Policy

The opening session will feature keynote speeches from a range of speakers from the EU institutions and Member States, including Andris Piebalgs, EU Energy Commissioner and Andrej Vizjak, the Slovenian Minister for the Economy.
“We want to keep Europe competitive, therefore we need to have affordable and sustainable energy. Dependence on both imported and our own fossil fuels represents a serious problem for our security of supply and hinders us in our fight against climate change. The best way to solve this problem is through technology. We are in the process of changing how we power Europe and we rely on renewable energy sources to make this work.” Andrej Vizjak, Minister of the Economy, Slovenia

This session will be followed by a panel debate which will examine the recently proposed Renewable Energy Directive from a variety of perspectives at both the EU and Member State levels.

More specialised sessions will then consider issues such as national policymaking across the EU, the impacts of globalisation and world markets, raising public awareness and social acceptance, the development of offshore wind power and the integration of wind energy in electricity markets.

As part of the discussion, EWEA will present its new report: ‘Pure Power : wind energy scenarios up to 2030’. The report considers the impact that the necessary large-scale integration of wind into the power mix will have. It presents possible development paths for wind energy in the next two decades and studies the probable effects on electricity, greenhouse gas emissions and the EU economy.



Business and finance

The CEO vision session on the afternoon of the opening day will feature senior figures from key wind energy companies (Vattenfall, Iberdrola, GE Energy, RES, Mainstream Renewable Power and Siemens) discussing their vision for the future of the wind industry.

The launch this year of a new Wind Energy Finance Forum highlights the growing importance of the finance and investment sector in relation to wind power development. These sessions will look at public markets, the financing and risk assessment of wind power projects and the increase of private equity investments in wind farms.

Science

The scientific track at EWEC aims to cover all wind energy related disciplines from the wind resource to the grid, classified into ten thematic areas. Presenters in these sessions will cover a broad range of topics relating to wind energy research, showcasing recent projects and developments in the sector and analysing the results of the latest studies.

“2007 and 2008 represent two extremely fruitful years for the energy sector in Europe and wind energy in particular. Wind energy is expected to play a leading role in both the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) and the proposed renewable energy directive. It is therefore crucial to increase our efforts in the fields of wind energy research, education and training, in which the wind sector has to meet the highest academic standards.” Takis Chaviaropoulos, Chairman of the EWEC Scientific Committee

Technology

The advancement of technology in the wind sector is vital for its continued expansion, particularly given the ambitious renewables targets set by the European Commission. Beginning with a panel discussion between experts from the wind industry, academics and political representatives on the future of wind turbine technology, the track will continue with technical sessions covering a diverse range of topics such as resource assessment, measurement, electrical systems and operation.

The closing session of the conference will feature a keynote speech from Janez Potočnik, EU Commissioner for Science and Research.

“Energy technologies will be crucial to fighting successfully against climate change and securing an energy supply for Europe and the world. Europe's potential for decarbonised energy research is enormous. And the opportunity to be global leaders in low carbon technologies lies in front of us.” Janez Potočnik, EU Commissioner for Science & Research 

In parallel to the conference sessions, the exhibition features over 200 companies from all over Europe and beyond, providing an opportunity to examine the latest technologies and services that will keep wind energy moving into the next generation. Many side events, sponsors’ receptions and social events will also take place, providing ample opportunities for meeting and networking, information-gathering and keeping up to date with the latest political and industry developments.

Side events include a site visit to C-Power’s farshore wind farm in progress in Oostende, a Meet the markets event and the Windskill session. Social events include the welcome reception, beer and prosecco parties and the conference dinner.

For more information, please visit www.ewec2008.info. 
To see the conference programme, click here.

Job Fair at EWEC 2008

As part of its annual European Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition (EWEC), EWEA is holding a specialised job fair to promote employment in the wind industry. Taking place on Wednesday 2 April from 09:00 – 17:30, the job fair will bring together potential employers and employees.

The event is targeted at skilled students and professionals looking to boost their professional career. Over 30 companies have confirmed their presence so far, including Electrabel, Gamesa and Siemens Wind Power.

Attendees must be registered for EWEC as a conference delegate or exhibition visitor in order to access the job fair. Attendees can also have free access to the Wind Skill side event, which is taking place on Wednesday, 2 April, 14:00-15:30 at Brussels Expo in the side events room.

The Job Fair is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Employment and Patrimony, Wallonia region; EAWE, the European Academy of Wind Energy; EDORA and ODE Vlaanderen; the Flemish Ministry of Employment and Social Economy and the Flemish Public Employment Service (VDAB).

Register for EWEC 2008

For more information on the job fair, contact Luisa Coll. Email: [email protected]