Wind energy market boom continues
Global wind energy markets continued to boom in 2006, as more decision makers became aware of the benefits that the technology can bring to a region. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has released its annual figures, illustrating developments in more than 70 countries around the world. 2006 saw the installation of 15,197 megawatts (MW), taking the total installed wind energy capacity to 74,223 MW. The represents a growth rate of 32%. 'The tremendous growth in 2006 shows that decision makers are starting to take seriously the benefits that wind energy development can bring,' said GWEC Chairman Arthouros Zervos. 'However, we must not forget that wind energy is a new technology that needs robust policy frameworks and political commitment to fulfil its full potential.' The countries with the highest total installed capacity are: Germany (20,621 MW), Spain (11,615), USA (11,603), India (6,270) and Denmark (3,136). Installing the most capacity in 2006 were Germany, followed by India, Spain, China and France. Europe was still leading the market at the end of 2006, with 48,545 MW of installed capacity, which makes up 65% of the global total. In 2006, Europe's capacity grew by 19%.