The need for urgent action is being hammered home by daily front page headlines highlighting the reality of the looming energy and climate crisis: “Stern action needed on climate change to avoid overwhelming economic consequences” and “Russian oil and gas supply disruptions threaten relations”. The European energy story is at a crossroads. Key decisions need to be taken now, and these will have an enormous impact on our energy future. If we do not take action, Europe will continue down the same route, accepting increasing energy costs for consumers, increasing geo-political risk, energy dependence, pollution and climate change damage. We should take action and implement an effective roadmap for a new energy future, with a strong focus on renewable energy, leading to a truly secure, sustainable, indigenous and competitive energy supply at predictable low cost.

EWEC 2007 is the ideal forum to present and discuss wind’s role in the future energy mix

Arriving from all corners of Europe, wind energy actors are meeting at EWEC to identify the actions required to re-shape the European energy mix and discuss the role that wind energy can play. The conference will showcase to decision makers and key industry figures the two options detailed above: ‘Action’ or ‘No Action’, and conclude with a concrete ‘call for actions’, detailing the necessary roadmap to a new energy future. The European Wind Energy Conference will analyse and debate the steps required for meeting a large part of European electricity needs by wind power. These include stable political frameworks, upgrading the existing power infrastructure to incorporate wind energy, taking steps to continue cost reductions, increasing both on and offshore wind production and intensifying research, innovation and technological progress in the wind sector. The conference will also discuss ways to reduce legislative barriers and maintain public awareness.

EWEC 2007 is the must attend “Annual General Meeting” for all wind energy professionals

The 2007 event brings together over 3,000 key players from the wind and electricity sectors for 4 days of intensive networking, new business development and information exchange. The conference programme this year includes over 500 confirmed oral and poster presentations and 9 parallel workshops on all aspects of the wind and electricity sectors. The 40 sessions cover a huge range of topics, providing relevant and up-to-date information from the world’s leading experts. A parallel Exhibition with over 200 of the leading wind energy companies is the perfect place to examine the technologies, hardware and services that keep wind energy moving.

EWEA celebrates 25 years powering change

The founding objectives of EWEA, written 25 years ago state: “Raise the level of cooperation between Europe’s wind power organizations and spur international awareness of the potential of wind energy,” and these are still at the core of EWEA’s activities today. However, the sector has come a long way in a quarter of century – Wind power is now mainstream. The annual EWEC event plays a crucial role in reinforcing wind’s position within the energy mix of tomorrow and further secures EWEA’s position as the voice of the industry for both the business and research sectors. Finally, I would like to thank all the sponsors, the Italian Ministry of Environment, the European Commission, the International Energy Agency, Italian wind and renewables associations (ANEV and APER) and the Expo Eolica event for their support, and the European Academy of Wind Energy for the development of the comprehensive scientific programme.

Welcome to Milan for Europe’s premier wind energy event.

-Peter Ahmels