New historical maximum of wind energy in the European Union

From December 23 to 26, more than 1/5 of the electricity consumption in the European Union (EU) was supplied by wind power, which reached a new record high.

 

According to data from WindEurope (European Wind Energy Association), wind power produced in that period was sufficient to supply 21% of the EU average daily consumption (around 2150 GWh), which is equivalent to about 17 times the consumption of Portugal. This production made it possible to supply the needs of 218 million dwellings, or 77% of the  European industry needs.

 

These data reinforce the role of wind power in the various European states. It is estimated that in 2017, wind power installed in the EU increased by nearly 9% (14 GW) compared to 2016, currently reaching 165 GW.

By 2020 it is anticipated that wind power plants, both onshore and offshore, will be the renewable technology with the highest increase in power (50 GW), followed by photovoltaic (35 GW).

 

In Portugal, wind power plants annually produce about 1/4 of the national electricity needs, which allows to reduce imports of fossil fuels by more than 350 M € per year.

In addition, it is important to highlight that the national wind sector has created an industrial cluster responsible for more than 22 thousand jobs (direct and indirect) and an export of equipment that amounts to almost € 400 million per year.