Europe - EU Heads of State agree on adopting a binding 20% target for renewables by 2020

Energy questions are high on the European agenda this spring. The EU Heads of State have just agreed on adopting a binding 20% target for renewables by 2020.

The wind industry will meet in an annual European Wind Energy Conference (EWEC) organised by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) in Milan in May 7-10, 2007. The main focus will be on identifying the actions required to re-shape the European energy mix and discussing what role wind energy can play. It is over 3000 of the most important players from the wind and electricity sectors that will connect during the four days of EWEC 2007.

The European energy story is at a crossroads:
Europe stands in an energy crossroads where it can either choose to take action and implement an effective roadmap for a new energy future or to take no action and continue down the same route, accepting fuel price increases, power cuts and black outs, increasing geo-political risk, energy dependence, pollution and climate change damage. EWEC 2007 will showcase to decision makers the two options of “Action” and “No Action” and conclude with a concrete ‘call for actions’ detailing the necessary roadmap to a new energy future, asking for immediate actions. Key decisions need to be taken now that will have enormous impact on our energy future.

The European Wind Energy Conference will analyse and debate the steps required for meeting a large part of European electricity needs by wind power. These include stable political frameworks, upgrading the existing power infrastructure to incorporate wind energy, taking steps to continue cost reductions, increasing offshore wind production and intensifying research, innovation and technological progress in the wind sector. The conference will also discuss ways to lighten the legislative barriers and increase public awareness.

Conference Programme:
Please find the Conference Programme by opening this link. This year the Programme includes over 500 confirmed oral and poster presentations and 8 parallel workshops on all aspects of the wind and electricity sectors. The 40 sessions cover a huge range of topics, providing relevant and up to date information from the world's leading experts. Italian Minister of Environment, Mr. Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio will address the opening session.

As well as the conference sessions there will be a parallel Exhibition with over 200 of the leading companies involved in wind energy. It is the perfect place to examine the technologies, hardware and services that keep wind energy moving.

Press Programme
A press conference will take place 7 May at 12.00, right after the opening session.

A press room will be available for journalists with computers, catering, background information and press packs covering the main topics of the conference.

For more information about the programme and registration form (free access to accredited press) please visit http://www.ewec2007.info/ , or contact the EWEA Communication Department at communication@ewea.org