A 20 year plan for the development of European offshore wind power was presented to governments and EU officials by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) yesterday at the world's largest-ever meeting on harnessing Europe's most plentiful energy source.
New research findings - revealed today at Europe's biggest-ever gathering to plan the harnessing of its huge offshore wind energy potential - show that existing and planned European offshore wind projects would, if implemented, supply 10% of Europe's electricity whilst avoiding over 200 million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.
New research by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) estimates that 8,600 MW of new wind energy capacity will be installed in the EU-27 in 2009: an annual growth rate of 1% compared to 2008 installations
The 40-page National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) template, published today, gives governments a binding framework for drawing up the steps they will take to meet binding national targets set out in the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive (Directive 2009/28/EC)
Over 3,000 representatives of the offshore wind, oil and gas industries, plus policy makers, business people and scientists are expected to gather in Stockholm from 14 to 16 September for the world’s largest offshore wind event.
Yesterday, the Memorandum of Understanding of the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) was signed by the relevant Heads of State. This is a timely step underpinning the integration of large quantities of wind power in Europe, believes the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).
"The extent of wind energy resources in Europe is very considerable." That is the key finding of the European Environment Agency's new report.
The hundreds of events being organised for the Global Wind Day on 15 June can be seen on a new, interactive Google map.
The wind industry is hailing the newly-agreed EU Economic Recovery Plan as the right economic medicine at the right time. The European Parliament passed the €5 billion Plan at its plenary session earlier today.
The newly-adopted market liberalisation package will help open European power markets and allow a higher penetration of renewables, particularly wind power. One drawback comes in the form of possible opt-outs to full ownership unbundling,” said Christian Kjaer, Chief Executive of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). The European Parliament adopted the final version of the third internal market package earlier today, 19 months after the Commission’s initial proposal in September 2007.
The European Parliament’s energy committee today agreed to dedicate €565 million to offshore wind projects. The EU Economic Recovery Plan intends to tackle the financial crisis by encouraging investments in offshore wind, coal (carbon capture and storage - CCS) and electricity and gas infrastructure.
The European Wind Day is going global in 2009. On 15 June five continents will be united by events, conferences, parties and contests celebrating and promoting this clean, infinite, no-fuel energy source.
