TPWind sets up unique research programmes on Wind Energy
 The third General Assembly of the European Technology Platform for Wind Energy (TPWind) took place in Brussels the 8-9 October 2008. It was there that a concrete research programme to implement the Strategic Research Agenda for the EU was set up.
The event was focused on setting up an operational action plan for the implementation of the Strategic Research Agenda and began to draw up concrete, large-scale research programmes for the European Commission, Member States and private companies. Around 120 participants attended the conference, representing 20 EU Member States. The conference follows on from the publication of the TPWind Strategic Research Agenda this June.
The research programmes regarding wind energy were presented and grouped in workshops. The projects were related to Wind Energy Resource; Wind Power Systems, Wind Energy Integration; Offshore Development & Operations; Wind Market & Economics and Wind policy.
A unique project on Wind energy resources was presented during the conference. The purpose of the project is to generate unique data on wind measurement sets to evaluate and develop new models for wind energy related physics. This project appeals strongly to public funds and international cooperation. This need has been recognised by all group members and many forums of international experts.
TPWind Assembly stressed the urgent need to set up a short term strategic study on consequences of the global financial crisis for the Wind Energy sector and the necessary steps to lower them. It should tackle the present and future potential impacts on Wind energy financing in R&D and developing industrial strategies. TPWind stated that investing in wind power is an opportunity to shift from a finance-based economy to a sustainable development-based economy creating real wealth and new jobs. This study should be ready before the end of 2008.
The TPWind Strategic Research Agenda
The TPWind Strategic Research Agenda document presents a "vision", in which Europe has installed the capacity to generate 300 Gigawatts (GW) of wind energy by 2030. 300 GW of wind energy would provide 28% of Europe's electricity consumption, requiring an average of 10 to 15 GW of additional capacity manufactured, delivered and implemented every year. This would be equivalent to more than 20 turbines of 3 Megawatts being installed each working day.
Even though there is a long way to go, and the 2020 target is looming ever closer, there are already significant signs of progress. In 2007, the EU's Strategic Energy Technology Plan set a new agenda for energy research and innovation in Europe, with the aim of speeding up the deployment of low-carbon energy technologies. One of the proposed key areas of action is that of industrial initiatives, such as the European Wind Initiative. This initiative should be a major part of European research and innovation in wind energy technology. It would potentially lead to an adapted mix of European energy that is less reliant on imports, non CO2-based and creates major employment opportunities.
Plenary sessions to be broadcast over the web
The third General Assembly of TPWind was broadcasted over the net and is accessible at the following address: http://www.multiprise.be/ewea.php
The Pressensave consortium (the virtual press office for EU funded energy projects) is providing TPWind with a webinar. A webinar is a web-based seminar, a conference, a presentation, lecture, workshop transmitted over the Web. A key feature of a Webinar is its interactive element: the ability to give, receive and discuss information, allowing interaction between the presenter and the audience.
What is TPWind?
The European Technology Platform for Wind Energy (TPWind) is the indispensable forum for the crystallisation of policy and technology research and development pathways for the wind energy sector. It is as well a new opportunity for informal collaboration among Member States including those less developed in wind energy terms.
For more information:
http://www.windplatform.eu
Contact:
Nicolas Fichaux
European Wind Energy Association
nicolas.fichaux@ewea.org
Tel.+32 2 400 10 33 |
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