Global Wind Day: 10 wind energy statistics that will blow you away

On a day dedicated to discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world, edie takes a look at 10 interesting wind energy statistics on Global Wind Day (15 June).


Coinciding with Global Wind Day, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released a new report which reveals that the average costs for offshore wind electricity could fall by as much as 35% by 2025.

(Scroll down for 10 wind energy facts).

The ‘Power to Change’ report explores wind technologies will continue to realise vast cost reductions through to 2025 and beyond with the right regulatory and policy frameworks in place.

A record-breaking year for wind energy both domestically and globally was coupled with news that global wind power installations are expected to nearly double in the next five years due to falling prices and countries developing renewable energy to comply with emissions reduction targets.

“We are getting bigger, better and cheaper,” GWEC Secretary General Steve Sawyer said. “The wind industry has witnessed record growth in recent years which not only helps the world to meet the climate goals agreed in Paris but also generates much needed new jobs and boosts local economies, to the tune of about $110bn last year.”

Winds of change

In recent months, the industry has been buoyed by various developments – the construction of Europe’s largest offshore wind farm in Scotland was given the green light while an offshore wind agreement was signed by 9 EU countries to reduce the costs and accelerate the deployment of wind power at sea.

In the meantime, corporations are increasingly investing in wind energy. Clean energy procurement is standard practice for some of the largest and most profitable companies in the world, including Apple, Facebook, Microsoft and Google.

Sawyer continued: “We are thrilled to see the rapidly growing number of companies opting to source their power from wind. These globally leading companies show that wind makes economic sense, as well as protecting the environment; and it’s what their customers want to see. While government action is needed, the real change happens when investors make economic decisions which lead us in the right direction.”

Wind energy holds great power and possibilities to reshape energy systems, decarbonise economies, build new industries and create new jobs.

On Global Wind Day, edie takes a look at statistics demonstrating how the industry has steadily grown into a cornerstone of the green revolution in recent years…

 

George Ogleby

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