EWEA - The age of wind has begun: The European Wind Energy Association I

Europe possesses an energy source which could power it seven times over: the wind. European companies are world leaders in wind power, generating thousands of jobs.

Wind energy reduces Europe’s dependence, and spending, on imported fossil fuels. It lowers electricity prices and emits no CO2. Over the next 12 years, Europe must build new power capacity equal to half the current total. We must use this opportunity to construct a modern power system that meets the challenges of the 21st century.

The age of wind has begun:
For the wind energy sector, 2009 is above all the year in which the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive became law. The Directive gives all EU countries binding renewables targets for the first time ever, and an overall EU goal of 20% renewable energy by 2020.

But even before the Directive was passed, wind power had overtaken all other sources of power – such as nuclear, coal and gas – to become Europe’s number one in terms of new installed capacity. In 2008, 36% of all new power capacity wind and in 2009, this went up to 39%.

Wind offers a multitude of benefits. It is indigenous to Europe, so we no longer have to rely on third countries’ good humour for our energy. Wind is economically sound – there are no changeable fuel costs to pay, and the European wind industry is a world leader.

Wind is clean – it produces no harmful gases, and producers do not need to buy carbon permits. In 2009, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) continued promoting the benefits of wind. We were present in all the key energy and climate debates, meeting with decision makers and influencing European policy. We held our biggest annual European Wind Energy Conference ever.

We were regularly quoted in the media. We also increased our wind energy targets. By 2020, we believe there will be 230 GW of installed capacity in Europe, including 40 GW offshore. By 2030, there will be 400 GW, including 250 GW offshore.

Europe’s current electricity supply structure still bears the characteristics of the time in which it was developed. It is national in nature, the technologies applied are ageing and the markets supporting it are underdeveloped.

The power system must be supported by modern infrastructure technology, research and development and a well functioning internal market in electricity in which investors, rather than European consumers, are exposed to carbon and fuel price risk.

By 2020, we must ensure that the infrastructure, markets and technologies are available for the build-up of a modern renewable energy power system which, by 2050, will also provide a large share of Europe’s transport needs through electric vehicles.

2009 will go down in history for many reasons and wind energy is at the forefront of an historic change in the way electricity is generated, supplied and consumed. We are entering the age of wind.

Christian Kjaer and Arthouros Zervos, EWEA Chief Executive EWEA President

For more information please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net