For the first time ever, wind farms have produced more electricity over the last three months in Spain than any other power source. With more than six terawatt hours of electricity coming from wind farms in January, this has beaten the previous record for any electricity source. In 2010, the lead was taken by combined-cycle gas turbines.
These numbers mean wind energy exceeded both nuclear and coal power station output and now represents over 25% of Spain’s power generation. This shows that the Spanish government’s goal of boosting wind capacity to cut emissions is working and has a lot of potential for the future. It may also start to help the country’s ailing economy.
Spain isn’t the only European country making serious developments in the wind energy industry. Germany also has developers working to add 3-3.5 gigawatts of capacity this year, a big leap from the 2.4 gigawatts installed in 2012. Germany’s goal is to generate and impressive 40% of its energy from renewables by 2020, only 7 years away now.
Looks like there is some friendly (and very encouraging) competition happening in Europe, which is not a bad sign when it comes to clean energy.
Image CC licensed by Handolio: Wind farm in Spain
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