Global wind power capacity exceeds nuclear energy for the first time

Wind power generation has the potential to cover global consumption, according to a report from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), situated in Brussels

Wind power generation has the potential to cover global consumption, according to a report of Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), situated in Brussels

The global capacity of wind power generation for 2015 reached 432.42 GW, up 17% from 2014. A record 63.01 GW from newly built wind farms was added last year, which corresponds to about 60 nuclear reactors. In comparison, the global nuclear power generation capacity for 2015 was 382.55 GW, according to to the London-based World Nuclear Association. At this point, 440 commercial nuclear power reactors operate in 31 countries, and about 65 more are under construction.

The data proves that wind power is now the leading renewable energy source, as technological innovation has considerably lowered its generation costs. Nuclear power on the contrary, continues to suffer a backlash following Fukushima meltdown in 2011.

China (with a capacity of 145.10 GW) makes up for 33% of all wind energy installations in the world, leaving the European Union (the traditional leader in the wind power sector) behind for the first time. The United States follow with 74.47 GW, Germany with 44.95 GW, India with 25.09 GW and Spain with 23.03 GW.

Source: The Japan Times