WORLD WIND ENERGY NET

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has increased its European targets for the wind industry to 75GW. This is high enough to meet energy needs of 86 million people and would help meet one third of the EU's total Kyoto commitment by 2010. At the launch of the briefing in the European Parliament, Professor Arthouros Zervos, President of EWEA, said: "Keeping on target will ensure that over this decade wind power will become one of the most important electricity generating technologies. The 75GW target will ensure the industry continues to advance the technology, further reduce costs, create thousands of jobs, export opportunities and contribute substantially to security of supply.-;

According to the EWEA, Europe's global leadership in wind power technology is strong, with 90% of the EUR6.8 billion global market being supplied by European manufacturers last year, and an annual growth rate of 35% over the last five years. "It is the success of wind power to date in Europe that proves this target can be achieved; the previous industry targets have been exceeded. This target for wind power will deliver half of the renewables directive,-; said Mr Zervos.

The renewables directive came into force in October 2001 (see related story) and sets targets for the share of electricity from renewable energy for all member states. Currently, only a fraction of countries are on track to meet their national directive targets.

"The industry has the skills and ability to build 75GW of wind by 2010; 25GW has already been built in Europe. The target is achievable and conservative, as long as the clear commitment of the EU and member states to wind power development continues to strengthen, and that this support is translated into construction of wind farms,-; said Mr Zervos.