Wind power capacity increases in EU
Wind power capacity increased in the EU during 2009
More new wind power capacity was installed in the European Union (EU) during 2009 compared to any other power technology, new statistics have revealed.
According to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), renewable energy technologies accounted for 61% of the new power machinery installed in 2009.
The EWEA's figures also show that wind's share of newly-installed capacity increased from 35% in 2008 to 39% in 2009, while gas and photovoltaics accounted for 26% and 16% respectively of the electricity-generating technology created last year.
Europe decommissioned more coal and nuclear capacity than it installed in 2009, the EWEA added.
Christian Kjaer, chief executive officer of the organisation, noted that it was a "remarkable" result for a difficult year.
"The figures, once again, confirm that wind power, together with other renewable energy technologies and a shift from coal to gas, are delivering massive European carbon reductions, while creating much-needed economic activity and new jobs for Europe's citizens," he added.
The news comes after ministers from the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland signed a political declaration to create offshore wind infrastructure in the North Sea and Irish Seas. Under the plans, the energy grids of Northern Europe will be united to create a supergrid.
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Paolo Berrino, press officer at the EWEA, said a North Sea grid would be beneficial because it would connect offshore wind to the electricity supply system and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
"It will connect grids across Northern Europe - allowing trade in electricity between countries and thereby bringing more competition into the market and reducing electricity prices," he added.
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