EWEA has just published its “European offshore wind industry - key trends and statistics 1st half 2012”, which show that the European offshore wind industry remained buoyant during the last six months.
"50 per cent more offshore wind power capacity was installed in Europe in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period last year, despite the economic and financial turmoil,” explains Christian Kjaer, EWEA’s Chief Executive Officer. “
EWEA states that 2012 could turn out to be the best year ever for offshore wind energy in Europe, as a further 160 turbines, totalling 647.4 MW, are built but awaiting grid connection. This is subject to weather conditions at sea and grid connection delays.
A total of 4,336 MW offshore wind capacity was operating as of 30 June 2012 – up from 3,294 MW in June 2011 – producing electricity for the equivalent of 4 million households.
During the first half of 2012 overall, 13 wind farms were under construction. Once completed these wind farms will account for an additional capacity of 3,762 MW.
“Offshore wind power creates jobs in Europe, reduces our fuel import costs, and avoids the global and local health and environmental costs of extracting, transporting and burning fossil fuels. Offshore wind power is increasingly attracting investors, including pension funds and other institutional and corporate investors," adds Kjear.
Indeed, financing activity in the offshore wind energy sector remained solid in the first half of 2012 despite the general challenges of the European banking sector, with several landmark transactions closing this spring. Altogether, as many transactions were closed in the past six months as were closed during the whole of 2011. Moreover, an ever-wider variety of financing structures is emerging. In addition, several trends with respect to the latter transactions and the market as a whole can be highlighted.
The pipeline of future deals continues to be strong, with further transactions standing a good chance of closing before the end of the year (Walney in the UK, Butendiek in Germany) and others in 2013 (Gode Wind and Nordergrunde in Germany).
On the equity side, in the first half of 2012, two major transactions were announced: the purchase by EDF of a 50% interest in ENECO’s Isle of Wight Round 3 project in the UK, and the acquisition by the Hochtief/Ventizz joint venture of the development rights to four Enova offshore wind farms in Germany. This followed an unusually busy period late in 2011. Several sales processes are under way with announcements likely before the end of the year.
“It would be good to see more activity in southern Europe where jobs, investments and growth are desperately needed,” highlights Kjaer, who will be waiting with baited breath to see how the sector develops over the rest of the year.
Yesterday, for example, Bloomberg reported that offshore wind turbine sales had collapsed in the first half of 2012, indicating that the industry is finding it increasingly more difficult to obtain finance.
According to preliminary data from MAKE Consulting, one unconditional order for 216 megawatts was made won Vestas in the first six months of the year, 75 percent less than in the same period of 2011 and the worst start for a year since at least 2009. Other big names such as Siemens and GE, however, have made no firm orders for offshore turbines this year.
For additional information:
European offshore wind industry - key trends and statistics 1st half 2012
