China's 2011 installations down 6.9%

CHINA: In 2011, China installed 17.6GW, totalling 11,409 units, down 6.9% from the previous year, according to China Wind Energy Association (CWEA).

by Wu Qi 23 March 2012

By the end of 2011, China had 62.4GW wind turbines, totaling 45,894 units, up 39.4%.

The top five regions with newly installed capacity were Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shandong, Ningxia and Liaoning provinces, amounting to 3736.4MW, 2175.5MW, 1924.5MW, 1703.5MW and 1182.5MW, respectively.

The top five regions with cumulative installed capacity were Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Gansu, Liaoning and Shandong, hitting 17594.4MW, 6969.5MW, 5409.2MW, 5249.3MW and 4562.3MW, respectively.

Change in strategy

China has been attempting to slow down its installation rate over the last year to target regional energy needs and grid connections.

This was echoed by recent comments from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who said the country will restrain its 'blind' expansion of the wind-power industry and improve planning procedures for projects.

Wen added: "China must establish a mechanism promoting the use of new energy. It must strengthen overall planning, furnish supporting facilities to projects, guide the projects with government policies, and expand domestic demands."