The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) is the largest and one of the most powerful wind energy networks in the world. It is the voice of the wind industry in Europe and is ideally situated in the heart of the EU quarter in Brussels in close proximity to European decision makers. EWEA has over 700 members from almost 60 countries, including manufacturers with a leading share of the world wind energy market, plus component suppliers, research institutes, national wind and renewables associations, developers, electricity providers, finance and insurance companies, and consultants. This combined strength makes EWEA the world’s largest and most powerful wind energy network.
The association’s main activities center on coordinating international policy and formulating policy positions for the wind industry on key issues, communications, research, and analysis both independent and in cooperation with industry and research institutions, and providing support to members. EWEA organizes high profile industry events including the EWEA annual event, the biennial offshore conference, and numerous workshops in the EU and beyond. EWEA’s Annual Event will take place April 16-19 in Copenhagen, Denmark, and offers a conference and exhibition under one roof.
The exhibition will serve as the centre point for the whole event. The EWEA 2012 Annual Event is set to be bigger and better than ever before, with more than 10,000 professionals from around the world expected to attend. With over 450 exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations, the event provides an ideal platform to meet Europe’s leading wind energy professionals and do business face-to-face.
On the first day of the event, EWEA will launch a major new study on the impact of the wind industry on Europe’s economy, growth, and employment. The study will tackle tough questions such as: how much difference does wind energy make to the economy? Does it have a real impact on Europe’s GDP? How many jobs does it create? This much-anticipated study will show how wind energy can be a recession-busting industry, and which other sectors benefit most from the wind energy industry.
“Wind power is a pivotal element in the necessary transition to a green growth economy. EWEA 2012 will focus on the innovation and green solutions that we need in order to promote green and sustainable growth and reach our target of a low-carbon Europe by 2050,” says Martin Lidegaard, minister for climate, energy and building, Denmark.
EWEA 2012 aims to drive innovation in the industry forward, but it is also aiming at innovating the conference and exhibition itself to better meet attendee needs and provide scintillating content. Sessions have been designed with an emphasis on learning, discussion and interaction—as such, many will now include panel debates and extended question time. Led by well-respected industry experts, the conference features a broad range of hot topics like project development and finance, resource assessment, technology innovation, policies, politics, markets, and more for both onshore and offshore wind power.
In addition to the main event, EWEA also organizes focused events on issues of strategic importance. Workshops are open to all EWEA 2012 conference delegates, exhibition visitors, and exhibitors. And on the eve of the event, EWEA will host a one-day pre-event seminar for those new to the industry. The “Wind Energy – The Facts” publication is widely considered to be the most reliable reference published to date. The seminar is tailored to anyone new to wind as well as people working in a particular sub-sector or function who want to understand their industry as a whole. Armed with this global view of wind energy, participants will get even more out of the main conference and exhibition.
“Denmark is the cradle of modern wind power and a leading wind nation. Wind power supplies the highest share of energy of any country, and Denmark is home to the highest density of companies excelling globally in wind energy. We really look forward to hosting EWEA 2012 in Copenhagen. There are so many things we would like to show you,” says Jan Hylleberg, CEO, Danish Wind Industry Association (DWIA).
In the days leading up to EWEA 2012, DWIA is set to launch a new initiative called “Mindblowing Denmark” that offers visits and networking opportunities for professionals to experience the whole wind energy supply chain in Denmark, as well as to gain insight into Danish policy and planning up to 2020. To find out more visit www.ewea.org/annual2012.
