Topic of the Week - Emerging Markets prove to be the fastest growing in the wind energy sector

According to a new report from Navigant Research, while many established markets are experiencing flat or single-digit growth rates, the average compound annual growth rate for 10 selected emerging wind markets in Africa and the former Soviet Union from 2013 to 2023 will be 21.9 percent.

“Amidst the slowdown in the established markets, the demand for wind power in certain emerging markets will make these regions critical to the global wind market,” says Feng Zhao, research director with Navigant Research. “The opportunities arising in these underserved regions will not only help reduce the exposure of wind turbine manufacturers to ups and downs in the mainstream wind power markets, but will also hold the key for current leading turbine suppliers to maintain their leadership in the future.”

Many of these countries are starting from installed bases near zero, but will experience rapid growth starting around 2015, according to the report. South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement program, which calls for 3,320 megawatts (MW) of wind power, has been attractive for foreign investors since its launch in December 2011. In Russia, the world’s largest country by area, about two-thirds of the hinterland is beyond the reach of the centralized power grid, and wind provides the ideal solution for isolated communities that rely on expensive fuel for power generation.

The report, “Emerging Wind Markets Assessment”, provides a comprehensive view of the wind power market dynamics at play in 10 emerging markets in Africa and the former Soviet Union. The report offers country profiles that include a broad description of each country’s macroeconomy, energy structure, and utility system, as well as detailed information about wind resources, latest market status, regulatory framework, local supply chain, and wind-related infrastructures. Market forecasts for wind power installations, capacity, and market share in the 10 selected markets in Africa and the former Soviet Union, segmented by country, company, and fuel source, extend through 2023. Outlooks based on current project pipelines and drivers and challenges identified in each market are also included in each profile. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.