The global wind power industry is beginning to pick up pace in both the developed and developing worlds, according to a report released by the World Wind Energy Association.

 

According to the World Wind Energy Association's (WWEA) half-year report, 18.4 GW of new wind turbine installations occurred during the first half of 2011, with 43.9GW expected by the end of this year.

 

China notched up the largest increases in production, marking an increase of 8GW in wind production, brining the country’s total output to 52GW in wind energy producition.

 

The report also shows a number of new countries taking up wind production, with Venezuela, Honduras and Ethiopia joining the world’s ranks, bringing the total to 86 countries.

 

By the end of June, global wind capacity had reached 215 GW, representing growth of 22.9%. WWEA estimates total installed wind capacity by the end of 2011 is to reach 240.5GW, enough to provide for almost 3 % of the electricity demand all over the world.

 

The full half-year report can be downloaded here