Wind Power Installs Rose in 2014
So it seems that Bloomberg reported today new wind power installs rose in the U.S.A. It actually surged sixfold last year. This is a remarkable increase that underscores the growing demand for renewable energy sources. These increases come amid rising concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability. This substantial growth not only indicates a shift in energy production. It also highlights the vast potential for wind energy to meet the nation’s power needs efficiently and sustainably. Therefore, this made it the largest market for the technology worldwide after China. Consequently, this placed the U.S. at the forefront of the global transition towards cleaner energy alternatives. It also solidified its role in the fight against global warming.
The U.S. added 4.7 gigawatts of new onshore wind capacity in 2014 compared with 764 megawatts a year earlier. This was largely due to the extension of the Production Tax Credit in January 2013, Bloomberg New Energy Finance said today in a statement. Total U.S. onshore wind installations are now 64.2 megawatts.
China Installs
China remains the biggest market for wind energy, with installations rising to a record 38 percent, or 20.7 gigawatts, from a year earlier, according to BNEF. This remarkable increase showcases not only the country’s robust commitment to renewable energy. It also demonstrates its strategic efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Moreover, China’s grid-connected wind-energy capacity now stands at an impressive 96 gigawatts, a figure that exceeds the entire U.K. power fleet. This highlights the vast scale of China’s wind sector. Wind energy has become China’s largest power source after coal and hydropower. As a result, it plays a crucial role in the country’s energy mix. Additionally, it contributes significantly to its long-term sustainability goals. As the nation pushes forward, the continued investment in wind infrastructure is expected to bolster economic growth and create jobs. This will also foster innovation in clean technology. This continued progress will solidify China’s wind power installs rise to mark their position as a global leader in renewable energy solutions.
“This year has seen a couple of special circumstances come together so it probably isn’t a blueprint for future development,” David Hostert, European wind-energy analyst for BNEF, said in the statement. “What is remarkable though is that more than 1 gigawatt was repowered with new turbines on existing projects. This means making better use of existing wind sites and opening up new opportunities for developers and asset owners in a mature market.”
Sources
- For the entire story from Bloomberg
- Global Wind Energy Council – Record Global Growth. According to the Global Wind Energy Council’s Global Wind Report, the wind industry installed more than 51 GW of new capacity worldwide in 2014, bringing global installed capacity to nearly 370 GW. The year marked a record for wind power growth globally. https://www.gwec.net
- USDOE report
