Offshore Wind Capacity in Europe Is Currently 6,040 MW

July 22, 2013

European offshore wind is continuing to develop with 1,045 megawatts (MW), which were fully grid connected during the first six months of 2013. American offshore lags far behind the European countries accomplishments. As we’ve reported previously, the US has an estimated potential of more than 4,000 gigawatts of clean, domestic energy – four times the nation’s current total electricity generation capacity, the US offshore wind industry remains in its early stages. The following report is found at European Wind Energy Association.

Total offshore capacity in Europe is now at 6,040 MW in 58 wind farms across ten countries – up from 4,336 MW in June 2012. England is still the world leader in offshore wind energy adding 513.5 MW of fully grid connected generating capacity.

Credit: BARD Offshore – first commercial offshore wind farm in the German North Sea | © BARD Offshore

Offshore wind creates jobs and reduces fossil fuel imports

277 new wind turbines, totalling 1,045 megawatts (MW), were fully grid connected in Europe during the first six months of 2013. This is double compared to the same period in 2012 when 523.2 MW were installed. In addition, 268 foundations were installed and 254 turbines erected, all during the first 181 days of the year.

Offshore wind power installations were significantly higher than in the first six months of last year. Offshore wind is a new industry that creates jobs, reduces fossil fuel imports and in which Europe is a world leader with huge export opportunities.

The installation rate shows what the European wind industry is now capable of. –Justin Wilkes, Director of Policy at the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

Twenty-one offshore wind farms are under construction or in preparation, with a total capacity of 5,694 MW.

The 277 wind turbines fully grid connected in the first half of 2013 were in seven wind farms: Thornton Bank Belgium, Gunfleet Sands 3, UK, Lincs, UK, London Array, UK, Teesside, UK, Anholt, Denmark, BARD offshore 1, Germany.