Mastering the Commodities Markets

WIND POWER

In 2010 for the first time the majority of new wind power capacity was added by developing countries and emerging markets, driven primarily by China, which accounted for half the global market. In the United States by the end of 2010, wind accounted for 2.3 per cent of electricity generation (up from 1.8 per cent in 2009), enough to supply electricity for more than 10 million US homes. In fact the state of Texas, with 10.1 GW, has more than 25 per cent of all existing US capacity. Germany maintained the lead in Europe with a total of 27.2 GW operating at the end of 2010, generating 36.5 TWh of electricity during the year. Figure 6.6 shows wind power capacity in the top 10 generating countries.

Figure 6.6 Wind power capacity, top 10 ...