Wind Power in Europe Wind is a significant and valuable renewable energy resource. It is safe and abundant and can make an important contribution to future clean, sustainable and diversified electricity supplies. Unlike other sources of energy, wind does not pollute the atmosphere and does not create any hazardous waste. The infrastructural requirements of wind are modest, whilst the potential direct gains in employment are considerable. It is a "high-tech" industry. 90% of the world's wind turbine manufacturers are European, with a combined annual turnover of more than one billion EUROs. The overall economic profile of wind power compares favourably. Whereas the cost of most forms of energy are bound to rise with time, the costs of wind energy are actually coming down. Wind Energy Capacity Installed in Europe in MW, End December 2000: Country Power/MW Germany 6113 Denmark 2300 Spain 2235 Netherlands 446 Italy 427 UK 406 European Union: 12769 Source: http://www.ewea.org/src/europe.htm