Wind power has played a key role in boosting renewable energy. In 2015, installed wind capacity worldwide increased by 17% compared to the previous year, reaching 432.419 MW according to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). This figure marked a crucial step forward in the global energy transition, with a trend that has continued in subsequent years. China, United States, Germany, India and Spain They are the main producers of wind energy in the world. Unfortunately, in 2015, Spain installed only 20 additional MW, which showed a stagnation in the national installed capacity.
Regarding annual production, in 2015, with a significant installed capacity, XNUMX tonnes of electricity were generated 48.109GWh, which represented almost 20% of the energy consumed in Spain. This sector has generated more than 20.000 direct jobs and exports worth nearly 3.000 billion euros. Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia and Galicia stand out as the autonomous communities with the greatest installed capacity.
Wind power installed in Spain
Despite the efforts made, the wind industry in Spain has suffered a certain slowdown in recent years due to legal uncertainty and lack of government support. In 2005, the Spanish government intended to achieve the 20.000 MW of installed capacity by 2010 and 36 GW by 2020, according to the national renewable energy plan. The plan contemplated that half of this capacity would come from the wind sector, avoiding the emission of 77 million tons of CO2 annual. While the objectives for 2010 were met, the period 2011-2020 was negatively affected, making it difficult to meet the target for XNUMX. 35.000 MW onshore y 3.000 MW offshore for 2020.
Annual installed wind power capacity worldwide (2000-2015)
The graph shows the steady rise of wind energy worldwide, especially between 2000 and 2015. This growth has been driven by the economic recovery after the 2008 crisis and by the strong commitment of countries such as China, India and Germany. In 2015 alone, global installed capacity grew by almost 63.000 MW, rapidly approaching the symbolic figure of 500.000 MW installed globally.
Evolution of installed wind capacity in the world
In 2016, the 500.000 MW mark in global cumulative wind capacity was surpassed, according to GWEC data. This marked a key milestone in the history of wind energy. The growth leaders have once again been: China and United States, which continue to expand their renewable capacity to meet their growing energy demands.
Wind power installed per year in the EU (GW)
In Europe, renewables have also seen steady growth in recent years. Installed wind capacity in the European Union has followed the same trend as the rest of the world. In 2015, Germany led new wind power installations in the EU, accounting for 50% of the total, with some 6.013 MW. France and the UK added nearly 1.000 MW each, showing further diversification in renewable production.
The importance of wind turbine manufacturers
Spain is home to several renowned wind turbine manufacturers, which have played a crucial role in the expansion of global wind energy. Acciona WindpowerFor example, it has installed more than 4.600 MW in 18 countries, with factories in Spain, the United States and Brazil. Alstom wind It is closely followed by 6.500 MW distributed between land and sea parks. Finally, Gamesa, more than 35.800 MW With operations in 55 countries, it is one of the largest players globally.
Distribution of new wind power capacity in the EU by the end of 2015
Although Germany continues to lead new installed capacity in Europe, France and the United Kingdom have accelerated their investment in the sector, while Spain has played a minor role compared to previous years. However, with advances in technology and the global market becoming more favourable to clean energy, the country is expected to regain its pioneering position in the sector.
Wind energy remains an integral part of the shift towards a more resilient and sustainable energy future. As technology improves and costs decrease, global installed capacity is expected to continue its exponential growth, possibly reaching 2.500 GW by 2040. Spain, with the right push, has the capacity to regain leadership in Europe.