Yes! The 40.5 GW of new wind power, which came online in 2011, represents investments of about $68 billion. Additionally, according to the latest UNEP report on the green economy, in 2011 approximately 670,000 people were employed directly or indirectly in the global wind power industry.
The EU accounted for 27.4 percent of the global market in 2010. The top five global markets are in China, US, India, Germany and Spain. In fact, today most of the major growth markets are outside of the OECD.
Brazil is leading the way in Latin America, followed by Mexico. Chile, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Honduras and Argentina are just some in the region whom are also beginning to choose wind power as a way to meet the needs of a growing economy while increasing their energy independence.
Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa are also now in the wind business, joining Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia in leading wind power development in the African continent.
Wind energy makes people less dependent on fuel imports at unpredictable prices. In 2010, wind power production in Europe avoided fuel costs of €5.71 bn.
Wind-generated power comes at a zero fuel cost and zero CO2 cost, unlike most traditional energy sources. Wind power can also lower electricity prices and bring more competition to the market.
The EU wind energy sector is a net exporter – of €5.7 bn worth of products and services in 2010.
