I just returned from some international wind meetings in Europe with a fresh perspective on how our industry is viewed overseas. Here are some insights I brought back:
The Global Wind Energy Council, the Brussels-based organization that serves as a gathering point for the wind industry worldwide, plans a significant role in the global climate conference in Copenhagen in December. They want to make sure that conference participants are aware of the important role wind energy can play in reducing climate change--producing electricity while emitting no CO2 or other pollutants.
AWEA made a commitment to support the global efforts of the industry and will be working closely with other wind industry trade associations to deliver a positive message in Copenhagen. AWEA also volunteered to host the next meeting of the GWEC on September 24, 2009 in Washington, DC. This is part of AWEA’s overall plan to contribute to the future work of the GWEC, playing an active role in policy development as well as communications and outreach.
It is clear to me that the booming U.S. wind industry has much to learn from our European counterparts, who have been at this business longer. So AWEA has been reaching out to component suppliers in Europe, not only to participate in the US market, but also to look for partnerships with American manufacturers who wish to expand into the wind energy market. European companies can bring technological and production expertise to our industry.
Representatives from state economic development offices were also in Marseilles searching out opportunities. For example, my home state of Oklahoma was exhibiting at the European Wind Energy Association meeting for the first time. At the same time, we found European companies very interested in opportunities in the U.S. wind market, and even in the details of legislation in Washington designed to promote renewable energy. Wind power is clearly a global business. |
