Every year in PES, we take a closer look at the work of the European Wind Energy Association, and in particular its Annual Report. Hot off the press, it provides an accurate snapshot of the association and signposts challenges and opportunities. We’re delighted to present a few of the highlights, including an interview with the two leading figures from the organisation.
EWEA saw some significant developments in 2013 with Thomas Becker becoming its new CEO, and Andrew Garrad the new President. EWEA developed a new strategy in order to reflect the changing nature and situation of the European wind industry. Here, the two EWEA leaders give us their insights into the past, present and future for the association and European wind energy.
Thomas, you joined EWEA in April 2013, what challenges for the association did you see at the time?
The biggest challenge in 2013 was the political uncertainty facing the European wind energy industry. Unilateral measures were being taken by Member States, and they still are now even if the worst of the storm has passed. My priority was to try to stabilise the situation, not least in Spain, Poland, the UK, Romania, France, Hungary and Greece.
When we act as a single voice we are stronger and can more effectively promote wind energy across Europe. Members asked me to make EWEA a stronger industrial association. My objective is to turn EWEA into the most influential industry association in Brussels.
Andrew, you have been involved in the wind industry since the 1970s. How would you describe the achievements and pitfalls for wind energy in 2013, and how does this fit in the bigger picture?
I built my first wind mill when I was 18 in 1971. I entered the wind energy business proper in 1979 when I went to work for the Wind Energy Group then one of the two UK manufacturers both now sadly gone. I have been actively engaged in the industry since that date so I have seen a lot of changes. The biggest machines in those days were, say, 10m in diameter and 50 kW power!
2013 saw a respectable 11.2 GW installed in the EU – 8% less than the 2012 peak. However, renewable energy installations accounted for more than 70% of the total new capacity which is truly remarkable.
Another startling fact is that 21.1% of Spain’s electricity was produced from the wind in 2013: more than from any other source. Although we have a very tough time at the moment with regulatory uncertainty sweeping across Europe, we should not lose sight of these remarkable achievements.
Thomas, what do you see as the biggest challenge for the industry – and how can EWEA overcome this?
We still have a long way to go in the debate on EU targets for renewables for 2030. We have got to get a good result for the industry – a minimum of 30% by 2030. EWEA needs to convince EU decision-makers on the benefits of a 30% or higher renewables target. An ambitious target would create 568,000 more jobs and save Ä260 billion on fossil fuel imports compared to a 27% target – the level currently proposed by the European Commission.
Andrew, what was the biggest challenge for you to step in as President of EWEA, and what would you like to achieve in your term?
The internal challenge was that Thomas Becker and I arrived almost simultaneously to follow in the footsteps of our two predecessors who had been in post for 10 and 12 years respectively. We also arrived at a time of major external change – the end of a long period of growth in the industry.
The biggest challenge has been to adapt the association to the new challenges.
That process started with the new strategy which concentrated on the wind industry as an employer, a provider of cheap electricity and security of supply in addition to the previous major pillar of carbon reduction. We are now in the process of modifying the statutes to align them with the new industrial nature of the wind business.
Things have changed radically in recent years and I have been very proud to observe that wind energy now has its place at the table with the energy sector’s old boys. In my term as President I would like to move our industry into a position that it has not only a place at the same table as the others but an equal voice at that table.
EU-EWEA projects
EWEA coordinates and participates in long-term projects, funded by the EU, that examine technical areas relevant to the wind industry. Partners in these projects include universities, European associations, wind energy companies – from manufacturers to consultancies – and utilities. In the last 12 months, EWEA was involved in the following EU-funded projects:
Twenties was a grids project that looked into how to operate grid systems with large amounts of wind and other renewables. TWENTIES discovered that Europe’s energy infrastructure can be used a lot more efficiently than it currently is. It was the largest renewable energy project ever funded by the EU. The project ran from April 2010 – September 2013 and the full report is available on the EWEA website.
More information: www.twenties-project.eu
REserviceS will develop a reference basis and policy guidelines for future network codes and market design in the area of grid support services (also so-called ancillary services) from variable renewables. EWEA is the coordinator.
More information: www.reservices-project.eu
The “Technology platform Operational Programme Wind” (TOP Wind) is an EU funded project under FP7. It is the follow-up to the Windsec project and aims at ensuring the proper functioning of the European Wind Energy Technology Platform (TPWind). TOP Wind will play an essential role for the achievement of TPWind goals. The TOP Wind project finished in April 2014 and EWEA has already applied for new funding schemes to continue TPWind activities. EWEA coordinates the platform.
More information: www.windplatform.eu
LEANWIND ambitiously aims at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the offshore wind farm lifecycle and supply chain. In particular, it wants to develop new technical solutions to reduce the costs of offshore wind farm installation, O&M and decommissioning by applying the so-called LEAN principles of efficiency to the wind energy lifecycle and supply chain. EWEA leads on communication and contributes to research into logistics, health & safety and environmental impacts.
More information: www.leanwind.eu
EERA-DTOC stands for the European Energy Research Alliance – Design Tool for Offshore Wind Farm Cluster. The project is coordinated by the Technical University of Denmark – DTU Wind Energy. EERA-DTOC combines gained expertise in a common integrated software tool for the optimised design of offshore wind farms and wind farm clusters acting as wind power plants. EWEA leads on communication.
More information: www.eera-dtoc.eu
e-Highway2050 aims at developing a methodology to support the planning of the Pan-European Transmission Network, focusing on 2020 to 2050, to ensure the reliable delivery of renewable electricity and pan-European market integration. EWEA contributes to communication and building different scenarios in line with the project.
More information: www.e-highway2050.eu
INNWIND.EU focuses on innovative wind conversion systems (10-20MW) for offshore applications. The overall objectives are the high performance innovative design of a beyond-state-of-the-art 10-20MW offshore wind turbine and hardware demonstrators of some of the critical components. EWEA contributes to communication activities.
More information: www.innwind.eu
Membership
As an EWEA member you are entitled to a whole host of benefits and membership services. Here, Christelle Roche, Head of Membership and Business Development at EWEA, outlines what EWEA memership brings:
The political agenda at EU level is key to the wind business, but Brussels can seem far away and difficult to decipher for many. How does EWEA help bridge this gap?
As an EWEA member, you stay up-to-date on the latest EU policy developments by consulting our latest reports, visiting the online EWEA Members’ Area, and by receiving our monthly newsletter. You get market intelligence from the EWEA political and analysis teams on issues including the stability of the regulatory framework and the different national support schemes, electricity grids and the integration of the electricity market, R&D programmes, financial issues and international trade policy.
EU level policies can be a minefield, but they strongly impact our industry – we help to break down complicated policies into clear and already analysed information on the issues that affect our members. The EWEA team of policy experts should be considered an extension of our members’ companies!
How does EWEA help to promote your business?
EWEA knows each of its member companies are different and has different requirements. We listen to our members and work with them to develop services tailored to their needs. Contact us and we can start a conversation about the benefits we can provide you, matched to meet your requirements.
Making your voice heard at EU level can help policy-makers take the right decisions for the wind industry. How can EWEA members get involved?
EWEA members are invited to participate in EWEA working groups, networks and task forces to make their voices heard, share knowledge and best practices to network. According to the priorities and the membership categories of our members, different working groups are available to attend. The EWEA membership team is here to help members make the most of their EWEA membership through individually tailored guidance.
Networking is crucial to business. Does EWEA membership boost networking opportunities?
EWEA is the voice of the European wind energy industry and the largest network in the wind industry sector. This platform offers unique opportunities to network with more than 600 organisations from across the industry. For instance, members of EWEA get access to the EWEA members’ directory which contains information and contact details of up to six key executives for each EWEA member company; the opportunity to connect with members in different areas of expertise; exclusive invitations to the ‘members only’ VIP reception at the EWEA annual event and other EWEA member gatherings in Brussels.
EWEA’s new strategic framework
Attract investors by ensuring a stable market and legal framework.
Promote 2030 renewables and GHG reduction targets
EWEA’s Stable Frameworks Working Group worked on developing a post-2020 regulatory and market framework.
EWEA launched a report on the ‘next steps’ for EU energy policy – highlighting the need for an ambitious 2030 target.
The association developed an infographic highlighting the benefits of a strong 2030 target, and created a dedicated web page for breaking down complex issues into clear messages.
Promote high and stable carbon price
EWEA helped inform EU institutions of the benefits of “backloading” surplus carbon permits in the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS). The association produced an infographic clearly explaining the ETS and the need for “backloading”. Backloading was approved by the European Council and European Parliament in December 2013.
Promote R&D
Maintain Europe’s technology leadership, enhance wind’s affordability EWEA worked towards securing R&D finance for the wind energy sector via EU funds during discussions on the EU budget for 2014.
This contributed to an 85% earmarking for renewables, energy efficiency, smart grids, storage in the Intelligent Energy Europe programme in the allocation of funds for Horizon 2020.
Improve power grids and markets
Promote integrated grids and markets to integrate large amounts of wind power EWEA called for greater recognition of the need for supergrid and meshed offshore grid projects to be eligible for EU funding.
EWEA published the TWENTIES report, the largest demonstration project looking at integrating large amounts of wind power into the grid ever funded by the EU.
Access to financing that reflects real risk
Ensure political risk is minimised
EWEA published its report ‘Where’s the money coming from?’ looking into financing of offshore wind farms.
EWEA engaged with leaders in the finance community, public and private, in order to promote the sector to improve access to properly priced capital.
In addition to the above main strategic objectives, EWEA also worked to:
ï Develop health and safety best practices
ï Streamline permitting and environment legislation
ï Increase social acceptance
ï Develop standards and certification
ï Support the European wind industry in international trade policy
