Offshore Wind Installation in 2013 Breaks Record

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) issued an annual report yesterday, highlighting the fact that the installed capacity of wind energy in 2013 decreased compared to the year before.

In 2013, the onshore market decreased by 12% in the EU, whilst offshore installations grew by 34%. Overall, the wind energy market decreased by 8% compared to 2012 installations.

During 2013, some 12,030 MW of wind power was installed across Europe, of which 11,.159 MW was in the European Union. Of the EU’s 11,159 MW installed in the EU, 9,592 MW was installed onshore and 1,567 MW offshore, which means that offshore wind reached a record growth last year. However, EWEA points out that the outlook for 2014 and 2015 is stable, but not growing.

With the currently installed 117.3 GW of wind power, the European Union meets 8% of its electricity demand. Onshore wind accounts for 110.7 GW, and the offshore wind’s installed capacity is now 6.6 GW.

“EU wind power installations for 2013 show the negative impact of the market, regulatory and political uncertainty that has been sweeping across Europe. Destabilised legislative frameworks for wind energy have undermined investments, and put green growth, jobs and energy security at risk,” said Justin Wilkes, Deputy CEO of EWEA.

He added: “It is fundamental that the Heads of States at the March Council reaffirm the EU’s commitment to renewables and sets Member States binding and ambitious 2030 targets. The Commission’s weak proposal on a 2030 climate and energy framework will not bring stable growth back to the wind energy sector.”

Press release, February 4, 2014; Image: DONG Energy