Wind power capacity

Over the past 10 years, global wind power capacity has grown at an average rate of over 32%.

In 2007, nearly 20 GW were installed globally, taking the total global capacity to 94 GW.

Top five countries in terms of installed wind capacity are:

Europe is the leading market, hosting 60% of total wind energy capacity and 43% of the wind capacity installed globally in 2007. Wind energy has accounted for 30% of all new electricity generated in Europe since 2000, and was the fastest growing generation technology in 2007. Wind currently provides 3.7% of EU electricity demand.

In the US, wind power represented 30% of the new power-producing capacity in 2007, with annual growth at 45%. Wind power in China enjoyed market growth of 145% between 2006 and 2007.

Denmark generates 21% of its gross electricity demand from the wind, Spain almost 12%, Portugal 9%, Ireland 8% and Germany 7%. In the western half of Denmark, more than 100% of demand is sometimes met by wind power.