Cross posted from the AWEA Blog: www.awea.org/blog

By Land or By Sea: It’s all about the Supply Chain

Posted: 2011-11-30 Lauren Glickman, Social Media/Online Advocacy Mgr

Day #2 at EWEA Offshore 2011 focuses on potential for job growth

Economic hard times are not unique to the United States; the financial crisis of 2008-2009 and resulting recession have taken their toll throughout the European Union.  In these tough times, the offshore wind industry’s massive supply chain offers immense opportunity for job creation all across Europe.

By the end of this year 4 GW of offshore wind power will be connected to Europe’s electricity grids – but the sector has some way to go if it is to meet its 40 GW target by 2020, just nine years away. Ports, vessels, turbines and cables – are all vital elements of the supply chain that must be boosted in the years to come.

‘The supply chain has to ramp up, but it’s very good at doing that,’ said Colin Morgan from Garrad Hassan, speaking at OFFSHORE 2011 on the launch of EWEA’s new offshore report. It will be developed in time to reach 2020 targets, but having a good supply of high voltage subsea cables is currently a potential obstacle to this, he added. ‘We are concerned that these are not being made’, he said highlighting the opportunities in the sector for new players.

It’s been another busy day so far here at OFFSHORE 2011 in Amsterdam, and today the focus is on audience participation. First up were five of offshore wind energy’s leading manufacturers – Alstom, Nordex, Gamesa, Siemens and Vestas – in the battle of the big turbines.

Each manufacturer outlined the benefits of their future turbines, with the main differences lying in the generators (direct drive, hybird or gear) and in blade length. It was clear that the industry’s leading players are aiming high – at 7 MW machines with rotor diameters of up to 154 meters.

CROSS POSTED FROM THE AWEA BLOG WWW.AWEA.ORG/BLOG

Day 1 at EWEA Offshore 2011: An industry approaching adulthood

Posted: 2011-11-29 Lauren Glickman, Social Media/Online Advocacy Mgr

Despite being over 3800 miles from home, the message I heard at this morning’s opening session of The EWEA Offshore conference sounded very familiar.  The Conference kicked off this morning with over 7,500 key stakeholders descending upon Amsterdam to discuss the pressing issues facing the offshore wind industry in Europe.  EWEA kicked things off by releasing their latest analysis of all existing offshore wind projects in 17 EU member states.

Maxime Verhagen is Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs – and so responsible for energy. In the latest Wind Directions, he explains why his government has cut spending on offshore wind energy.

The Minister starts by re-affirming the Dutch government’s commitment to the European renewables targets for 2020. “To meet these targets the government will stimulate the most cost-effective renewable energy mix”, he says.

He also agrees “on the potential of offshore wind for the Dutch economy”, adding that “The Netherlands has numerous companies with an outstanding record in designing, constructing and maintaining offshore wind farms.”