Wind energy set for fast growth, German makers say
Apr 18, 2007, 14:51 GMT
Hanover, Germany - Wind energy is set for rapid growth, German makers of rotor-turbines said Wednesday at the Hanover Fair, one of the world's biggest machinery expos.
Currently just 1 per cent of electricity worldwide is generated by the wind, but industry groups forecast the share could rise to 15 per cent by 2020.
Germany, a major exporter of wind-generating equipment, supplies 6 per cent of electricity needs from wind sites and a share of 20 per cent by 2020 is feasible, said Peter Ahmels, head of the BWE wind-energy federation.
Most of the gain would come from modernizing existing generators and building taller rotors, he said, since new sites were scarce. Sites face heavy opposition from conservationists who say they spoil prime scenery.
BWE said its figures did not include off-shore windparks, which face regulatory and technical obstacles in Germany. Plans to build a pilot site have been repeatedly delayed, but work is set to start next year.
Parks in shallow parts of the coastal sea are well advanced in other nations.
The German manufacturers have lifted annual output, including components sales, to 6 billion euros (8 billion dollars) and expect 2007 sales to grow 10 per cent to 6.7 billion euros.
The German wind-generator industry exports 61 per cent of its equipment, with Asia and North America the fastest-growing markets.
news.monstersandcritics.com |
