European offshore wind investment reaches EUR 14 billion in the first half of 2016

According to the European Wind Energy Association, in the first half of this year, the cumulative investment in European offshore wind power reached 14 billion euros, a record high, and the newly installed capacity reached 3.7 GW. Among them, the UK has become the largest European offshore wind power investment market, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the total European investment. However, the report also shows that compared with the same period last year, the installed capacity has dropped by 78%, and only Germany and the Netherlands have newly installed 511MW. In the first half of this year, the installed capacity of offshore wind power that has achieved grid-connected power generation in Europe was only 511 MW, which were 258 MW in Germany and 253 MW in the Netherlands, a year-on-year decrease of 78%. Up to now, there are 82 offshore wind farms in Europe, covering 11 countries, with a cumulative installed capacity of 11.5 GW. The European Wind Energy Association said, 'Although Europe is currently the world's largest offshore wind market, accounting for more than 90% of the world's total installed capacity. However, both the United States and China are rapidly expanding their respective offshore wind markets.' To improve, the chief executive of European Wind Energy said the wind power industry still faces challenges. He called on member states to set clearer installation targets and provide long-term predictable tender numbers and timetables in order to support a strong industry and healthy supply chains.