The World Wind Energy Association has launched the World Wind Energy Report 2012. The worldwide wind capacity reached 282,275MW, out of which 44,609MW were added in 2012. Wind power showed a growth rate of 19,2 %. All wind turbines installed by the end of 2012 worldwide can provide 580 Terawatt hours per annum, more than 3 % of the global electricity demand.
The wind sector in 2012 had a turnover of € 60 billion/US$ 75 billion. Altogether, 100 countries and regions used wind power for electricity generation; Iceland has become the 100th country that is using wind power. Asia accounted for the largest share of new installations (36,3 %), followed by North America (31,3 %) and Europe (27,5 %). Latin America stood for 3.9 % and Australia/Oceania for 0,8 %. Africa (0,2 %) is still a tiny wind market. Latin America and Eastern Europe continue to be the most dynamic world regions while Africa showed stagnation, with only Tunisia and Ethiopia installing new wind farms. China continued to be the by far largest Asian market and added 13GW. India was again the third largest market for new wind turbines worldwide, adding 2,5GW. The third largest Asian wind market, Japan, still grew very slowly and installed less than newcomer Pakistan. The US market set a new record and became the world’s largest market for new wind turbines, adding 13 GW. The Canadian market slowed down and grew below the global average. Germany continued its role as the largest and most stable market in Europe with 31GW, followed by Spain with 22,8GW. UK took over the position as second largest European market for new turbines from Spain which installed even less than Italy. Italy, France and the UK continued to be the medium-sized markets, with total capacity between 7,5 and 8,5GW. Poland, Romania and Sweden became major markets for new turbines. The share of offshore wind in the overall capacity increased to 1,9 %, after 1,5 % in 2011. Policy uncertainties in major markets represent a major barrier for wind penetration. WWEA expects a global capacity of more than 500,000MW by 2016 and around 1’000’000MW are possible by 2020. The full version is available on the WWEA website.
