February 3rd, 2009 · No Comments

From Green Right Now reports

In 2008, more wind power was installed in the EU than any other electricity generating technology, marking  the first time that wind energy had taken the lead among new power technology in Europe. On average, 20 wind turbines were installed for every working day.

Statistics released by the European Wind Energy Association yesterday show that 43% of all new electricity generating capacity built in the European Union last year was wind energy, exceeding all other technologies including gas, coal and nuclear power. A total of 19,651 megawatts of new power capacity was constructed in Europe last year, the association said. The breakdown by power source was:

• 8,484 megawatts (43%) wind power
• 6,932 megawatts (35%) gas
• 2,495 megawatts (13%) oil
• 762 (4%) megawatts coal
• 473 (2%) megawatts hydro power capacity

The total of 64,949 megawatts of installed wind energy capacity operating in the EU at the end 2008 was 15 percent higher than in 2007.

“The figures show that wind energy is the undisputed number one choice in Europe’s efforts to move towards clean, indigenous renewable power,” EWEA Chief Executive Christian Kjaer said in a statement. “Wind energy is an example of an intelligent investment that puts EU citizens’ money to work in their own economies rather than transferring it to a handful of fuel-exporting nations. Investing in wind energy means supporting technology leadership, climate protection, energy independence, commercial opportunities and jobs.”

By the end of 2008, there were 160,000 workers employed directly and indirectly in the sector, which saw investments of about EUR11 billion in the EU.

The wind power capacity installed in 2008 is expected to produce 142 Terawatt hours of electricity, equal to about 4.2 percent of the EU’s electricity demand. The new clean power will help avoid the emission of 108 million tonnes of C02 per year, the equivalent of taking more than 50 million cars off Europe’s roads.

Related links:

• See the EWNA site for maps, tables and charts showing the EU wind energy figures for 2008 in detail.