The Wind Day goes global

New website and photo contest launched today

Brussels, 4 February 2009. On 15 June 2009, five continents will be united by events, conferences, parties and contests celebrating and promoting wind energy as a clean, infinite, no-fuel energy source. To initiate the six month run-up to the event, a wind energy themed photo contest and an all-new website are being launched today.

The idea of the Global Wind Day is based on the success of the European Wind Day, organised by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) over the past couple of years. In June 2008, over 90,000 citizens joined in with activities taking place across 20 EU countries, from painting competitions for children to energy workshops, organized during the 2008 European Wind Day. 185 wind farms opened their doors for family and information days.
This year, EWEA is joining forces with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) to coordinate the Global Wind Day, which will support GWEC’s Wind Power Works campaign (www.windpowerworks.net).
“Wind energy has taken off in many countries around the world, so the time has come to roll out the Wind Day to become a global event. We have to stand united in promoting wind energy to combat climate change and to meet growing energy demand,” said Steve Sawyer, Secretary General of GWEC. “While the challenges differ from market to market, the wind industry everywhere needs the support of local authorities, communities and citizens to fully exploit worldwide wind resources, and the Wind Day is a great way to raise awareness.”
“Wind energy already delivers electricity to millions of people around the world”, added Christian Kjaer, EWEA Chief Executive, “but to fully exploit this available technology more people must be made aware of the huge benefits it offers: energy independence, CO2 savings, avoided fuel costs, green jobs and many others”
The new website, www.globalwinddday.org , provides information about the campaign and the network of wind energy associations, industry actors and stakeholders that will be organising public events on 15 June.
In partnership with Fotki and Samsung, and supported by National Geographic, the Global Wind Day will feature a wind energy photo contest. The competition is open to anyone who can show us the technology as it has never been seen before.
A selection of images will be exhibited during the Wind Day, with the photographers receiving Wind Day gifts. Visit www.globalwindday.org or www.fotki.com to find out more, and remember the deadline of 30 April 2009!