Official figures just released confirms the continuing strength of the offshore wind sector throughout Europe,with 277 further wind turbines, totalling over 1 megawatts (MW) of power,having been fully grid connected in Europe during the first six months of 2013.The is double the amount installed in the same period of 2012 when 523.2 MW was grid connected. In addition, 268 foundations were installed and 254 turbines erected, all during the first 181 days of the year.
These new 277 wind turbines were spread across 7 wind farms,5 of which were off the United Kingdom,including the current world's largest offshore wind farm, the London Array.
Total offshore capacity throughout Europe now stands at 6,040 MW across 58 wind farms in ten countries whilst another 21 offshore wind farms are under construction or advanced planning, which will increase total capacity by a further 5,694 MW.However the future may not be quite so bright as,Justin Wilkes, Director of Policy at the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) commented.
"Offshore wind power installations were significantly higher than in the first six months of last year"
"But financing of new projects has slowed down with only one project reaching financial close so far this year. This, together with a lack of orders being placed for offshore wind turbines, substructures and components, reflects the regulatory uncertainty in key offshore markets including Germany and the UK.
"It highlights the significant challenges faced by the offshore wind sector.
"Offshore wind is a new industry that creates jobs, reduces fossil fuel imports and in which Europe is a world leader with huge export opportunities. The installation rate shows what the European offshore wind industry is now capable of. But to attract investment to the sector governments need to provide a stable regulatory framework and the EU should set a binding renewable target for 2030".
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