According to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA): “In 2008, more wind power was installed in the EU than any other electricity generating technology.” Statistics released by the EWEA show that 43 percent of all new electricity generating capacity built in the European Union last year was wind energy, exceeding all other technologies including gas, coal and nuclear power. A total of 19,651MW of new power capacity was constructed in the EU last year. Out of this, 8,484MW (43 percent) was wind; 6,932 MW (35 percent) gas; 2,495 MW (13 percent) oil; 762 MW (four percent) coal and; 473MW (two percent) hydropower capacity.
EWEA claims. “for the first time, wind energy is the leading technology in Europe. A total of 64,949MW of installed wind energy capacity was operating in the EU by end 2008, 15% higher than in 2007.
The EWEA's says wind power is the fastest growing technology in Europe for the first time came as it emerged that the US overtook Germany in 2008 to become the world's number one wind power installer.
The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) says China, whose capacity doubled for the fourth year in a row, was set to reach second place by 2010 – meeting its 2020 target of 30GW 10 years ahead of schedule.
EWEA's figures come at a period of heightened EU debate over the role of nuclear power, with France recently awarding the contract for its second EPR (European Pressurised Reactor) to state-owned EDF.
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