Wind energy sailing through European Union

www.upi.com
Feb. 3, 2010

The European Union looked to wind energy to provide 39% of its new power capacity in 2009, trouncing natural gas and solar energy, statistics reveal. The European Wind Energy Association in statistics published Wednesday show the EU looked to wind energy in 2009 more than other sources. New wind energy in the EU made up 39% of the new energy projects in 2009, with natural gas making up 26% followed by 16% for solar energy, the EWEA said. Meanwhile, the EU decommissioned more coal and nuclear facilities than were installed in 2009, suggesting renewable energy made up 61% of the new capacity in 2009.

Christian Kjaer, the chief executive of EWEA, said the data confirms that wind and other renewable resources are taking hold in the European community, even during tough economic times. "It is a remarkable result in a difficult year," he said. European nations spent more than $18 billion on new wind farms in 2009, marking the second year in a row that renewable energy made up a significant portion of new investments. Total wind capacity for the EU sits at 74,767 MWs currently, up from 64,719 MW at the end of 2008. Germany boasts the largest wind capacity of any EU member.