Wind power - Global installed capacity

In 2008, cumulative installed wind power capacity increased nearly 29% worldwide which is the highest gain of all renewable energy sectors. At the close of 2008, three-quarters of the nearly 121 GW of the world’s wind generating capacity was operating in the IEA Wind member countries. In the IEA Wind member countries, 17,000 MW was added in 2008 for a total of close to 92 GW of generating capacity. Electrical production from wind energy also heavily increased by more than 25% in IEA giving great boost to new investments and future wind projects. Located in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Pacific Region, the member countries are sharing information and research efforts to increase the contribution of wind energy to their electrical generation mix. Though this electricity production seems big it accounted only 2% of the total electrical demand in the reporting IEA Wind member countries, however this is still step ahead compared to 1.6% in 2007.

The percentage in total energy demand from wind power is growing steadily even in this time of global recession so once economies around to globe start to recover we can expect even better data. Of course problem of cost-competiveness and high instalation costs in some part of the world still present hurdle to wind energy revolution but this current data gives more than enough room for some optimism. Energy experts and scientists will also have to work on solutions on how to improve wind energy efficiency and ensure smaller energy losses during periods in which winds are incosistent but wind energy definitely looks as renewable energy source with very brigh future.

Down below is the table with data about major wind power producing countries. Though US leads the way it has to be said that US is still not using wind energy on big enough scale to present a real threat to dominant fossil fuels and there is still lot of room for improvement in US wind energy sector. Germany and Spain are much better examples of exploiting wind energy, especially Germany where wind energy is one of the most important energy sectors that has a significant share in total energy demand in Germany. As you can also see China and India, two fast developing economies have also started developing their wind energy sector, though this is still far behind actual wind energy potential in these countries.

Wind Power - Worldwide Installed Capacity for 2008: