The report explains how an electricity grid in Europe is needed to integrate offshore wind farms into the power system. According to the report, one of the critical parts of the energy solution in Europe will be to integrate 70.000 MW offshore-wind capacity - equal to 70 coal power plants - into the existing electricity grid. This will require a power grid at sea, as there is none at the moment.
"Climate change is the biggest threat we face. It represents a key challenge that needs to be tackled by competitive eco-technologies and help defeat global warming. Planning and preparation must start now if we want to guarantee the construction of an electricity grid at sea. We urge governments to support the planning and construction of an offshore-wind electricity grid within EU waters." says Sven Teske, Greenpeace International energy expert.
Europe is facing a profound transformation of its energy system over the next few decades. In this time frame, governments and utilities will decide on the next generation of power plants, replacing fossil fuels with renewable energies and dramatically increasing energy efficiency.
The Greenpeace report, which was written by Deutsche WindGuard GmbH, shows that wind energy is a critical part of the solution.
"European Governments have to redirect subsides from fossil and nuclear energy projects to offshore-wind energy implementation. These first offshore wind projects are needed to unlock further the cost reduction potential of this new technology. Time is running and the infrastructure must be ready by 2015," Teske concluded.
Greenpeace demands the adoption of ambitious, legally binding long-term targets for renewable energy sources and for the decrease of energy consumption. All subsidies to fossil and nuclear fuels on the EU and member states level should be phased out and redirected to renewable energies immediately.
Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organisation that uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems and to force solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Deutsche WindGuard is an independent service and consulting company for wind energy.
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 6th April 2005
Latest Posts
-
Labour's plan for economic growth must mean green growth – but there is a green skills gap looming
- 5th July 2024 -
As Labour plans to “slash red tape” for economic growth, YouGov poll finds 3 in 5 people want to increase public involvement in planning system
- 28th June 2024 -
Medtronic agrees partnership with IEMA to accelerate skills and standards in sustainability
- 21st June 2024 -
Landmark climate impact ruling for fossil fuel projects, cites IEMA guidance
- 20th June 2024 -
IEMA sets out 18 policy asks for the next Government
- 3rd June 2024 -
New global alliance formed for 25,000 environment and sustainability professionals
- 29th May 2024