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Samedi 18 Février 2012 09:13

The installed capacity of wind turbines reached 32,000 MW by the start of 2003 and is continuing to grow rapidly.

Wind power is now a mainstream energy resource, the fastest growing form of electricity generation in the world and at the point of dramatic take-off. Growth in the last five years exceeds the growth of hydro power in its first five years and has been double the growth of the nuclear industry.

After a twenty year period of development, costs have come down to a competitive level and the technology is capable of producing clean and sustainable electricity in sufficient volume to supply grid power. Within the next five years wind farms will reach capacity levels of 500-1,000 MW.

This report outlines the development of the technology and the growth which has taken this pioneering industry to critical mass and the point of take off.

The market is assessed and future growth targets examined. Factors affecting future prospects and evaluation of market growth are analysed. Unlike conventional established energy sources, such as fossil fuel, nuclear and hydro, wind power is a new industry and has to be assessed with different tools to establish predictors, such as industrial learning curve theory. This is explained in the report and the empirical data and the assumptions are examined.

The markets of the seven major wind energy countries are profiled:

Germany - the largest wind power installed capacity in the world.

Spain - the second largest and growing rapidly.

Denmark - the world leader in technology and manufacturing.

United Kingdom - potentially the largest offshore generator.

United States - the co-pioneer, with Denmark.

India - leader in the developing world.

China - Sleeping Dragon of Wind, or not?

The following is a typical contents list for a country profile:

United States.

• History.
• Market size and forecast.
• Capacity of Grid-connected wind power plants in the United States.
• Future targets.
• Technology development.
• Making Longer, Stronger Blades.
• Designing Taller Towers.
• Building Multi-megawatt Turbines.
• Low speed wind technology.
• Understanding Turbulent Wind Patterns.
• Offshore wind development.
• Government support.
• Research and Development.
• Manufacturing Base.
• Major Manufacturers.

The report contains a directory of 400 manufacturers of wind turbines, wind towers, rotor blades and components, with contact details.