How many turbines are required?
At the end of 2005, an estimated 47,000 wind turbines were installed in Europe, generating 83 TWh of electricity, equal to about 2.8% of European electricity demand.
The average size of turbines delivered to the European market in 2004 was about 1.3 MW onshore and 2.1 MW offshore. Under the assumption that by 2030, the average size of a wind turbine will be 2 MW onshore and 10 MW offshore, this will result in a total of 90,000 turbines (75,000 onshore and 15,000 offshore machines) to fulfi l the 300 GW target.
In 2030, 90,000 wind turbines would generate 965 TWh, and provide 23% of European electricity demand in 2030.
This takes into account rising demand, so the 90,000 machines would meet 32% of current European electricity demand.
By doubling the number of turbines in Europe from 2005 to 2030, 12 times more electricity can be generated.
