The European wind power market set new records for electricity generation during 2006 according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

Turbines capable of generating over 7.5 megawatts of electricity were installed last year in the European Union, a massive 23% increase over 2005.

Germany and Spain lead the way; currently representing 50% of the EU wind power market

The total wind power capacity in the European Union now exceeds 48,000 megawatts and over an average year, this will churn out in the order of 100 terrawatts of electricity, representing 3.3% of EU electricity consumption.

The European Wind Energy Association web site offers a range of fascinating free publications on the progress of wind power in that part of the world, well worth a read. The EU certainly seems to be well on track of their goals of 75,000 megawatts of wind power electricity by 2010. More power to ’em… heh; excuse the pun.

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