China has added wind energy at a shocking pace this year, despite the slowing global economy.
Chinese wind farm construction maintains a rapid pace
The country added 93 wind farms through the first three quarters of 2009, according to Industrial Info Resources. That brought generating capacity of 15.9 GW. Another 5 GW is possible by the end of the year.
The nation is catapulting itself to a global leader. At the end of 2008, it was number four in the world with 12 GW of capacity. That position isn’t likely to last. The target is to reach 300 GW by 2010 and 1,000 GW by 2020.
Analysts say the expansion of wind energy has been 100 percent annually over the past three years.
It also has been benefiting local companies. The country has required that 70 percent of wind turbine components be produced in Chinese factories.
Jean-Baptiste Su
Mark Boslet
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