Wind energy development trends

The demand for the use of Green Electricity technologies in Lithuania will arise after closing the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in 2009. One of these technologies can be wind energy. Most progressive wind energy technologies are used in Denmark. Lithuania can take profit from Denmark's experience. 19000 MW of wind power are produced worldwide and this number is rapidly increasing, overtaking all other renewable electricity generation technologies. The EU target to increase wind energy by 2010 could result in around 60000 MW capacities. Leading countries in wind energy production are Germany, USA, Spain and Denmark. A 15% reduction in the price of energy is being achieved with every doubling of installed capacity. Most wind energy industries produce big machines for use in inshore or offshore applications. 2 MW turbines are in use. Enercon, Nordex are ready to produce 5 MW wind turbines. ABB have constructed variable speed wind turbines with a direct drive generator and high voltage direct current (HV DC) transmission line. (author)