BTM Forecasts 340 GW of Wind Energy by 2013

BTM Consult, an independent consultancy company specialized in services regarding renewable energy has released their 14th annual update on the international wind power industry and the predictions are strong. 2008 was a record breaking year in wind turbine installations with 28,190 megawatts (MW) of new capacity installed, bringing the world wide total to 122,000 MW.

Despite the economic crisis which will have an impact on future growth, the next few years look very positive for the wind power industry. Significant growth is expected through 2013 with 200 gigawatts (GW) of new wind power projected to come on line before the end of that year, bringing the cumulative capacity by the end of 2013 to around 343 GW.

BTM’s report also ranks the top ten wind turbine suppliers in the world. Included in this group are two Chinese manufacturers, Sinovel and Goldwind. Vestas and GE Energy remain market leaders with the majority of the world supply.

Read the article at RenewableEnergyWorld.com here.  And for the detailed World Market update of International Wind Energy Development for the end of 2008 and a forecast for 2009 – 2013, visit the BTM Consult website here.

PERSONALLY SPEAKING
Although these numbers are impressive and positive, the reality is that only 1.3% of the current global electricity system is made up of clean wind power. We have a long way to go to really transform our power grid, and in the voluntary market, every kWh matters as we strive to free ourselves from our outdated and damaging energy infrastructure. ~Holly

Holly Stewart is Creative Director for Renewable Choice Energy.