Can global wind installations double in 5 years?
According to Anders Runevad, CEO of Vestas, cumulative wind energy installations worldwide may double within 5 years as falling costs help producers compete with conventional power. It is true that wind has become more competitive with conventional energy sources. recent study from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) shows that the global average levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for onshore wind decreased from US$ 85 per MWh to US$ 83 in 2015. On average the LCOE for conventional energy sources such as coal-fired generation and combined-cycle gas turbine generation increased in the same period to US$ 92.
Wind farms accounted for 20% of all new energy installations in 2014, according to Runevad. He said that if that trend continues the industry has the potential to double installations in the next 5 years. To reach that target, developers would have to add 74GW a year, assuming no shutdowns of existing plants. Last year a record 51.5GW were added and in total 370GW is currently installed globally.
In an ideal world doubling the capacity in 5 years would certainly be possible but unfortunately the renewable energy industry has to deal with external circumstances as well. Wind energy can still not exist without the support from the governments in the form of subsidies and feed-in tariff systems. Until long-term support schemes are implemented, the industry is not able to establish a sustainable way forward and create enough production capacity to deliver this 74GW per year. Of course I hope I am wrong and that indeed the industry will double the installed capacity in 5 years.
EWEA’s annual event teams up with Hamburg
This year, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) annual event takes place in Paris just two weeks before the UN climate summit. From 17 till 20 November EWEA 2015 presents an international platform for the wind energy industry to showcase and demonstrate its latest products and services. The event features a broad conference programme, many networking opportunities and an exhibition with around 350 exhibitors presenting their products and services. While Europe is undoubtedly the home of wind energy, the global marketplace is becoming increasingly crowded with new players. The event brings together more than 60 nationalities from around the world. And in 2016 The EWEA is teaming up with Hamburg Messe to host its annual conference alongside WindEnergy Hamburg.
Windtech International releases Media Planner 2016
Looking ahead is important. Why not include Windtech International in your promotional activities to ensure you reach a truly international readership? Windtech International is the only worldwide magazine for the wind energy industry with a technological focus and is the ideal forum for the promotion and explanation of products, techniques and applications. Because of our technical focus we serve a slightly different readership compared to other general wind industry publications and many engineers do read Windtech International on a regular basis. For 2016 we have prepared a Media Planner containing dates of magazine issues, and copy guidelines/deadlines for contributors, circulation, advertising possibilities, etc. Feel free to contact me to receive the 2016 Media Planner.
I will be in Paris for EWEA 2015 and I would be happy to meet you there to catch up and discuss our cooperation in person. If you want to meet up for a coffee, a beer or just a chat, feel free to get in touch with me. I will be there for the duration of the event.
Enjoy reading and I hope to see you in Paris.
Best regards,
Floris Siteur
Publisher
