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Wind Energy Around the Globe
The global demand for electricity is accelerating. Over the next 25 years, the world's growing energy needs will require the construction of more electrical generating capacity than was built in the previous 100 years. In many regions of the world, wind power is already competitive with thermal power generation--with further rises in fuel costs adding to the economic advantage for wind power.
Petroleum reserves are concentrated in politically volatile parts of the world, and the U.S. and other industrialized nations are seeking the security of renewable energy resources such as wind. Climate change, caused largely by burning fossil fuels, has stimulated governments around the world to take measures promoting wind power and other forms of clean energy.
In reaction to these factors, turbines are being installed around the globe in record numbers every year. In 1999, the world wind industry installed more than 3,900 MW. Four years later, the world installed 8,133 MW of new wind, representing $9 billion of investment. By the start of 2005, there were well over 40,000 MW of wind installed around the world. Much of that growth was due to cost reductions and favorable government policies.
The global installed capacity of wind reached 59 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2005, and is forecast to reach 136 GW by 2010. The pace of growth has been greatest in Europe, where 55% of the new capacity will be installed. In 2005, Germany had the highest total wind capacity of any country, with 18,428 MW. Spain followed with 10,027 MW, then the U.S. with 9,149 MW, India with 4,430 MW, and Denmark with 3,122 MW. Much of Europe’s dominance in the wind industry can be attributed to progressive policies and widespread public support.
The Links page within our Infinite Energy Resources website provides a list of resources you can use to help learn more ability the viability of wind projects in countries outside the United States.
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