- Category: View from Inside
Wind Energy in China
As a clean and renewable energy, wind energy has great prospects for exploitation and utilisation, and the technology has been maturing. In recent years, the Chinese wind energy industry has developed rapidly. Wind energy technology and production capability in China have also made great progress. This year, the ‘Renewable Energy Law’ has been enacted, and it will help to promote the development of wind energy in China.
By He Dexin, President, Chinese Wind Energy Association
- Category: View from Inside
Wind Energy can Cover 16% of Spanish Electricity Demand in 2011
Wind power is the most developed of all renewable energy technologies in Spain. It is also the one that can and should contribute most towards reaching the national objective of covering 12% of primary energy consumption from renewables by 2011. At present the total wind energy capacity installed in Spain is 8,300MW, the second highest capacity worldwide, after Germany. The main reason for this success has been an appropriate regulatory framework, the availability of resources, and the industrial and technical capacity of the Spanish companies.
.
By Fernando Ferrando President Plataforma Empresarial Eólica
- Category: View from Inside
Driving Forces for Worldwide Implementation of Wind Energy
Wind energy is the most successful of contemporary energy solutions. However, new energy solutions depend on appropriate tariff schemes. They are even more crucial than research and mass production for the massive implementation of wind energy. Three countries with guaranteed prices, Germany, Spain and Denmark, represent over 75% of wind energy generation in Europe. When Denmark suspended its guaranteed price system in 2003, the market for new wind power instantly vanished. In contrast, Austria changed to guaranteed tariff schemes in 2003, and the highest European growth rate was immediately observed.
By Preben Maegaard, President, World Wind Energy Association
By Preben Maegaard, President, World Wind Energy Association
- Category: View from Inside
Wind for Africa
Is Africa the ‘Dark Continent’ in terms of installed wind power electricity generation and will it remain so? The well-nursed myth from the past that there is no wind in Africa, especially around the equator, is gradually being blown away. Access to basic, clean and affordable energy services is essential for sustainable development and poverty eradication. Community owned wind hybrid systems can be the starting point for achieving the Millennium Development Goals that prioritise water supply, health, connectivity and education needs. Africa has a large potential for grid-connected as well as stand-alone and mini-grid systems.
By Hermann Oelsner, President, African Wind Energy Association
- Category: View from Inside
Argentina + crisis + creativity = opportunity
Argentina has a unique potential for the exploitation of renewable energies, particularly wind energy. However, the present context of the domestic energy market has discouraged any investment, with even more dramatic consequences in the renewable energies area. This is leading to an inevitable energy provision deficit in the short term. Nonetheless, this critical situation might play in favour of renewables if we take suitable measures.
By Prof. Dr. Eng. Erico Spinadel, President of the Argentinean Wind Energy Association