Global wind statistics 2012
The Global Wind Energy Council released its 2012 market statistics, showing continued expansion of the market, with annual market growth of almost 10%, and cumulative capacity growth of about 19%. A record year for US installations and a slower market in China mean that the two countries all but tied for the top spot in 2012. While China paused for breath, both the US and European markets had exceptionally strong years. Asia still led global markets, but with North America a close second, and Europe not far behind. Both the Chinese and Indian markets slowed somewhat in 2012, with their annual installations coming in at 13.2 and 2.3 GW respectively. Market consolidation and rationalisation in China, and a lapse in policy in India were the main reasons, but these conditions are expected to be short-lived, and Asian dominance of global wind markets is expected to continue.