Energy security will be the main focus of the WindEurope annual conference, which kicks off today in Bilbao, Spain.
Europe wants more wind energy more quickly than before to help it wean itself off Russian gas and how that is delivered will be discussed at the Bilbao event.
WindEurope said that Europe has decided to end Russian energy imports by 2030 at the latest and to accelerate the deployment of renewables alongside that to improve its energy security.
The EU’s ‘REPowerEU’ agenda wants wind energy to grow to 480GW by 2030 from 190GW today.
REPowerEU also highlights the crucial importance of simplifying the permitting of renewables projects, the trade body said.
The complexity of permitting rules and procedures is the main bottleneck today to the expansion of wind energy, it added.
WindEurope said that today Europe is only building half the new wind farms it needs to build to reach its 40% renewables target by 2030, let alone the higher wind volumes now envisaged in REPowerEU.
This in turn is undermining the competitiveness of Europe’s wind energy industry, which is struggling also with high commodity prices and supply chain bottlenecks, it said.
At the same time Europe needs to accelerate the electrification of its energy system.
Only 25% of the energy consumed in Europe today is electricity, with most of the rest of fossil fuels.
The EU wants 75% electricity in our energy by 2050 – and to accelerate now the shift to electric vehicles, heat pumps and the electrification of industrial processes.
All these issues will be covered at WindEurope 2022, plus the need to expand grid connections, improve market design and to attract and train the workforce the wind industry needs.
The event will also showcase the latest wind energy technology developments, including recycling – and feature start-ups.
There will also be a workshop on renewables in Ukraine and various fund-raising activities for the victims of the war in Ukraine.
Ministers from Spain, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Romania and Lithuania will take part.
Together with the Director-General for Energy in the European Commission and other leading EU officials.
WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson said: “WindEurope 2022 in Bilbao comes at a decisive moment for Europe.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has upended the energy system. Europe is pursuing a new energy policy: less dependence on imported fossil fuels; and an accelerated transition to renewables.
“In Bilbao we will focus on how to deliver this: tackling the barriers that need to be overcome, for example, around permitting, but also highlighting the opportunities, notably for jobs and communities.”
Iberdrola chairman and chief executive Ignacio Galan said: “For more than 20 years, Iberdrola has pioneered the deployment of wind energy, maximising the opportunities for our industry and reconverting traditional sectors, as shipyards and aeronautics.
“Onshore and offshore wind will be key to reach climate goals as part of a more electrified energy system, together with smart grids and storage.
“Wind energy delivers clean and competitive energy, creates new industries and massive local jobs and strengthens value chains.
“We look forward to showcasing our future plans at WindEurope’s Annual Event in our home city of Bilbao.”
Siemens Gamesa chief executive Jochen Eickholt said: “The wind industry is now leading the charge against climate change across Europe. We are not only decarbonising energy supply but also helping to build a new sustainable economy.
“To deliver the change Europe needs, however, we need to speed up the transition and can only do so with decisive action that will break down the barriers to progress.”