Germany - Economic recovery attainable with wind energy

"Interest in wind energy is growing globally and thus also demand for systems, components, and services for wind energy plants. The German wind energy industry's lead in international competition pays off with an export rate of over 80 percent. The industry creates economic growth and employment in Germany, securing approx. 100,000 direct and indirect jobs", said Hermann Albers, President of the German Wind Energy Association.

According to the calculations of the German Wind Energy Association, revenues from wind energy plants and their components built in Germany rose in 2008 by nearly 12 percent relative to 2007, from 7.6 billion to 8.5 billion. The export business alone brought in 82 percent of those proceeds. "Global energy demand will continue to rise and thus also demand for efficient and environmentally sound energy technologies.

In comparison to new fossil fuel power plants, wind energy covers the same demand not only more ecologically but also more quickly. Wind turbines can be assembled within a short time. Today's energy-policy environment - amendment of the Renewable Energies Act in Germany, binding EU targets for expansion of renewable energies, and the U.S. energy program - creates a stabile basis for further expansion of wind energy worldwide," explained Ralf Bischof, Managing Director of the German Wind Energy Association.

Globally, wind energy plants with a capacity of over 27,000 megawatts were newly installed last year. Wind turbines are now producing climate-conserving power with over 120,000 megawatts of capacity. Last year, Germany lost its title as no. 1 in wind energy to the United States. With ambitious goals for expansion, above all China and the U.S. are in the process of repeating Germany's success story in wind energy.

If U.S. President Barack Obama can achieve the goal of doubling the renewable energy supply in only three years, there will be a race to manufacture and install wind energy plants. "The German wind energy sector sees itself as well equipped to strengthen and further expand its leading position. A stable domestic market as a showcase for technology is key to further success in global competition. The wind energy industry will be one of the biggest growth sectors of the coming years. Its dynamic development will help the economy recover from this downturn," Albers emphasized.