Great potential for wind energy in developing and emerging countries

Many developing and emerging countries have substantial wind energy potential. In many locations, generating electricity from wind energy presents an economically viable alternative to thermal power stations. It has less impact on the environment and climate, reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports and increases security of supply.

The aim of the GTZ wind energy programme TERNA (Technical Expertise for Renewable Energy Application) was to promote the utilisation of wind energy in developing and emerging countries and so realise these benefits. On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), TERNA supported ten partner countries in developing their wind energy potential and improving their energy policy framework conditions between 1997 and 2009. To date, these measures have resulted in the construction of wind farms with an installed capacity of 80 MW at TERNA locations, with a further 1,250 MW at various stages of project development and implementation.