The latest data published by the Global Wind Council (GWEC) show that Asia-Pacific installed 24.9 GW capacity of onshore wind power in 2018, with an increase of 4.2% compared to 2017. The preliminary information from the GWEC (Global Wind Energy Council) Report predicts that more than 145 GW of onshore capacity will be added in 2023, which would mean that the total installed capacity would reach more than 400 GW in the region.
The three main wind markets in Asia-Pacific in 2018 were: China, with 21.2 GW (preliminary); India with 2.2 GW and Australia with 0.549 GW.
As the auctions in India progress, the new wind facilities could exceed a capacity of 5 GW per year
China installed the largest onshore wind capacity during 2018 in Asia-Pacific and throughout the world. The GWEC expects China to remain the largest wind market in the future. However, other markets are developing and, as the auctions in India progress, the new wind capacity could exceed a capacity of 5 GW per year in this country.
Ben Backwell CEO of the GWEC has commented this data as follows: “Asia-Pacific is the leading market in growth for the global wind industry. Apart from the largest markets in China, India and Australia, GWEC expects positive developments in Southeast Asia, since wind power represents a cost-competitive option for markets with an increasing demand for energy. ”
Also more mature markets such as Japan and South Korea will continue to install new wind capacity
For her part, Karin Ohlenforst, director of Market Knowledge of the GWEC, noted “the wind markets in Southeast Asia offer an opportunity for growth as long as the political commitments focus on the competitiveness and efficiency that wind power can offer”. In addition, Ohlenforst stressed: “more mature Asian markets such as Japan and South Korea will continue to install new wind capacity, which will increase the market in Asia”.
The GWEC is jointly working with the main stakeholders in the industry to increase policy momentum and increase knowledge about the competitiveness of wind power compared to coal in developing markets such as Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines. The growth of renewable energy is a priority in Asia Pacific in an attempt to decarbonize and meet the growing demand for energy.
These latest figures published by the GWEC are included in the Global Wind Report. The report is the Global Wind Council´s main publication and the source of information most used by industry and governments, according to the organization. This report provides a comprehensive picture of the global wind industry and an overview of trends, as well as the growth of offshore wind power, corporate sourcing and constantly changing business models. The full report will be published on April 3.