WindEurope welcomes Commission’s €2 billion commitment to research and innovation projects

In a communication Accelerating Clean Energy Innovation, the Commission has identified four priority areas for investment including clean energy R&I, electrification of transport, decarbonisation of the building stock and integration of renewables.

The wind industry is firmly committed to research and innovation. R&I is essential to continue the pace of cost reduction in manufacturing, installations and optimisation of the supply chain. It helps to improve the management of very high shares of wind into the power system.

Giles Dickson, CEO of WindEurope, said: “This is an excellent Communication from the European Commission. It addresses a number of key concerns for the wind industry today on research and innovation. There are two challenges: replacing fossil fuels in transport and heating with electricity; and making sure it’s clean electricity. The EU is on our side. They want CO2 emissions from transport to fall by 70% in 2050. This represents a huge opportunity for the wind industry. And it’s our best bet to start reversing the slow decline in electricity demand in Europe.”

He added: “It’s time to start integrating heating, cooling and transport into the electricity system. Renewables can play a key role in decarbonising heating and transport, particularly in urban areas. This is a major part of the global energy transition.”