The “significant shortfall” in skilled and qualified wind sector workers will be a key topic at this year’s WindEurope conference and exhibition, which will be held in April in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao.
The association said the theme, ‘Delivering a clean economy for all Europeans’, will focus on “reaching out more to people” to ensure the sector’s growth “means a more prosperous Europe”.
“While the industry has major milestones to reach in terms of how much wind we get into Europe’s energy mix, there is a significant shortfall in terms of skilled and qualified wind energy workers,” said WindEurope.
Event ambassador and TPI Composites chief executive Steve Lockard added that the 300,000 people employed in the sector shows that wind energy is “impacting the people we employ and the communities in which we operate in a positive way around the globe”.
Siemens Gamesa chief executive and fellow event ambassador Markus Tacke (pictured) said the industry has a”deep commitment to improving the communities in which we operate by creating jobs and growth, protecting our natural environment, and improving people’s quality of life”.
“But it has the potential to do much more. In particular, speakers will address the challenges around manpower, skills and qualifications,” added WindEurope.
Some 8000 people are to descend on the Spanish city for the event with over 300 exhibitors from 50 countries taking place.
“Wind energy is a key enabler of the energy transition, providing reliable, competitive and sustainable electricity,” added event ambassador and Iberdrola chief executive Ignacio Galan.
** reNEWS is the official digital daily partner for WindEurope 2019, which takes place from 2-4 April. For more, contact sales or editorial.