Wind Energy

Wind power enthusiasts around the world celebrate Global Wind Day

From school children in Brazil to energy professionals in Canada, from wind musicians in India to hobby photographers in Argentina and Sweden, people get involved on that day to show their support for wind energy and witness the technology work in practice.

"Global Wind Day is a fantastic opportunity to remind people all around the world that we can achieve a genuine energy revolution. The technology is there to fundamentally transform the way we produce electricity, while saving billions of tons of CO2 and creating much needed jobs in the future," said Klaus Rave, GWEC’s Chairman.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to join the Global Wind Day events, which will take place from 12 to 20 June. Given the variety of activities planned – from wind farm open days and conferences, to exhibitions, information days, sporting contests and photo contests, there will be something for everyone in most corners of the globe. Overall, the organisers are hoping to reach around one million people with their message.

"Public acceptance of wind energy is immensely important for keeping up the momentum of sustained growth, and the events of this week show that the support for wind energy is truly global," said Arthouros Zervos, President of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

GWEC and EWEA are coordinating the Global Wind Day in cooperation with many national wind energy associations and wind power companies. The two organisations expect around 210 events to take place in 26 countries, including a number of new participating countries such as Venezuela, Argentina, Norway and Canada. EWEA erected a 29.5 meter wind turbine blade in the heart of the European quarter in Brussels to highlight the benefits of wind power to key decision makers.

Global Wind Day in Brussels – with a real turbine blade the EU quarter!

From 1-15 June, EWEA erected a real wind turbine blade in the heart of the EU quarter. Weighing in at 4,100kg, this type of blade is used in 1-1.3MW turbines which can produce enough electricity to meet the annual average electricity consumption of over 760 households. Despite its size – it’s nearly as tall as the 16-floor Commission headquarters – it is relatively small compared to the 60m blades used to power 6-7MW wind turbines today.

www.globalwindday.org/