A Record Year for World Wind Energy in 2012

Danish manufacturer Vestas has been knocked off its perch as top wind turbine supplier for first time in 13 years.

Danish wind manufacturer Vestas had been the world leader from 2000 to 2011 but in 2012, GE Wind grabbed 15.5 percent of the market share.

GE and Siemens boomed while Vestas, Goldwind and Sinovel faltered.

New world wind industry statistics show an annual installed capacity record for 2012, the U.S. moving up to first in the marketplace, and GE Wind overtaking perennial leader Vestas as world leader among turbine manufacturers.

The report The International Wind Energy Development: World Market Update 2012 shows significant shifts and trends in the world wind industry, according to co-author Aris Karcanias. It also shows a slowdown coming.

Germany has replaced Denmark, Karcanias said, as the world turbine manufacturing