The production of critical wind turbine components must continue despite the COVID-19 crisis, a leading wind body has urged.
In a statement, WindEurope expressed concern at the “reaching impact” the crisis is having on the European wind energy supply chain.
National governments have done well to recognise the critical role of the wind industry in ensuring a continued supply of electricity to Europe, but they must also support the ‘critical’ continued production of wind parts in factories, the Belgium-headquartered association said.
“Reliable electricity supply is a prerequisite for the functioning of public services, such as national health care systems and, therefore, more important than ever.
Governments have rightfully taken steps to ensure that the operation and maintenance of wind farms continues across Europe,” the statement said.
“However, national governments need to also allow for essential manufacturing processes to continue, in particular for the production of components without which global wind energy supply chains will grind to a halt.”
Around 300,000 Europeans work in wind energy, producing around 15% of Europe’s electricity.
The EU Commission has targeted 50% renewables by 2050 and wind energy is central to Europe’s Green Deal, the body noted.
It said the guiding principle in this should be the clear statement from EU Heads of government of 26 March that “the EU (…) will also do its utmost to strengthen the sustainability of global integrated value and supply chains to adapt them as necessary and to alleviate the negative socio-economic impact of the crisis”.