Wind power generation capacity surpasses nuclear power for the first time
According to figures recently released by global industry organizations, wind power generation capacity worldwide reached 432.42 gigawatts in 2015, up 17% from 2014 and for the first time higher than nuclear power generation capacity.
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| Illustration photo: VNA |
On February 19, the Brussels-based Global Wind Energy Council (Belgium) said that the power generation capacity of newly installed windmills in 2015 reached a record 63.01 gigawatts, equivalent to about 60 nuclear reactors.
Meanwhile, the London-based World Nuclear Association (UK) said the world's nuclear power generation capacity was 382.55 gigawatts as of January 1, 2016.
Both wind power and nuclear power are considered alternatives to electricity produced from fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Wind power has gained traction as technological improvements have dramatically reduced the cost of generating electricity, while nuclear power continues to face opposition following the 2011 radioactive leak at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant.
According to the Global Wind Energy Council, wind power is the leading energy source in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable fuels.
China leads the world in wind power generation capacity with 145.01 gigawatts, followed by the US with 74.47 gigawatts, Germany with 44.95 gigawatts, India with 25.09 gigawatts and Spain with 23.03 gigawatts.
Japan has now produced 3.04 gigawatts of wind power.
According to Vietnam+
