Wind Power Could Supply 18% of World's Power by 2050

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) wind energy could generate up to 18% of the world's electricity by 2050. But the massive jump from 2.6% today would require the nearly 300 GW of current wind capacity worldwide to increase eight- to tenfold and cost nearly $150 billion a year.

In its "Technology Roadmap: WInd Energy" edition, the agency sees a much larger penetration of wind power than the 12% by 2050.

"There is a continuing need for improved technology," said IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven, "Increasing levels of low-cost wind still require predictable, supportive regulatory environments, and appropriate market designs. The challenges of integrating higher levels of variable wind energy into the grid must be tackled."

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