Wind power up a whopping 31% worldwide in 2009

Despite the worldwide economic woes of 2009, the world's capacity to generate enegry from wind grew an astounding 31%, according to a new report out today from the Global Wind Energy Council.

A whopping 37.5 GW were added in new capacity in 2009, bringing the worldwide total capacity to 157.9 GW. The worldwide wind energy sector is now worth an estimated US$63 billion and employs about half a million people.

While the United States remains the global leader with more than 35 GW in total capacity, 2009 saw China outstripping the US when it comes to new capacity coming on line - nearly doubling its capacity in 2009 from 12.1 GW to 25.1 GW. The US increased capacity in 2009 by 39% and for the foreseeable future it is expected that they will continue to lead the world market for overall installed capacity.

“The U.S. wind energy industry shattered all installation records in 2009, chalking up the Recovery Act as a historic success in creating jobs, avoiding carbon, and protecting consumers,” said American Wind Energy Association CEO Denise Bode. “But U.S. wind turbine manufacturing is down compared to last year’s levels, and needs long-term policy certainty and market pull in order to grow.”

Looking through the tables provided in the Global Wind report [pdf], some other notable countries showing significant growth are the United Kingdom, Chile and Turkey who all saw growth of more than 30%. Morocco, while still a very small player at 253 MW overall, almost doubled its capacity in 2009.