Apr 07

WindEurope elects new Chairman

EWEA rebranded to „WindEurope“ and  has elected Francesco Venturini, Chief Executive Officer of Enel Green Power, as its new chairman. Mr. Venturini was elected for an 18-month term by WindEurope’s Board of Directors, which is comprised of corporate members, national associations and other organisations. He will succeed current WindEurope Chairman Dr. Markus Tacke, CEO of Siemens Wind Power & Renewables, who has served in the post since October 2014.

EWEA Chief Executive Officer Giles Dickson said: “We’re delighted to have Francesco Venturini as our new Chairman. It’s a key moment for our industry. The outlook for wind power in Europe is uncertain, with declining policy ambition and clarity in many countries.”

He added: “Major changes are also needed in electricity markets and networks. The new EU proposals this year on market design and renewables are key to ensure a framework for further growth. Having one of the world’s largest utilities at the helm of WindEurope, with their expertise across the power sector, is a great opportunity for us to drive the further expansion and integration of wind in Europe’s energy system.”

Wind power is competitive and makes economic sense. Onshore wind is the cheapest form of new power generation in Europe today. Wind in Europe accounts for €67bn+ annual turnover and 255,000 jobs. Offshore wind is rapidly reducing costs and will play a central role in Europe’s power mix going forward.

In the last year, wind accounted for 44% of all new power installations across Europe – more than any other technology. Wind covers over 11% of Europe’s electricity demand. In 2030, wind could serve a quarter of the EU’s electricity needs and be the backbone of Europe’s energy system.

Source: German Wind Energy Association BWE, April 7th, 2016
www.wind-energie.de

see: 44 procent af al ny elproduktion i Europa kommer fra vind

also: Wind energy added more new capacity than any other form of power in Europe in 2015.