A report issued by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) states that there have been more wind power installations in 2008 inside the EU than any other electricity generating technology.

New statistics released show that 43% of all new electricity generating operations built in the European Union last year were wind energy, exceeding all other technologies including gas, coal and nuclear power.

There was a total increase in new power capacity of 19,651 MW in 2008. Out of this, 8,484 MW (43%) was wind power; 6,932 MW (35%) gas powered plants; 2,495 MW (13%) oil; 762 (4%) MW coal and 473 (2%) MW hydro electric power capacity.

This is the first time that wind energy has become such a major player in renewable technology in Europe. A total of 64,949 MW of  wind energy capacity was operating in the European Union by year end 2008, 15% higher than in 2007.

Christian Kjaer, EWEA Chief Executive  “The figures show that wind energy is the undisputed number one choice in Europe’s efforts to move towards clean, indigenous renewable power”

Statistics show that an average of 20 wind turbines were installed every working day of 2008 creating an estimated 160,000 jobs directly and indirectly in the sector, with investments totaling about €11 billion in the EU.

The wind power capacity installed by end 2008 will, in a normal annual wind conditions, produce 142 TWh of electricity, equal to just over 4% of the EU’s electricity demand, and reduce carbon emissions in the range of 108 million tonnes per year, roughly equivalent to taking 50 million cars off European roads.

“Wind energy is an example of an intelligent investment that puts EU citizens’ money to work in their own economies rather than transferring it to a handful of fuel-exporting nations”, commented Kjaer. “Investing in wind energy means supporting technology leadership, climate protection, energy independence, commercial opportunities and jobs.”

Germany and Spain are still battling over the top spot with very little between them, Ireland increased capacity by 208 MW bringing the total amount of Wind Energy generated by the country to 1002 MW at the end of 2008.

Of the total new capacity 357 MW was offshore bringing total capacity to 1,471 MW. Nearly 2.3% of total installed EU capacity is now offshore.

The most significant wind power increases (MW) in 2008 came from:

1. Germany – 1665
2. Spain – 1609
3. Italy – 1010
4. France – 950
5. UK – 836
6. Portugal – 712
7. Netherlands – 500
8. Sweden – 236
9. Ireland – 208
10. Poland -196