The European wind energy market is just starting to recover from the economic downturn in 2009. As demand stabilises, steady growth is forecast. At the same time, the market is poised for greater consolidation that will result in the emergence of fewer but stronger participants.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, European Wind Energy Markets, finds that the market earned revenue of US$ 19.18 billion in 2010 and estimates this to reach US$ 42.48 billion in 2017. The application sectors covered in this research service are offshore and onshore wind energy. Wind energy will remain a significant contributor to the European Union (EU) member states’ energy portfolio, as they attempt to achieve the EU 2020 target. Germany, Spain and France continue to install more wind power facilities and are planning to exceed their targets and provide the surplus energy to the other EU member states. The United Kingdom is relying heavily on offshore wind development to achieve the 2020 target. Additionally, escalating price wars between new entrants from Asia and European wind turbine manufacturers forced inefficient players to exit the market. Offshore wind technology remains a grey area, with practical aspects like operating, maintaining and servicing offshore wind turbines in winter yet to be proven. The CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) region is set to emerge as a low-cost, low-technology market. This will make it an attractive market for Asian manufacturers. In the mature western European market, companies need to deliver not only the best technology, but also outstanding service packages to maintain or acquire market share. In the emerging CEE markets, wind turbine manufacturers will need to be extremely efficient and cost-competitive to be able to sustain price wars. Early movers in the offshore wind segment will benefit from capturing a significant market share and building their track records. In addition, they will gain vital experience in seeking financing for offshore wind farms.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, European Wind Energy Markets, finds that the market earned revenue of US$ 19.18 billion in 2010 and estimates this to reach US$ 42.48 billion in 2017. The application sectors covered in this research service are offshore and onshore wind energy. Wind energy will remain a significant contributor to the European Union (EU) member states’ energy portfolio, as they attempt to achieve the EU 2020 target. Germany, Spain and France continue to install more wind power facilities and are planning to exceed their targets and provide the surplus energy to the other EU member states. The United Kingdom is relying heavily on offshore wind development to achieve the 2020 target. Additionally, escalating price wars between new entrants from Asia and European wind turbine manufacturers forced inefficient players to exit the market. Offshore wind technology remains a grey area, with practical aspects like operating, maintaining and servicing offshore wind turbines in winter yet to be proven. The CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) region is set to emerge as a low-cost, low-technology market. This will make it an attractive market for Asian manufacturers. In the mature western European market, companies need to deliver not only the best technology, but also outstanding service packages to maintain or acquire market share. In the emerging CEE markets, wind turbine manufacturers will need to be extremely efficient and cost-competitive to be able to sustain price wars. Early movers in the offshore wind segment will benefit from capturing a significant market share and building their track records. In addition, they will gain vital experience in seeking financing for offshore wind farms.