GWEC Data Show Americas Installed 11.9 GW Wind Capacity in 2018

The GWEC data offers a really interesting detail: In different parts of the Americas, the countries use different approaches on how to increase renewable energy: In North America, the recent and final extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) has driven volume while in Latin America, the commitment to auctions has continued to deliver volume for the region.

Ben Backwell, CEO of GWEC, comments on the development: “The North American wind market is one of the most mature and competitive in the wind industry. Many learnings and experiences from the success here can be used in other markets. The rise of corporate procurement during 2018 demonstrates how corporate sourcing can drive demand and volume in other wind markets."

While up to this point, the North American market was driven only by onshore wind which has led to over 160,000 jobs (Source: CanWEA and AWEA) for people working in the wind industry. Only recently, the U.S. has also started to push for offshore wind while trying to establish a supply chain of their own. Tenders for offshore leasing zones being conducted (Massachusetts), JV formations (EDF and Shell for New Jersey leasing zones) and industry players establishing offices (MHI Vestas) are also pushing the market. GWEC expects projects to commence construction between 2020 and 2025.

The development of the wind market in Latin America is also positive. Backwell: "Large scale auctions have again taken place in Brazil, and we expect the first auction in Colombia to be executed this month. Further investments in the supply chain by the leading OEMs Vestas and Nordex in Argentina prove the long-term potential of the market.”

The Latin America region is expected to continue its growth with a further expansion of the supply chain during 2019.

Karin Ohlenforst, Director of Market Intelligence at GWEC, said: “North, Central and South America will make up about 25% of the total new global capacity in 2018. The capacity growth in South America in particular proves how wind is competitive in auction markets.”

These latest figures released by GWEC form the statistical release of the Global Wind Report which will be released in April.