Wind energy is the way ahead - Page 2

Editorial EWEA 2012 in the home of the wind industry MOrE ThAn 30 yEArs have passed since the first wind turbines began supplying electricity to Danish consumers. Since then, both the industry and the turbines have grown, and Denmark can be proud of its leading international position in wind energy. An unrivalled 28 percent of Denmark’s electricity is now generated by wind turbines. ’ThE DAnish MODEL’ is now being studied by countries which are increasing their focus on wind energy, while at the same time Denmark, with a new energy policy, is striving to achieve a greater goal – 50 percent coverage of its electricity needs from wind energy by 2020. to reach such an ambitious target, it is important that all players in the industry join forces to develop the technology of the future. In this context it is gratifying to see unprecedentedly high numbers of both Danish and international attendees at EWEA 2012 in Copenhagen. i AM grATifiED TO sEE Europe’s largest wind energy event is once again being held in the home of the modern wind industry. It is symbolic that with Denmark hosting the conference, we expect to see the biggest ever participation from Danish companies. It helps to underscore that as a technology, wind energy is now on a par with other forms of energy, and represents an important part of future energy systems. report after report from experts confirm this. And the political attention that wind energy is receiving serves to cement its importance. this year’s EWEA will be opened by Denmark’s prime minster Helle thorning-Schmidt and HrH Crown prince Frederik, in the company of the European Energy Commissioner günther Oettinger. A number of other Danish and international politicians will also be in attendance at the conference. Danmark 10,6 pct. Tyskland 6,3 pct. EU totalt Sverige 4,5 pct. 0,5 pct. Finland 0 5 10 15 20 28,0 pct. Percentage of electricity from wind energy 2011 30 25 minister for Climate, Energy and building martin on tomorrow’s en What energy goals has the government set for 2020 and how will they be achieved? The new energy policy has received broad political support to enable a very ambitious transition to a green future, and sets out the path to achieving the 2020 goals: 1) Half of Denmark’s electricity will be generated by wind energy 2) CO2 emissions will be reduced by 34 percent in relation to 1990 3) Energy consumption will be reduced by 12 percent in relation to 2006 4) Renewable energy will account for over 35 percent of energy consumption These goals will be reached by improvements in energy utilisation in businesses and private households. Wind energy will be expanded, coal will be replaced by biomass at centralised power stations, and biogas will replace natural gas at decentralised power stations. The energy policy also includes the development of other forms of renewable energy such as solar and wave energy, together with prospective further utilisation of the natural gas network. These initiatives will put Denmark on course to achieving the government’s aim of transitioning the entire energy system to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. What role does wind energy have in the government’s vision of a country operating on 100 percent renewable energy by 2050? Wind is Denmark’s best energy resource because we have excellent wind conditions, especially offshore. So wind energy naturally plays a key role in our energy policy, which includes a substantial expansion of wind energy. By 2020, 50 percent of Denmark’s electricity will be generated by wind, compared with more than 25 percent today. What do you see as the greatest challenge in integrating wind energy into the energy system? All new systems are inevitably accompanied by new challenges, and this will obviously be the case when making wind energy such a large part of Denmark’s future energy system. Wind is a fluctuating resource, so at times the wind farms will generate surplus power, and at other times not enough. That’s why we need a flexible and intelligent electricity grid – a smart grid – Denmark currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, and so i am responsible for energy negotiations in the EU; at present, work is focused on the Energy Efficiency Jan hylleberg CEO Danish Wind Industry Association S En jAC O b n IE L which allows the shifting of electricity consumption to times when the wind is blowing more. Work has long been under way on making new systems that integrate wind energy into the grid, and Please address enquiries to Communications Manager Peter Alexandersen Tel: (+45) 22 25 90 72 Email: pal@windpower.org www.windpower.org About the Danish Wind Industry Association The Danish Wind Industry Association has more than 240 members nationally. The organisation comprises wind turbine manufacturers, energy companies and a broad range of firms supplying components, service and consultancy in the wind energy area. 2 Winning with Wind

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