Europe adds 2.34 GW offshore wind in H1, 57% equipped by Siemens

Europe’s offshore wind capacity grew by 2,343 MW in the first half (H1) of 2015, with Siemens AG (ETR:SIE) being the turbine supplier for 57.2% of that.

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) said in a new report that the continent’s offshore wind capacity now stands at 10,393.6 MW in 82 wind farms across 11 countries. In Germany, 1,706 MW of new capacity has been connected in the six months. The UK and the Netherlands also added 522 MW and 114 MW, respectively.

The installations in the first half represent a new record. “It has taken the offshore wind industry just six months to set the best year the sector has ever seen in terms of installed capacity,” said Kristian Ruby, EWEA chief policy officer. He called for long-term visibility, strong reforms for Europe's electricity market and infrastructure upgrades to help the integration of wind.

The EWEA report shows that 1,339.6 MW of the new capacity connected in H1 uses turbines made by Germany’s Siemens. Adwen, the joint venture between France’s Areva (EPA:AREVA) and Spain’s Gamesa (MCE:GAM), held a 19.4% stake. MHI Vestas Offshore Wind and Senvion GmbH were left with 14.2% and 9.2%, respectively.

After the record additions in H1, the average turbine size for Europe’s offshore wind fleet grew to 4.2 MW from 3.5 MW a year earlier.

Currently, there are 15 more commercial offshore wind farms were under construction in Europe, representing over 4,268.5 MW of capacity. Also, 102 turbines with a combined capacity of 422.6 MW are installed and await grid connection.

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