2006 European Wind Energy Conference: Call for Abstracts

Sure, we're only three months into 2005 but initial planning is well underway for Europe's major wind energy trade show in 2006. The Call for Abstracts is now open for the next European Wind Energy Conference (EWEC), which will be held in Athens, Greece, from 27th February - 2nd March 2006. The European Wind Energy Conferences are widely recognized as Europe's premier wind energy event, attracting a high number of professionals, leading experts and exhibiting companies from across the globe. "It is the ideal forum for up to date and relevant information on business, policy, science and technology,“ said Arthouros Zervos, President, European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). The 2006 EWEC conference will present and discuss a wide range of issues, from resource assessment and innovative turbine design to market and policy developments, drawing on experience from all over world. Senior politicians and representatives from international institutions and national governments will be invited to speak at this leading international wind event. Abstract submission provides an opportunity to those working in the wind sector to share their experiences and present the latest products and services to the international wind community.

With more and more countries around the world integrating wind energy into their energy portfolio, the wind industry is rapidly moving towards globalization. The European market for wind energy has experienced average annual growth rates of 22 percent over the past six years; however, the further rapid progress that the industry is capable of delivering is constrained by barriers such as grid access and administrative hurdles. Whilst the market for wind energy in most European countries is still largely undeveloped, important new European markets are emerging. "As one of Europe's growing markets, Greece is an ideal venue for the 2006 EWEC," said Anders D. Christensen, Conference Chair / CEO, LM Glasfiber, Denmark. "The conference will showcase the latest technological advances and international best practice in implementing cost effective wind power to meet the global demand."

Industry statistics released recently by EWEA for the EU wind energy market show that cumulative wind power capacity increased by 20 percent to 34,205 MW at the end of 2004, up from 28,568 MW at the end of 2003. 5,703 MW of wind power capacity were installed last year, representing a wind turbine-manufacturing turnover of some Euro 5.7 billion (US$ 7.5 billion).