Offshore Generation to Take Increasing Slice of European Wind Power

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) estimates that the capacity of operational wind power in the European Union (EU) will increase to 180,000 megawatts (MW) by 2020 from the 2007 base of 56,000 MW. Offshore windpower projects will take an increasing share of that total, the EWEA said.

An estimated 150,000 people were employed in the EU wind industry in 2007 and this is projected to more than double to 330,000 by 2020, with the majority working on onshore projects. By 2030, the total work force is estimated to grow to 375,000, with the majority working on offshore projects by that date. In 2007, 29,000 people were employed in crane- and rigging-related areas that covered windfarm development, installation, operations and maintenance.

The EWEA report states that turbine manufacturers currently are the main employers, with 37% of all direct jobs, followed by component manufacturers and project developers. Where EU member states are involved, 75% of current wind energy jobs are to be found in the three "pioneer" countries of Denmark, Germany and Spain. Other countries, such as France, the United Kingdom and Italy, are beginning to catch up with the leading countries in terms of employment.

Since the last EWEA count in December 2007, the number of countries in the EU with offshore wind turbines has moved from five to nine, of about 33% of EU member states. From December 2007 to the end of November 2008, offshore capacity has increased 38% from 1,179 MW to 1,486 MW. There are project plans for 30,882 MW of offshore wind power to be operating in 12 EU states and Norway by 2015. This target is dependent on the legislative framework for offshore wind being put in place, grid planning issues and the supply chain.

The European Commission has earmarked $650 million in "smart investments" to specific offshore projects that are all in an advanced stages of development. Of the $6.55 billion dedicated to energy by the commission to deal with the financial crisis, $2.1 billion will be directed into key strategic interconnections, covering both gas and electricity and will include the initiation of a North Sea offshore grid. Support for five carbon capture and storage demonstration projects will receive $1.62 billion, and $650 million will assist in financing and developing the next generation of offshore windfarms.

The wind industry is forecast to contribute 12% to 14% of the EU's electrical demand within 12 years with more than 24% coming from offshore wind. By 2030, offshore wind is forecast to contribute about 15% of total EU electrical power production.

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