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8% of global electricity is generated from Wind

8.08 % Share of global electricity
11 gCO2eq/kWh Carbon Intensity
Wind

Wind energy is a clean and sustainable form of electricity generation that harnesses the kinetic energy of the wind through the use of wind turbines. Wind itself is an abundant natural resource, driven by atmospheric pressure differences and solar heating of the Earth's surface. The energy captured from wind is converted into mechanical power through rotating turbine blades, which is then transformed into electrical power for distribution in the grid. Given its reliance on natural air currents and not requiring the combustion of fossil fuels, wind energy is recognized as a crucial player in the transition toward a low-carbon future.

The process of generating electricity from wind involves several key components. Wind turbines, typically installed on land or offshore, consist of blades connected to a shaft and a generator inside a nacelle. As wind blows, it moves the blades, which rotate the shaft. This mechanical motion is converted into electricity via the generator. The generated electricity is then transferred to the power grid for consumption. The efficiency of this process is continuously improving with advances in turbine technology, allowing wind energy to become a growing and integral part of global electricity supply systems.

A significant advantage of wind energy is its low carbon intensity. With an average carbon intensity of just 11 gCO2eq/kWh, wind energy stands out for its minimal environmental footprint. This is especially favorable when compared to traditional fossil fuel sources such as coal and oil, which emit 820 and 650 gCO2eq/kWh, respectively. Wind energy contributes to a major reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, helping mitigate climate change and its associated environmental impacts. Alongside other low-carbon technologies like nuclear and solar, wind energy provides a pathway toward a sustainable future.

In terms of global contribution, wind energy is making substantial inroads, currently generating 8% of electricity consumed worldwide. Its share is even more pronounced in certain regions, showcasing its potential and viability. For instance, wind accounts for a remarkable 52% of electricity generation in Denmark and 32% in Ireland. This high penetration underscores the capability of wind energy to support national energy needs sustainably and reliably. Other countries, such as Sweden with 24% and Finland with 23%, also demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating wind power into diverse energy grids.

The growth of wind energy aligns with the broader global movement towards expanding low-carbon electricity sources. This growth parallels the expansion of nuclear and solar power, which together form the backbone of a low-emission energy strategy. Nuclear energy, with a carbon intensity of only 12 gCO2eq/kWh, and solar, at 45 gCO2eq/kWh, complement wind energy's minimal environmental impact to create a resilient, clean energy portfolio. The combined efforts of these technologies are essential in decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing toward a sustainable, electric-driven future. Expanding clean electricity sources like wind, nuclear, and solar is not only necessary but imperative to meet the growing electricity demand, fueled by electrification and technological advancements such as AI. Embracing these technologies ensures that societies can enjoy both energy security and environmental sustainability.

Country/Region kWh/person % TWh
Sweden 3870.5 W 23.6% 40.8 TWh
Finland 3636.7 W 23.5% 20.4 TWh
Denmark 3451.5 W 52.3% 20.5 TWh
Norway 2627.2 W 9.3% 14.5 TWh
Ireland 2201.4 W 32.3% 11.4 TWh
Netherlands 1826.2 W 27.0% 33.0 TWh
Faroe Islands 1665.5 W 18.8% 0.1 TWh
Germany 1578.3 W 26.6% 133.4 TWh
Uruguay 1402.0 W 27.5% 4.8 TWh
Portugal 1378.6 W 25.3% 14.4 TWh
United States 1320.2 W 10.3% 453.4 TWh
Spain 1313.5 W 22.4% 62.9 TWh
Aruba 1298.8 W 14.0% 0.1 TWh
Curaçao 1288.6 W 27.0% 0.2 TWh
Australia 1236.6 W 11.7% 32.7 TWh
United Kingdom 1227.4 W 26.8% 84.3 TWh
Greece 1215.5 W 21.8% 12.4 TWh
Belgium 1196.1 W 16.6% 14.0 TWh
Lithuania 1163.2 W 26.5% 3.3 TWh
Canada 1148.1 W 7.2% 45.1 TWh
EU 1066.0 W 17.5% 480.4 TWh
Austria 1033.9 W 12.0% 9.4 TWh
New Zealand 850.6 W 9.9% 4.4 TWh
Estonia 848.5 W 12.9% 1.2 TWh
People's Republic of China 697.0 W 9.8% 991.6 TWh
Luxembourg 676.6 W 6.6% 0.5 TWh
France 650.1 W 7.7% 43.2 TWh
Poland 640.8 W 14.4% 24.8 TWh
Croatia 634.0 W 12.7% 2.5 TWh
Chile 538.2 W 11.9% 10.6 TWh
Brazil 510.6 W 14.2% 107.8 TWh
Montenegro 473.5 W 8.0% 0.3 TWh
Republic of China (Taiwan) 443.0 W 3.6% 10.3 TWh
Turkey 418.6 W 10.7% 36.5 TWh
Italy 376.0 W 7.1% 22.4 TWh
Kuwait 355.5 W 2.0% 1.7 TWh
Argentina 355.1 W 10.4% 16.2 TWh
Romania 336.3 W 11.5% 6.4 TWh
The World 308.2 W 8.1% 2494.2 TWh
Guadeloupe 285.9 W 6.7% 0.1 TWh
Morocco 259.9 W 21.1% 9.8 TWh
Costa Rica 246.8 W 10.2% 1.3 TWh
Bulgaria 217.8 W 4.0% 1.5 TWh
St. Kitts & Nevis 214.0 W 4.5% 0.0 TWh
Kazakhstan 213.5 W 3.6% 4.3 TWh
Panama 199.6 W 6.9% 0.9 TWh
South Africa 175.6 W 4.5% 11.1 TWh
Mongolia 163.2 W 5.3% 0.6 TWh
Mexico 161.4 W 5.8% 20.9 TWh
Serbia 160.9 W 2.9% 1.1 TWh
Jordan 155.5 W 7.7% 1.8 TWh
Cyprus 148.7 W 3.5% 0.2 TWh
Latvia 143.4 W 3.6% 0.3 TWh
New Caledonia 139.3 W 1.3% 0.0 TWh
Cape Verde 134.7 W 14.0% 0.1 TWh
Vietnam 124.9 W 4.1% 12.5 TWh
Peru 115.2 W 6.1% 3.9 TWh
Martinique 114.5 W 2.7% 0.0 TWh
North Macedonia 103.7 W 2.8% 0.2 TWh
Dominican Republic 98.8 W 4.2% 1.1 TWh
Jamaica 95.1 W 6.0% 0.3 TWh
Japan 85.1 W 1.0% 10.6 TWh
Nicaragua 82.1 W 10.2% 0.6 TWh
Israel 79.9 W 1.0% 0.7 TWh
Seychelles 78.1 W 1.6% 0.0 TWh
Bosnia & Herzegovina 75.4 W 1.6% 0.2 TWh
Hungary 69.2 W 1.4% 0.7 TWh
Moldova 68.5 W 3.2% 0.2 TWh
Puerto Rico 67.9 W 1.2% 0.2 TWh
South Korea 65.1 W 0.5% 3.4 TWh
Honduras 64.8 W 5.8% 0.7 TWh
Czechia 62.9 W 0.9% 0.7 TWh
Djibouti 60.7 W 9.9% 0.1 TWh
Egypt 60.6 W 3.0% 6.9 TWh
India 56.7 W 4.0% 81.6 TWh
Thailand 51.2 W 1.6% 3.7 TWh
Saudi Arabia 43.6 W 0.3% 1.4 TWh
Senegal 40.9 W 8.7% 0.7 TWh
Russia 38.2 W 0.5% 5.5 TWh
Ukraine 37.8 W 1.4% 1.6 TWh
Bolivia 35.9 W 3.6% 0.4 TWh
Sri Lanka 33.8 W 4.6% 0.8 TWh
Iceland 32.9 W 0.1% 0.0 TWh
Kenya 32.7 W 13.2% 1.8 TWh
Tunisia 27.0 W 1.4% 0.3 TWh
Oman 23.8 W 0.3% 0.1 TWh
Georgia 23.6 W 0.6% 0.1 TWh
Pakistan 22.0 W 3.0% 5.5 TWh
Switzerland 21.4 W 0.2% 0.2 TWh
Belarus 20.8 W 0.4% 0.2 TWh
Mauritania 20.5 W 5.0% 0.1 TWh
Guatemala 18.8 W 2.4% 0.3 TWh
Iran 14.7 W 0.3% 1.3 TWh
El Salvador 12.7 W 1.1% 0.1 TWh
Philippines 10.7 W 1.0% 1.2 TWh
Mauritius 7.9 W 0.3% 0.0 TWh
Azerbaijan 7.8 W 0.3% 0.1 TWh
Namibia 6.7 W 0.4% 0.0 TWh
Cuba 5.4 W 0.4% 0.1 TWh
United Arab Emirates 5.1 W 0.0% 0.1 TWh
Slovenia 4.7 W 0.1% 0.0 TWh
Ecuador 4.4 W 0.2% 0.1 TWh
Ethiopia 4.4 W 3.1% 0.6 TWh
Lebanon 1.7 W 0.2% 0.0 TWh
Indonesia 1.7 W 0.1% 0.5 TWh
Venezuela 0.7 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Somalia 0.5 W 2.4% 0.0 TWh
Chad 0.5 W 2.6% 0.0 TWh
Algeria 0.4 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Nepal 0.3 W 0.1% 0.0 TWh
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