The drivers for wind energy
The staggering growth of the global wind energy markets are being driven by a number of factors, including the wider context of energy supply and demand, the rising profile of environmental issues, especially climate change, and the impressive improvements of the technology itself.
Environmental concerns
The science is clear: if we are to avoid the worst ravages of climate change, global emissions need to start declining before 2020.
The power sector is not the only culprit when it comes to climate change, but it is the largest source of emissions, accounting for about 40% of CO2 and 25% of overall emissions.
Wind energy is the only power generation technology that will be able to make a substantial difference in CO2 emissions in the crucial timeframe up to 2020. It is quick to install, and on track to saving 10 billion tons of CO2 by 2020.
Security of Supply
Global demand for energy is increasing at a breathtaking pace, which will require significant investment in new power generation capacity and grid infrastructure. Just as energy demand continues to soar, supplies of fossil fuels are dwindling and prices are at their most volatile.
Wind energy, however, is a massive indigenous power source with is available virtually everywhere in the world. There are no fuel costs, no geo-political risk and no supply import dependency.
Economic considerations
Wind energy makes sound economic sense . In contrast to other generation sources, the price for the fuel needed over the total lifetime of a wind turbine is well known: it is zero. This takes away a substantial part of the investor’s risk.
At many sites, wind power is already competitive with new-built conventional technologies and in some cases much cheaper. When taking into account the price of carbon, wind power is even more attractive.
Job creation and regional economic development are also key factors in economic considerations around wind power.
Wind energy is the only power generation technology that will be able to make a substantial difference in CO2 emissions in the crucial timeframe up to 2020. It is quick to install, and on track to saving 10 billion tons of CO2 by 2020.
Security of Supply
Global demand for energy is increasing at a breathtaking pace, which will require significant investment in new power generation capacity and grid infrastructure. Just as energy demand continues to soar, supplies of fossil fuels are dwindling and prices are at their most volatile.
Wind energy, however, is a massive indigenous power source with is available virtually everywhere in the world. There are no fuel costs, no geo-political risk and no supply import dependency.
Economic considerations
Wind energy makes sound economic sense . In contrast to other generation sources, the price for the fuel needed over the total lifetime of a wind turbine is well known: it is zero. This takes away a substantial part of the investor’s risk.
At many sites, wind power is already competitive with new-built conventional technologies and in some cases much cheaper. When taking into account the price of carbon, wind power is even more attractive.
Job creation and regional economic development are also key factors in economic considerations around wind power.
Want to know more?
Go to the 12 case studies for more information on how Wind Power Works
Global Wind Energy Council, Rue d'Arlon 63-65, 1040 Brussels, Belgium, Tel: +32 2 400 1029, Fax: +32 2 546 1944, Email: info@gwec.net