In the latest indicator that China will be eating our lunch on cleantech and renewable energy, the country has now taken the lead in new wind energy installed in 2009, according to the Global Wind Energy Council.
China's 13,000 megawatts added last year led the pack. The US was second with 9,922 MW, followed by Spain at 2,459 MW, Germany at 1,917 MW and India at 1,271 MW. (See chart here)
The US held on to the top spot in cumulative wind energy capacity with 35,159 MW, or 22 percent of the world’s wind energy capacity. (See chart here.)
Germany is No. 2 in total installed capacity at 25,177 MW, or 16.3 percent; China is gaining at 25,104 MW, or 15.9 percent. Spain (19,149 MW) and India (10,926 MW) also make the top five.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: we better get our act together or all start learning Mandarin.
Source: Environmental Leader