European offshore wind power market grew 54 per cent last year

In 2009, a total of eight new wind farms consisting of 199 offshore wind turbines, with a combined power generating capacity of 577 MW, were connected to the grid in Europe. This represents a growth rate of 54 per cent compared to the 373 MW installed during 2008. For this year, the European Wind Energy Association expects the completion of 10 additional European offshore wind farms, adding 1,000 MW and equivalent to market growth of 75 per cent compared to last year.

"This is an incredibly good result considering the continued difficulties of obtaining project finance for large projects," said Christian Kjaer, EWEA chief executive officer. "Independent project developers, in particular, are still struggling. For the offshore wind power industry to continue its development, it is vital that governments and the European Commission provide policy frameworks that stimulate investor interest and allow project developers to move their plans forward," said Kjaer.

Currently, 17 offshore wind farms are under construction in Europe, totalling more than 3,500 MW, with just under half being constructed in UK waters. In addition, a further 52 offshore wind farms have won full consent in European waters, totalling more than 16,000 MW, with just over half of this capacity planned in Germany.

Last year, the turnover of the offshore wind industry was approximately €1.5 billion, and EWEA expects this to double this year to approximately €3 billion.

"The push given by the decision to inject €255 million under the EU European Economic Recovery Plan into the offshore wind sector showed that decision makers understand that offshore wind is key to Europe's future energy supplies. The European Investment Bank's increased involvement will also be instrumental for the future success of offshore wind's contribution to European recovery, job creation and technology leadership," concluded EWEA's chief executive officer.

More than 100 GW of projects are at various stages of planning and could provide enough power to meet 10 per cent of European electricity demand.