Brussels, 16/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - Wind power could cover up to a quarter of the demand for electricity in Europe by 2030, if the member states of the EU keep to their commitments on climate and energy, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), on the basis of its latest forecasts, published on Wednesday 16 September.
Currently, the installed wind power capacity in Europe, 128.8 gigawatts, covers just 10% of energy consumption in a normal wind year, but over the next 15 years, EWEA expects new wind power installations in Europe to reach a capacity of 320 gigawatts, which could cover 24.4% of electricity demand in the region. “Wind energy will be the backbone of the European power sector when we reach the end of next decade”, the association states.
With 254 gigawatts from onshore wind and 66 gigawatts from offshore installations, the European wind industry will provide up to 334,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030, in the most feasible scenario, stresses EWEA.
However, these forecasts are subject to a number of factors at political and regulatory level, including a clear governance structure for the European target of 27% renewables target in the energy mix by 2030, as agreed last year. Clear direction is therefore needed from the European Commission to ensure that the member states put forward solid national action plans for renewables and that they remain on track to achieve the common target, the association stresses.
“The regulatory framework is a key driver in guaranteeing investor certainty. If policymakers get it right, the wind sector could grow even more. If they don't, we will fall short to the detriment of investments, employment and climate protection”, it warns.
EWEA stresses three major challenges to be faced: a directive on renewable energies for post-2020 must be adopted, with a solid legal basis, the energy market must be reformed and adapted to include renewables in the network, and the emissions trading system must be updated to send out a clear signal to investors by laying down a meaningful carbon price. (Emmanuel Hagry)