Europe cozied up to wind energy again last year, installing more of it than any other energy technology.
Sixty-one percent of Europe's new energy capacity last year came from renewables, like wind.
Leading the rush to wind were the nations of Spain, Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom, all of which add the most capacity as the continent sought to favor renewables over energy from fossil fuels. Altogether, renewables accounted for 61 percent of the continent’s new generation in 2009.
Wind accounted for 39 percent of new capacity followed by gas, 26 percent, and solar, 16 percent, according to the European Wind Energy Association, a trade group.
Wind energy also grew in the U.S. last year, but at a considerably slower pace as a significant minority of citizens, largely Republicans, continue doubt the scientific evidence behind the earth’s warming.
In Europe, the fastest growth was in offshore farms, though on-land installations still made up the lion’s share of additions. Wind energy also was the most widely adopted technology in 2008.
Germany has the most wind installations followed by Spain.
