Wind capacity to increase by 39% worldwide in 2001

World Market Update 2000 by Danish wind industry consultancy, BTM Consult, shows that the United States is the second key player in this boom after Germany, with installation of wind turbines increasing from 180 megawatts (MW) in 2000, to 1,440 megawatts in 2001, an 800% rise, which will account for about 25% of all installed wind power this year. New plants on the Oregon-Washington boundary and in Nevada (see related story) are largely responsible for the increase.

“There is still uncertainty about the US situation beyond 2001, including the question as to how the Bush government will react to the climate issue,” the report said, revealing less optimistic growth for coming years. In 2002, wind power is predicted to increase by 10%, with the US installing 950 additional MW, while capacity will increase by 16% in 2003, only 6% in 2004 and 20% in 2005, the report says.

In total, 4,495 MW of wind capacity began operating worldwide in 2000, with Germany and Spain taking first and third places for new installation, with additional capacity of 1,665 MW and 1,024 MW, respectively.

However, the report only predicts moderate growth of wind power in Europe until offshore takes off. Denmark and Sweden have announced plans for the world’s largest and second largest offshore wind farms. Denmark is constructing a 160 MW farm off Esjberg, which will be capable of supplying at least 120,000 households, while Sweden is building a 72 MW farm in Öresund. The current world offshore leader is a 40MW capacity farm off Copenhagen, Denmark.

The world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers are Danish Vestas Wind Systems with global market share of 17.9% in 2000, Spain’s Gamesa with 13.9%, Germany’s Enercon with 13.7% and Danish companies NEG Micon and Bonus Energy with 13.4% and 11.5%.

World Market Update 2000 can be ordered at a cost of US$255 plus US$15 for shipping and handling from BTM Consult’s website.