Record Year for Global Wind Energy

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Record Year for Global Wind Energy
Global Wind Power Market Increased by 43 Percent in 2005
February 27, 2006

Brussels, Belgium The global wind energy sector experienced another record year in 2005. According to the figures released by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) for 2005, the installation of 11,769 megawatts (MW), which represents a 43.4% increase in annual additions to the global market, was up from 8,207 MW in the previous year. The total value of new generating equipment installed was more than Euro 12 billion, or US$14 billion.

"Wind energy offers more than just power: it has the potential to support economic development, improve the security of energy supply, mitigate hydrocarbon price volatility, create jobs and contribute to substantial CO2 reductions. Without political support, however, wind energy remains at a competitive disadvantage due to distortions in the world's electricity markets created by decades of massive financial, political and structural support to conventional technologies." -- Arthouros Zervos, Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Chairman

The total installed wind power capacity now stands at 59,322 MW worldwide, an increase of 25% compared to 2004.

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