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Despite being a highly capital intensive sector, the marine segment has withstood wind near the global financial crisis unscathed during the first quarter of 2010, during which he has managed to connect to European networks 118 turbines (333 MW) according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). This represents a monthly average of 55.5 MW, compared to 48 MW recorded during 2009.

The figure rises to 2396 MW cumulative power in European waters, by multiplying the figure reached in late 2006. 40% of the total is located in British waters, the country has already surpassed the milestone of one gigawatt (megawatts). Also, in addition to the power running, there are 151 additional wind turbines already installed but still to networking. These machines combined capacity of 440 MW and will be connected in the coming months, which means that at least 773 MW will be put into service during 2010. This translates into a growth of 34% (in 2009 were 577 MW installed). However, the figure could grow even more, depending on the march carrying some parks that are already immersed in the latest phase of construction.

The parks that have been connected during the first half of 2010 are four: Poseidon (Denmark), Alpha Ventus (Germany) and Gunfleet Sands and Robin Rigg, in the UK. Together with the twelve parks that are in various stages of construction, power rises to 3972 MW. Among the promoters, the German utility E. On is behind 64% of the new marine power connected during the first half, according to European Wind Energy Association. Then would follow Dong (Denmark) and Vattenfall (Sweden), with 21 and 11% respectively. With regard to technologists, Siemens (Germany) has provided 55% of the new power, Vestas (Denmark) has provided a 36% and REpower (Germany) is behind another 30.9%.

Despite the good numbers, as the policy director of the European Wind Energy, Justin Wilkes, “the offshore wind industry, even being in a growing phase, also is being affected by the lack of funding.” Yes, Wilkes acknowledged that not all alike, “while the large power projects are being not so affected by the financial crisis, thanks to the internal capacity of these companies, independent promoters are facing serious restrictions.”

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