Contribution of wind energy to electricity demand reaches 1.2 €
As confidence in wind energy grows, its contribution to energy supply is increasing worldwide, as illustrated in an International Energy Agency (IEA Wind) annual report. The IEA Wind has 20 member countries, 12 of which are members of the EU, while the European Commission also participates. Between 1995 and 2005, total electricity generation from wind energy in the IEA Wind countries increased from less than 10 terrawatts hours (TWh) to nearly 100 TWh. The contribution of wind energy to national electricity demand also increased from under 0.2 per cent to 1.2 per cent over the same period. Eight countries now get over 1 per cent of their electricity from wind energy (Australia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain). Denmark is by far the most reliant on wind energy, meeting an impressive 18.5 per cent of demand with wind energy. 'Having reached its technological maturity, wind energy can now contribute in many different aspects and is regarded nowadays just as any other energy source in modern power systems equipped for 21st century needs and constraints,' reads a message from the IEA Wind chairs. Overall installed capacity in the IEA Wind countries increased by more than 20 per cent in 2005, and growth was way above that figure in some countries. Korea increased its capacity the most, by 233 per cent, followed by Portugal (100 per cent) and then Australia (86 per cent), Norway (69 per cent) and Ireland (58 per cent). Individual countries are also beginning to report quantifiable environmental and economic benefits to wind energy. Australia estimates that electricity production from wind energy has an environmental impact equivalent to taking 651,720 cars off the road. Germany reports that wind generation has reduced CO2 emissions by 24.6 million tonnes, and Spain believes that wind generation in 2005 saved the economy around €300 million as 15 million tonnes less of CO2 were produced. Within Europe, Germany has the greatest wind capacity, producing 18,428 MW of power, and the most wind turbines at 17,592. Denmark has the greatest offshore wind capacity with 423 MW. Spain generates the most electricity from wind (20,236 GWh). The IEA Wind countries report a number of issues slowing the deployment of wind energy. Several countries, including Greece and Spain, cite a lack of grid capacity in good wind locations. Uncertainty about the effects of wind power on the distribution of the grid have also slowed wind development in some countries. The planning and approval process is also a stumbling block in some countries. Spain attributed its lower wind energy growth rate in 2005 to administrative delays, including permit procedures, availability of grid connection points, and changes to local authority strategic plans. Radar and radio interference have also slowed progress in some countries. In the UK this issue has been raised in opposition to sites proposed for wind projects. In response an IEA Wind expert meeting found that mitigating technologies and computer software solutions such as radar filters and intelligent processing of multiple sensor data are available. Five research priorities were identified in 2003, and will be kept for 2006. These are: - increase value and reduce uncertainties; - cost reduction; - enable large-scale use (system integration); - minimise environmental impacts; - integrating wind into future energy supply systems (storage, hydrogen, other renewables). Of the countries that reported a research, development and demonstration (RD&D) government budget, the UK has increased its funding envelope the most, from €2.43 million in 2004 to €29.04 million in 2005. This increase represents a concerted effort to reduce the costs of offshore wind generation. Research budgets in Germany and Norway more than doubled, while Korea and Mexico also increased spending. The IEA Wind countries participate in a number of cooperative research projects, addressing issues such as wind energy in cold climates, models from wind tunnel measurements and hydropower systems. In addition, many of the countries participate in the EU's framework programmes for research.