GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Wind Energy Industry Statistics

The wind energy industry has shown impressive growth in recent years, with global capacity reaching over 600 GW by the end of 2020.

Highlights: Wind Energy Industry Statistics

  • The global wind energy market size was worth USD 95.13 billion in 2018.
  • Wind energy sector provides over 1.2 million jobs globally.
  • China leads the world in wind power capacity with over 287 GW installed.
  • The U.S. wind sector installed 8,203 MW of new wind power capacity in the year 2020.
  • Global Wind Energy Council predicts the installation of 75 GW of wind capacity annually by 2024.
  • Wind energy production in the European Union was 323 TWh in 2018.
  • Offshore wind power capacity globally was 31,9 GW at the end of 2020.
  • 73% of Denmark's electricity generation was from wind power in 2020.
  • Wind energy has the potential to supply over 20% of global electricity by 2030.
  • Wind turbines in United States are 80 times more efficient than they were in the 1990s.
  • A single wind turbine can power 500 homes.
  • Costs for wind energy have dropped by 70% over the last decade.
  • Global wind power market is expected to reach $124.2 billion by 2027.
  • Just through 2020, wind power has avoided over 1.1 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions in the USA.
  • Germany has more than 28,000 wind turbines installed, the most in Europe.
  • Wind energy provides 15.6% of Europe's electricity consumption.
  • Uruguay generates 97% of its power from renewables, with wind being the leading source.
  • South Africa's wind energy sector has attracted over $13 billion in investment.
  • The largest offshore wind farm in the world is Hornsea One in the UK, with a capacity of 1.2 GW.

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The Latest Wind Energy Industry Statistics Explained

The global wind energy market size was worth USD 95.13 billion in 2018.

The statistic signifies that in the year 2018, the total value of the global wind energy market reached USD 95.13 billion. This indicates the monetary worth of the industry’s activities, including the production, installation, and operation of wind energy systems worldwide during that period. The market size figure highlights the economic significance and scale of the wind energy sector, reflecting the growing adoption and investment in renewable energy sources to address energy needs and environmental concerns globally.

Wind energy sector provides over 1.2 million jobs globally.

The statistic stating that the wind energy sector provides over 1.2 million jobs globally highlights the substantial impact of the wind energy industry on employment opportunities across the world. This figure reflects the significant workforce involved in various aspects of wind energy production, including manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research and development. The growth of the wind energy sector has created diverse job opportunities, contributing to economic development and sustainability efforts in numerous countries. The statistic emphasizes the important role that renewable energy sources, such as wind power, play in both addressing environmental concerns and driving job creation on a global scale.

China leads the world in wind power capacity with over 287 GW installed.

This statistic indicates that China holds a dominant position in the global wind power industry with an installed capacity of over 287 gigawatts (GW), surpassing all other countries in terms of sheer capacity. This figure highlights China’s significant investment and emphasis on renewable energy sources such as wind power to meet its energy needs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The large installed capacity suggests that China is actively working towards achieving its renewable energy goals and reducing its carbon footprint. This statistic underscores China’s position as a key player in the global transition towards sustainable energy production and its commitment to combating climate change through the adoption of clean energy technologies.

The U.S. wind sector installed 8,203 MW of new wind power capacity in the year 2020.

The statistic that the U.S. wind sector installed 8,203 MW of new wind power capacity in 2020 indicates a substantial growth in renewable energy infrastructure in the United States during that year. The installation of over 8 gigawatts of new wind power capacity signals a continued emphasis on transitioning towards cleaner energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This significant investment in wind energy highlights the commitment to sustainability and meeting climate goals, as wind power continues to play a crucial role in the country’s energy future.

Global Wind Energy Council predicts the installation of 75 GW of wind capacity annually by 2024.

The statistic provided by the Global Wind Energy Council predicts that there will be an annual installation of 75 gigawatts (GW) of wind capacity by the year 2024. This forecast indicates a significant growth in the wind energy sector, reflecting the increasing global momentum towards renewable energy sources. The installation of 75 GW of wind capacity annually suggests a substantial level of investment and development in wind energy infrastructure worldwide, which can help in reducing carbon emissions, mitigating climate change, and transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future.

Wind energy production in the European Union was 323 TWh in 2018.

The statistic “Wind energy production in the European Union was 323 TWh in 2018” indicates the total amount of electricity generated from wind power across all European Union countries in the year 2018. Terawatt-hours (TWh) is a unit of energy equal to one trillion watt-hours, commonly used to quantify large-scale electricity production. This statistic highlights the significant contribution of wind energy to the overall electricity supply in the European Union, showcasing the region’s growing emphasis on renewable energy sources to meet sustainability goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The figure serves as a key indicator of the prominence and impact of wind power in the energy landscape of the European Union in 2018.

Offshore wind power capacity globally was 31,9 GW at the end of 2020.

The statistic indicates that the total installed capacity of offshore wind power globally reached 31.9 gigawatts by the end of 2020, highlighting the significant expansion of offshore wind energy infrastructure around the world. This growth in offshore wind power capacity reflects increasing investments and efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources to mitigate climate change and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels. The continued development and deployment of offshore wind farms demonstrate the growing recognition of offshore wind as a key component in the global shift towards a more sustainable and cleaner energy future.

73% of Denmark’s electricity generation was from wind power in 2020.

The statistic ‘73% of Denmark’s electricity generation was from wind power in 2020’ indicates that a substantial majority of Denmark’s electricity was produced through wind power sources during the specified year. This high percentage underscores Denmark’s significant investment and reliance on renewable energy sources, particularly wind power, as a key component of the country’s energy generation mix. The statistic suggests that Denmark has made significant strides towards achieving its goals in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system. Such a high contribution of wind power to electricity generation reflects Denmark’s commitment to promoting clean energy technologies and reducing its dependency on fossil fuels.

Wind energy has the potential to supply over 20% of global electricity by 2030.

The statistic that wind energy has the potential to supply over 20% of global electricity by 2030 indicates the significant growth and potential impact of wind power in the global energy landscape. This projection suggests that advancements in technology, increased investment, and supportive policies could lead to a substantial increase in the contribution of wind energy towards meeting the world’s electricity needs. Achieving this level of wind energy penetration would not only help diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also contribute towards mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation. Overall, this statistic highlights the promising trajectory of wind energy as a key player in the transition towards a more sustainable and renewable energy future.

Wind turbines in United States are 80 times more efficient than they were in the 1990s.

The statistic that wind turbines in the United States are 80 times more efficient than they were in the 1990s indicates a significant improvement in the technology and performance of wind energy generation over the past few decades. This rapid increase in efficiency is likely due to advancements in turbine design, materials, and operational strategies. By being 80 times more efficient, wind turbines today are able to capture more energy from the wind and convert it into electricity at a much higher rate compared to their predecessors from the 1990s. This increased efficiency not only makes wind energy a more viable and competitive source of renewable energy but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

A single wind turbine can power 500 homes.

The statistic that a single wind turbine can power 500 homes refers to the energy generation capacity of a typical large-scale wind turbine. Wind turbines generate electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of the wind and converting it into electrical power through a generator. The amount of electricity produced by a wind turbine can vary based on factors such as wind speed and turbine efficiency, but on average, a single turbine is capable of generating enough electricity to meet the annual energy needs of approximately 500 average households. This statistic highlights the potential of wind energy as a renewable and sustainable power source that can contribute significantly to the electricity demands of communities and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Costs for wind energy have dropped by 70% over the last decade.

The statistic “Costs for wind energy have dropped by 70% over the last decade” indicates a significant and substantial reduction in the expenses associated with generating electricity from wind power. This decrease could be attributed to advancements in technology, economies of scale, increased industry competition, and supportive government policies. The declining costs suggest that wind energy has become a more competitive and financially viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This trend bodes well for accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sector, ultimately contributing to both economic and environmental benefits in the fight against climate change.

Global wind power market is expected to reach $124.2 billion by 2027.

The statistic “Global wind power market is expected to reach $124.2 billion by 2027” indicates the projected value of the worldwide market for wind power technology and services by the year 2027. This forecast suggests significant growth in the wind power sector over the coming years, driven by factors such as increasing focus on renewable energy sources, government initiatives promoting clean energy, and technological advancements in wind turbine technology. The substantial market value reflects the growing importance and adoption of wind power as a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy generation option on a global scale.

Just through 2020, wind power has avoided over 1.1 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions in the USA.

The statistic indicates that wind power generation in the USA has significantly contributed to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by over 1.1 billion metric tons up to the year 2020. This implies that the adoption and utilization of wind power as a renewable energy source have been effective in displacing traditional fossil fuel-based electricity generation, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. By harnessing wind energy, the country has successfully avoided releasing a substantial amount of CO2 into the atmosphere, thus helping to mitigate climate change and promote a more sustainable energy future.

Germany has more than 28,000 wind turbines installed, the most in Europe.

The statement “Germany has more than 28,000 wind turbines installed, the most in Europe” indicates that Germany has the highest number of wind turbines among all European countries. This statistic highlights Germany’s significant investment and focus on renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy. The large number of wind turbines installed in Germany reflects the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards sustainable energy production. By leading in the number of wind turbines, Germany demonstrates its advancement in the renewable energy sector and its contribution to combating climate change on a regional scale within Europe.

Wind energy provides 15.6% of Europe’s electricity consumption.

The statistic indicates that wind energy is responsible for producing approximately 15.6% of the total electricity consumed in Europe. This suggests that wind power plays a significant role in the energy mix of European countries, contributing nearly one-sixth of the region’s electricity needs. The percentage highlights the increasing significance of renewable energy sources in the European energy sector and reflects the growing adoption of wind technology as a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This statistic underscores the progress made in transitioning towards a more environmentally friendly and low-carbon energy system within the region.

Uruguay generates 97% of its power from renewables, with wind being the leading source.

The statistic highlights Uruguay’s remarkable achievement in terms of renewable energy generation, with 97% of its power coming from sustainable sources. This is a significant accomplishment as it demonstrates Uruguay’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change. Wind energy emerges as the primary source of renewable power in Uruguay, emphasizing the country’s utilization of wind resources for clean electricity production. By heavily relying on renewables, Uruguay sets a positive example for other nations in transitioning towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy sector.

South Africa’s wind energy sector has attracted over $13 billion in investment.

The statistic that South Africa’s wind energy sector has attracted over $13 billion in investment indicates a substantial influx of funding into the country’s renewable energy industry. This significant investment reflects the growing interest and confidence of investors in the potential of wind energy as a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of power generation. The large amount of financial support also suggests that South Africa is actively pursuing the development of its wind energy infrastructure, which can lead to job creation, economic growth, and reduced reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Overall, the statistic highlights the positive momentum and opportunities in South Africa’s wind energy sector, positioning it as a key player in the global transition towards clean energy solutions.

The largest offshore wind farm in the world is Hornsea One in the UK, with a capacity of 1.2 GW.

The statistic stating that the largest offshore wind farm in the world is Hornsea One, located in the UK, with a capacity of 1.2 GW, denotes the impressive scale and significance of this renewable energy project. The 1.2 GW capacity represents the amount of electricity the wind farm can potentially generate under ideal conditions, highlighting the substantial contribution of Hornsea One to the UK’s renewable energy sources. Such investments in offshore wind farms play a crucial role in transitioning away from fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change. Moreover, this statistic underscores the UK’s leadership in harnessing wind power to meet energy demands and drive sustainable development.

Conclusion

Overall, the statistics show that the wind energy industry is experiencing rapid growth and is poised to play a significant role in the future of renewable energy. As countries around the world continue to invest in wind power, we can expect to see even more impressive statistics in the years to come. It is clear that wind energy is a key player in the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sector.

References

0. – https://www.ec.europa.eu

1. – https://www.windeurope.org

2. – https://www.cer.org.za

3. – https://www.cleantechnica.com

4. – https://www.gwec.net

5. – https://www.www.climatepolicyinfohub.eu

6. – https://www.www.lazard.com

7. – https://www.www.power-technology.com

8. – https://www.www.energy.gov

9. – https://www.www.alliedmarketresearch.com

10. – https://www.www.eia.gov

11. – https://www.www.wri.org

12. – https://www.www.irena.org

13. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

14. – https://www.europeansting.com

15. – https://www.www.awea.org

16. – https://www.group.vattenfall.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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