increase of 28% over the last ten years.

The GWEC presented its annual 'Global Wind 2008' report at the European Wind Energy Conference, in Marseille, France, on March 17. The report includes a five-year forecast for the development of the global wind energy market. In the past, these projections have regularly been outstripped by the actual performance of the sector and have had to be adjusted upwards. Despite the economic downturn, this year is no exception.

Three Main Markets

"Strong policy support for wind power will continue to drive growth in our three main markets: China, Europe and the US. Governments are turning the current crisis into an opportunity, putting wind power at the centre of their economic stimulus and recovery programmes," said Steve Sawyer, secretary-general of the GWEC. "This will create many thousands of jobs, improve energy security and help address the climate crisis."

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