Europe’s major wind projects

Dominating Europe

According to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), there has been a strong growth in the wind market with 118 new offshore wind turbines being connected to the EU power grid during the first half of the year.

In fact, all over the continent wind power seems to be on the increase. As such, Power and Energy EU has decided to look at the major wind projects that are currently being developed in Europe.

One project rumoured to be the largest wind farm in Europe when completed is the Markbygden Vind AB, being developed by Svevind in northern Sweden. Expected to be finished by 2020, the farm will potentially see 1100 turbines installed, making it the largest in the world.

With such a large number of turbines, the farm could potentially generate up to 8 to 12 TWh with the installed power totalling 2500 to 4000 MW. The project saw Enercon, the largest global wind power supplier in the world, become a partial owner in May 2008 and as such, is expected to supply many of the turbines.

Another major project is the Maranchon Wind Farm, located in central Spain, which consists of conjoined wind farms. The overall combined capacity reaches 208 MW with Iberdrola Renewables owning and operating the farm.

Spain has recently had a massive wind power boost, with the Global Wind Energy Council now estimating that wind power supplies now account for 11.5 percent of Spain's electricity, generated by 16,700 turbines all over the country.

European growth

According to Paolo Berrino of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), "We support the vision of the European Commission that by 2020 there should be at least 34 percent of electricity coming from renewable energy. EWEA's scenario shows that 230 GW of wind power installed capacity will be available in the EU in 2020, which is equal to 14 to 17 percent of EU electricity demand, depending on the demand side at that time.

And it doesn't just end in Sweden, Spain and the numerous offshore projects in the North Sea. Scotland is developing the Whitelee Wind Farm, powered by Scottish Power Renewables, which consists of 140 wind turbines with the capacity to generate 322 MW of electricity. Each wind turbine has the ability to power over 1,000 homes.

Romania has also started developing its renewable sources, by green-lighting Dobrogea Wind Park. With over 100 turbines already installed in its first phase, the wind farm is expected to be completed this year.

While solar power may make the headlines with projects such as Desertec, it seems like wind power is blowing the competition away.

Relevant articles:

Renewable energy growth faster than fossil fuel | Aerogenerator and the next generation wind turbines | EU offshore wind farms increase

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