In 2009, a 8 new wind farms consisting of 199 offshore wind turbines, with a combined power generating capacity of 577 MW, were connected to the grid in Europe, representing a growth rate of 54% compared to the 373 MW installed during 2008.

For 2010, EWEA expects the completion of 10 additional European offshore wind farms, adding 1 GW and equivalent to market growth of 75% compared to 2009.

“This is an incredibly good result considering the continued difficulties of obtaining project finance for large projects,” says Christian Kjaer, EWEA Chief Executive. “Independent project developers, in particular, are still struggling. For the offshore wind power industry to continue its development, it is vital that governments and the European Commission provide policy frameworks that stimulate investor interest and allow project developers to move their plans forward.”

Currently, 17 offshore wind farms are under construction in Europe, totalling more than 3.5 GW, with just under half being constructed in UK waters. In addition, a further 52 offshore wind farms have won full consent in European waters, totalling more than 16 GW, with just over half of this capacity planned in Germany.

In 2009, the turnover of the offshore wind industry was approximately €1.5 billion, and EWEA expects this to double in 2010 to approximately €3bn.

“The push given by the decision to inject €255 million under the European Union’s European Economic Recovery Plan into the offshore wind sector showed that decision makers understand that offshore wind is key to Europe’s future energy supplies. The European Investment Bank’s (EIB) increased involvement will also be instrumental for the future success of offshore wind’s contribution to European recovery, job creation and technology leadership,” concludes EWEA’s CEO.

Europe is the world leader in offshore wind with 828 wind turbines and a cumulative capacity of 2056 MW spread across 38 offshore wind farms in 9 European countries. The UK and Denmark are the current leaders, with a 44% and 30% share respectively. In 2009, five countries built new offshore wind farms: UK (284 MW), Demark (230 MW), Sweden (30 MW), Germany (30 MW), Norway (2.3 MW).

2009 installations: