February 4, 2010
China Edges U.S. in 2009 Wind Installations
At 13,000 megawatts of new wind energy installed, China led all nations in adding wind turbines in 2009, according to the Global Wind Energy Council.
The U.S. installed 9,922 MW worth, followed by Spain at 2,459 MW, Germany at 1,917 MW and India at 1,271 MW. (See chart above)
The U.S. retains the top spot in cumulative wind energy capacity, at 35,159 MW, or 22 percent of the world’s wind energy capacity. (See chart below)
Germany is No. 2 in total installed capacity at 25,177 MW, or 16.3 percent.
China is fast on Germany’s heels at 25,104 MW, or 15.9 percent.
Spain (19,149 MW) and India (10,926 MW) round out the top five.
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Reader Comments
Just as Obama said, “Those who lead in the green economy will lead in the global economy.”
Amadeo Constanzo | February 4th, 2010
If we work on the basis of “markets” then Europe needs to be treated as a single market, rather than individual states. Europe segments into two WT markets: on-shore and off-shore. On that basis it has the largest installed base and remains the largest annual market for WT sales. It is also, the most open, unlike China.
Mike Parr | February 5th, 2010
It would be interesting to know how much of China’s “installed wind capacity” is actually connected to a grid and suppplying electricity to consumers. My understanding is that China has large numbers of turbines erected, but not yet connected. Does anybody know?
Doug Ziebell | February 5th, 2010