EU must act to tap Europe's largest energy source say businesses

More than 140 company representatives in 38 countries have signed the European Offshore Wind Declaration, calling on national governments and the EU to give the necessary political and legislative support to develop a new multi-billion Euro offshore wind industry.

Offshore wind energy has the potential to power Europe seven times over, and offshore wind projects already in various stages of planning would, if realised, supply 10% of Europe's electricity demand. Offshore wind is clean, emits no greenhouse gases and would reduce Europe’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The declaration, drawn up by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), commits businesses to ensuring that a sufficient supply of turbines, components, foundations, installation and cable-laying vessels are available to exploit this abundant, free, and fuel-free energy source. But crucially it also calls on the EU and member states to take action to resolve planning, grid and other obstacles to harnessing Europe's enormous offshore wind energy potential.

“Business is backing this declaration because it understands the huge potential of the sector,” said Christian Kjaer, EWEA Chief Executive. “If national and EU decision makers take swift action, offshore wind will become a new multi-billion euro industry, delivering thousands of green collar jobs and a new renewable energy economy.”

Signatories include companies from all over the world such as Acciona Energia, Airtricity, DONG Energy, E.ON Climate & Renewables, EnBW, GE Energy, Iberdrola renewables, Mainstream Renewable Power Ltd, NEO Energia - Grupo EDP, Renewable Energy Systems, SIEMENS Wind Power, Suzlon Wind Energy, Goldwind, Vattenfall Vindkraft and Vestas Wind Systems. Representatives of governments, universities, media and non-profit organizations have also signed.

For more information on the offshore declaration, to see all signatories, and to support it: http://www.ewea.org/offshore