EWEA expects record year for offshore wind energy

According to new statistics of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) 2010 will be a record year for offshore wind energy. 118 new offshore turbines with a total capacity of 333 megawatts (MW) were connected to the grid in the first half of this year. For comparison: In whole 2009 577 MW were installed offshore. Another 151 turbines (440 MW) were erected in the first half of 2010 but not yet connected to the grid.

REpower had a market share of 30.9% during the observed period. With that the German-based manufacturer was number three on the market with its reliable offshore system REpower 5M that has a total rated output of 5.075 MW. The REpower 5M was also installed in alpha ventus (German Northern Sea), one of the four offshore wind farms that were connected to the grid in the first half of 2010.

To date 43 fully operational offshore wind farms with 948 turbines and a total capacity of 2,396 MW are operational in Europe.

Here you can download the complete statistics.