The presentations will provide vital input to the recently proposed renewables legislation. They will highlight the important role wind energy can play in combating climate change, limiting dependency on fuel imports, promoting jobs and economic growth in Europe, whilst providing secure and affordable energy.

EWEC 2008 will be chaired by EU Commissioner for Energy Andris Piebalgs, who will give the keynote speech to all participants on Monday, 31 March at 10:00 in the Brussels Expo conference centre. Other confirmed speakers for the opening session are:

• Andrej Vizjak, Minister of the Economy, Slovenia
• Paul Magnette, Minister for Climate and Energy, Belgium
• Manuel Pinho, Minister of Economy and Innovation, Portugal
• Britta Thomsen, Member of the European Parliament
• Georg Wilhelm Adamowitsch, European Coordinator for connections to offshore wind power in northern Europe
• Arthouros Zervos, President, European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)

“The current climate change debate is an important catalyst for a complete transformation of the European energy market. Europe's amazing technological potential in renewable energies can make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. I am convinced that Europe must seize this opportunity – it is imperative that we act, for both ecological and economic reasons. EWEC 2008 is the perfect platform to discuss these issues and I am proud to participate on behalf of the host country”, said Paul Magnette, Minister for Climate and Energy, Belgium.

EWEC 2008 will bring together over 4,000 decision-makers and key players from the wind energy and electricity sectors, who will debate challenges and opportunities for wind energy during four days of intensive networking, business development and information exchange. New for this year is a Wind Energy Finance Forum, which will complement the traditional policy, science and technology tracks.

Alongside the conference sessions, a parallel exhibition will feature over 200 leading companies involved in wind energy. EWEC 2008 provides the ideal opportunity to examine the latest technologies, hardware and services that will keep wind energy moving into the next generation. Furthermore, for the first time EWEC will provide the opportunity to discuss face to face with wind energy companies about a career in the sector. 30 companies will welcome students and job seekers at the specialised job fair on Wednesday, 2 April, 09:00-17:30.