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| Wind energy can provide huge benefits to Europe  "Wind has delivered the most promising results out of all renewable energy technologies so far, with 57 GW of total capacity installed in the EU by the end of 2007. In order to ensure that this trend continues, we need to have a secure and favourable EU legislative framework", EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs told delegates at the opening session of the European Wind Energy Conference (EWEC) in Brussels. The EU Commissioner - Chairman of the EWEC 2008 Conference also emphasised the need to consider renewable energy solutions beyond 2020 and far into the future.A swift adoption and implementation of the European Commission's proposed Renewable Energy Directive is essential to ensure a secure, sustainable and competitive energy future in Europe. Decision-makers at national and European level stressed the importance of a stable, flexible legislative framework. They outlined their vision for the EU legislation and how this will deliver a new generation of energy supply. The European Commission's proposed Renewable Energy Directive has generally been well received by the wind energy sector, although some improvements could be introduced by the European Parliament and Member States. Furthermore, it still remains to be established beyond any doubt that Member States are legally entitled to remain in control of their national mechanisms. Speakers at the opening session of EWEC retained the overall positive note as they presented their views on how such legislation can help achieve the EU's binding target of 20% renewables in the energy mix by 2020. Wind energy currently meets 3.7% of EU electricity demand. Pure Power shows that the European Commission's goal of increasing that share to 12% by 2020 is certainly achievable. In 2007, wind power capacity in the EU increased by 8.5 GW, and on average, wind power capacity needs to increase by 9.5 GW per year over the next 13 years to reach 180 GW and meet 12-14% of EU power demand in 2020. 180 GW of wind in 2020 would produce 477 TWh of electricity, of which 133 TWh would come from offshore wind. This is equivalent to supplying the needs of 107 million average EU households. Wind power on this level would represent 18.1% of the total installed electricity-generating capacity in the EU, which is over half of the renewables contribution needed for the binding target. With the appropriate legislation, real benefits – economic and environmental - can be generated by wind energy for the whole of Europe. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Construction News :: home page |