The Case of Wind Power Industry in the European Union Countries: Capacity, Markets, and Regional Plans

Abstract

The aim of present paper is to investigate wind power capacity, markets, and regional plans in the European Union. Wind energy is a clean and renewable source of electricity. The technically available wind potential greatly exceeds current electricity demand worldwide. Wind energy is already in use in many parts of the world at a price competitive with conventional technologies. The latest technologies can produce electricity at 4.4 c/kWh, comparable to many conventional sources. Wind technology converts the energy available in wind to electricity or mechanical power through the use of wind turbines. A major achievement of the European Union wind industry is that about 10 megawatt scale wind turbines are now commercially available. By the end of 2004, the capacity of wind energy installed globally had reached a level of almost 48,000 MW. Europe accounts for 72% of the total installed capacity and for 73% of the annual market growth during 2004.