MORE AND MORE NEW ENERGY

Solar Reaches 100 GW Threshold Worldwide, Wind Grows 20%

February 12, 2013 (Sustainable Business News)

“For the first time, solar passed the 100 gigawatt (GW) threshold of capacity worldwide, with a third of that installed last year, and another third in 2011…Solar plants [now] generate as much electricity as about 16 mid-sized nuclear plants, according to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA)…

“Last year's growth was driven by China, US and Japan. Even though European markets lagged, Germany kept its title as the world's biggest market, installing 7.6 GW…Europe is still the biggest market by far, led by Germany, with a total of 32GW and Italy (16GW)…”

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“Wind energy now stands at 282 GW worldwide according to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). The industry grew 20% last year, adding 45 GW…China has 77 GW installed, followed by the US (60 GW), Germany (31 GW), Spain (23 GW) and the UK (8.5. GW).

“Wind supplies 7% of the EU's electricity with 105.6 GW installed. Germany had a banner year, adding more than 2.4 GW, trailing only China (14 GW) and the US (13.2 GW)…While many EU countries are falling behind their renewable energy targets, Germany is seen as a safe haven for wind, which could grow by 43% in 2013…And wind supplies 6% of US electricity…”

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