Despite the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009, installation of offshore wind capacity grew 54%, to 577 MW. This compares to the 373 MW of new capacity installed during 2008. The year 2009 thus saw a total of eight new wind farms comprised of 199 offshore wind turbines being connected to the grid in Europe. Releasing its analysis, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) foresees, in 2010, the completion of ten additional European offshore wind farms. This will add 1,000 MW to the grid and represent a growth of 75% over 2009.rnGrowth, experienced in 2009 and 2010, appears set to continue. EWEA's report notes that 17 offshore wind farms are currently under construction in Europe. This equates to over 3,500 MW. Half of the new capacity is located in UK waters. Planning consent has also been given to a further 52 offshore wind farms, or over 16,000 MW, with just over half of this capacity planned in Germany. EWEA further notes that more than 100 GW of projects are at various stages of planning. This could, if completed, provide 10% of Europe's electricity demand.
展开▼
