EU offshore wind energy installation grows during first half 2013

277 new offshore wind turbines, totalling 1,045 megawatts (MW), were fully grid connected in Europe during the first six months of 2013.

This is double compared to the same period in 2012 when 523.2 MW were installed. In addition, 268 foundations were installed and 254 turbines erected, all during the first 181 days of the year.

“Offshore wind power installations were significantly higher than in the first six months of last year” said Justin Wilkes, Director of Policy at the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). “But financing of new projects has slowed down with only one project reaching financial close so far this year.