Perhaps it’s because the European Wind Energy Association’s Annual Event is being held early this year, or just because the last 12 months have been tumultuous in the wind energy arena, but it seems as if 2012 came and went in a flash. Nevertheless, we have entered into 2013 with a sense of optimism, and this is a feeling that is seemingly shared by the sector at large.
One person who certainly agrees with us is Thomas Becker, the EWEA’s recently-appointed CEO. “I am looking forward to working for EWEA, an organisation with an outstanding reputation” He said.
“I want to turn the crisis facing the wind industry today into an opportunity to show how wind energy could contribute to jobs, exports and green growth. The wind industry is here to stay. It is now a mainstream industry and a major employer, and as its leading voice EWEA has to be heard even more clearly in these difficult times. I see a strong post-2020 European renewable energy policy as the key to investor security and thereby the industry’s future.”
We firmly believe that Becker’s optimism is well-placed and that we will move forward throughout 2013 having turned a corner. Let’s not forget that within the last quarter, Europe’s biggest wind farm became operational and has started producing clean energy. Located in the Romanian province of Dobruja, the €1.1 billion Fantanele-Cogealac wind park includes 240 2.5MW wind turbines, surpassing its rival in Scotland. It is expected to generate power for more than one million households in Romania every year.
Meanwhile, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced seven offshore wind awards for projects in Maine, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and Virginia. In total, the projects will receive up to $47 million in total over the next four years, and European companies will benefit from a modest slice of this funding. Make no mistake, this is a big deal.
That the Americans have finally embraced offshore – perhaps after seeing the standards set over here in France and Scotland – also marks a benchmark for our industry that we’ll surely reflect upon in years to come. Similarly, news reaches us that French industrial conglomerate AREVA has confirmed plans to develop a manufacturing site in East Scotland. Samsung, Gamesa and Mitsubishi are also establishing operations in the area, and the expectation is to exceed installations of 40,000 MW by 2030.
