Contribution to the Chapter on Wind Power, in: Energy Technology Perspectives 2008, IEA

Over the last 5 years the growth rate in wind energy has been as high as 30% an on average nearly 25% in all continents, and a considerable number of countries have very ambitious goals concerning their wind energy development, therefore it could be likely to cover as much as 20% of the world’s electricity consumption by wind in 2030 and 35% in 2050, although on the shorter term growth is expected to take place mainly in Europe, USA and China. The market is maturing, therefore achieving more stable economies in the wind energy sector. As a result, better electrical grids suited for wind power are being developed and better planning tools as well as other frameworks, which benefit the market for installation of wind turbines, are being implemented across all wind energy countries. The cost of wind-generated electricity has fallen steadily for the last two decades, driven largely by technological advances, increased production levels and the use of larger turbines. Between 1985 and 2005, production costs energy from of wind turbines decreased by nearly 100% in 2006 prices. The price rises seen in last three years due to capacity problems in the industry are expected to stop, once supply system constraints are overcome. Onshore wind is considered commercial at sites with good wind resources and grid access. Cost reductions in both turbines and infrastructure are expected to bring investment costs to 0.88 mill. €/MW in 2030 and 0.8 mill. €/MW in 2050. On the other hand, offshore wind is in pre-commercial development phase. Considerable costs improvements are expected in all areas making costs go down to 1. 4 mill. €/MW in 2030 and 1.3 mill.€/MW in 2050. Priority RD&D areas to foster continued growth in wind power are to increase the value and reduce uncertainties. This will mean further cost reductions on longer terms, enabling large-scale use by improved grid integration and storage facilities and minimizing environmental impact