Stakeholders stress importance of offshore wind energy for renewables target The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) at the opening of the Offshore Wind Conference in Berlin, Germany, on Tuesday (4 December) called for a considerably increased use of offshore wind energy. This was the only way for Europe to meet the 20% binding target for renewable... The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) at the opening of the Offshore Wind Conference in Berlin, Germany, on Tuesday (4 December) called for a considerably increased use of offshore wind energy. This was the only way for Europe to meet the 20% binding target for renewable energy by 2020, representatives of the wind industry claimed. In a new publication, the EWEA identifies increasing research and technological development as one of the key factors for the successful expansion of offshore wind energy, which - if all barriers were removed - could cover up to 4% of European energy consumption by 2020, the EWEA estimates. In addition, 'stable and long-term markets' would have to be established as well as grid integration improved and planning procedures facilitated. EWEA president Arthouros Zervos called for a Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) for offshore wind power, bringing together public and private partners and funds to advance the sector's development. He explained that such an initiative would 'create the necessary onshore and offshore infrastructure' and that it 'should be considered for the purpose of increasing renewables, reducing carbon emissions and improving the functioning of the internal energy market through larger interconnectors'. Most importantly, though, the EWEA called for a European action plan for offshore wind energy. Alfonso Gonzalez Finat, director of the European Commission's Directorate General for Transport and Energy, announced that such an action plan would be proposed by the Commission in 2008. He also confirmed that the 'directive promoting renewables will be issued next month'. Then, he said, Member States would put in place the national plans which would be 'divided by sub-sector for electricity, heating & cooling and transport'. Maud Olofsson, Minister for Enterprise and Energy and Communications, Sweden, stressed that 'a common EU support for offshore wind is needed', and that industry development should be supported by both EU and national funds. In order to tackle climate change, she added, 'actions need to be taken by everyone - governments, researchers, industry and individuals'.
