A weather forecast might be something you look at when deciding whether or not to take an umbrella with you in the morning, but for wind energy it is vitally important and contributes to the efficient management of wind-powered electricity. We spoke to George Kariniotakis, lead session chair of forecasting at EWEA’s 2013 Annual Event … Continue reading Forecasting key to wind energy future →

Once again, a moribund global economy defined the year as politicians around the world tried to get ahead of the stubborn financial and debt crisis. And yet, for the European wind industry, 2012 included a signature achievement when, in late September, it was announced that the EU had passed the milestone of 100 gigawatt (GW) … Continue reading Despite economic woes, wind energy industry powered ahead in 2012 →

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has appointed Thomas Becker as its new Chief Executive Officer. A former Danish civil servant, Thomas Becker has since 2010 been CEO of Genan – a company that recycles used tyres on a very large scale globally (and has a turnover of 100 million Euros per year). Prior to … Continue reading EWEA appoints new CEO →

In the second of this two-part interview, EWEA 2013 Annual EventChair Francesco Starace, CEO of Enel Green Power, explores the recent developments in the wind power sector and looks at the sector’s prospects ahead… EWEA’s last Annual Event in Copenhagen is already over six months ago, what key developments – positive and negative – have … Continue reading EWEA 2013 chair sees wind energy as resilient despite the economic crisis →

In just over three months’ time thousands of wind energy professionals will gather in Vienna alongside EU and national level decision makers, financeers, technology specialists and others at the European Wind Energy Association’s Annual Event, EWEA 2013. But what will everybody be talking about at the event? Yesterday, I spoke to some of the conference’s … Continue reading What’s hot in wind energy technology right now? →

Karl Lagerfeld sent out model’s clad in Chanel’s spring-summer collection on a solar-panelled catwalk dotted with a dozen towering, white, swishing wind turbines. Not only that but throughout the collection there were hints of renewable energy: a disc-shaped hat with a giant transparent rim that recalls a spinning turbine, a mini-dress embroidered in a blue … Continue reading Wind turbines make fashion waves →

The European Union has passed the milestone of 100 gigawatt (GW) of installed wind power capacity, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). 100 GW of wind power can generate electricity over a year to meet the total consumption of 57 million households, equivalent to the power production of 39 nuclear power plants. It … Continue reading EU reaches 100 GW wind energy milestone →

Earlier this month wind power in the UK produced a record amount of electricity – some 80 GW hours, or the equivalent to over 10% of the UK’s total electricity generation. While that record is something to be celebrated, it prompted several articles in the UK media claiming that backing-up wind by ramping fossil fuel … Continue reading More wind energy does not require more gas-fired back-up →

Last year, €12.6 billion was invested in wind energy in the EU. Nevertheless there seem to be some challenges ahead for this sector since the continuing European sovereign debt crisis is likely to negatively affect future growth, as some countries across Europe begin to see investment and subsidies for further development in renewable energy reduced. … Continue reading Last year, €12.6 billion was invested in wind energy in the EU →