The preview data from GWEC’s Global Wind Report forecasts that a further 6.5 gigawatts (GW) of capacity will be added by 2023 – more than double the current installed capacity of 5.7 GW. The top three markets in Africa and the Middle East in 2018 were Egypt with a total of 380 MW of additional capacity, while Kenya followed with an addition of 310 MW, and Morocco ranked third with 120 MW.
In the report GWEC CEO Ben Backwell said that state commitment in Africa and the Middle East is essential for wind energy to progress, and added that investments in grids and infrastructure are key drivers for growth. "GWEC is especially watching the development in the Middle East. In January 2019, Saudi Arabia awarded 400 MW to build the first commercial onshore wind farm in the Middle East. The bid of US$21.30 per kilowatt-hour proves the competitiveness of onshore wind," Backwell said.
(Anadolu Agency)