The offshore network development plan was presented to governments and EU officials by the EWEA at the event in Stockholm (Sweden) attended by around 4,000 business and state participants. It provides a comprehensive approach to constructing a transnational offshore power grid. Building on the 11 grids already in place and the 21 being studied by grid operators in the North and Baltic Seas, EWEA proposes eight additional offshore grids by 2020 and six more by 2030.
2010 is a key year for planning Europe's future electricity grid, which needs massive upgrading, as the European Commission is due to publish a Blueprint for a North Sea Grid while European electricity network operators will publish a 10 year plan for developing a truly European grid - essential for a single European energy market, harnessing renewable energies and improving security of supply.
“EWEA’s new offshore network plan will provide a truly pan-European electricity super highway”, said Christian Kjaer, Chief Executive of EWEA. “This will bring affordable electricity to consumers, reduce import dependence, cut carbon dioxide emissions and allow Europe to access its largest domestic energy source – offshore wind."
“EWEA urges the European Commission to incorporate our plan when drafting its Blueprint for a North Sea Grid, and the European Network of Transmission System Operators to do the same when drafting its 10 Year Network Development Plan”, Kjaer went on.
Business leaders demand urgent political action for offshore wind energy
European business leaders have also joined forces at the European Offshore Wind 2009 Conference this week to sign an extraordinary pledge to make it possible to tap Europe's largest energy source, calling on national governments and the EU to give the necessary political and legislative support.
Offshore wind energy has the potential to power Europe seven times over and business leaders have pledged to ensure that a sufficient supply of turbines, components, foundations, installation and cable-laying vessels are available to exploit this abundant, free, and fuel-free energy source. They also called on national governments and the EU to take action to resolve planning, grid and other obstacles to harnessing Europe's enormous offshore wind energy potential.
Companies backing the launch of the declaration include Acciona Energia, Airtricity, DONG Energy, E.ON Climate & Renewables, EnBW, GE Energy, Iberdrola renewables, Mainstream Renewable Power Ltd, NEO Energia - Grupo EDP, Renewable Energy Systems, SIEMENS Wind Power, Suzlon Wind Energy, Vattenfall Vindkraft and Vestas Wind Systems. Others signing up this week at the European Offshore Wind 2009 Conference in Stockholm include representatives of companies as diverse as Gamesa, Garrad Hassan, Goldwind, Fortis Bank, Leosphere, Tekmar Energy, Prism Cable & Systems, MoorTech, Primo Marine, Principle Power Portugal, Eirgrid, Baltship AS, Pharos Marine and Meteosim Truewind SL.
“By publicly supporting the declaration, companies and individuals are making a real difference to the development of the offshore sector”, said Christian Kjaer, EWEA Chief Executive. “With the actions we are calling for from governments and EU decision-makers, the sector can become a new, multi-billion euro industry, delivering thousands of green collar jobs and a new renewable energy economy”.
While the declaration is still open for signing, the European Offshore Wind 2009 Conference, taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, is closing today. Altogether, the event had over 4,000 participants. The next European Offshore Wind Conference will be held in 2011 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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