BERLIN, Dec 05, 2007 -- PR Newswire Europe

If Europe wants to meet its 20% binding target for renewable energy by 2020, it must increase its use of offshore wind, delegates heard today at the opening of the Offshore Wind Conference in Berlin, Germany.

Two concrete steps towards large scale deployment of offshore wind were taken this morning: the European Commission announced an offshore action plan for 2008, and regional cooperation was promoted through the signing of a trilateral offshore research agreement by Germany, Sweden and Denmark.

The 2020 energy target could mean 34% of electricity provided by renewables, according to the European Commission. Wind energy can produce 12% of total electricity - equivalent to more than a third of the electricity target - but only if offshore wind is developed.

In response to the 2020 target, the wind industry has put together a series of policy recommendations for large-scale deployment of offshore wind in the coming 13 years. EWEA launched this new publication, entitled 'Developing Offshore Wind Power in Europe', at the opening session of the conference. One key recommendation was the call for a European action plan for offshore wind which was then confirmed by the Commission. Others included establishing stable, long-term markets for offshore wind, increasing research and technological development, improving grid integration and facilitating efficient planning procedures. EWEA's report estimates that, if barriers are removed, up to 40 GW of offshore wind energy could be operating in the European Union by 2020, supplying 4% of Europe's electricity.

Speakers at the conference opening session featured prominent political and industry players...

To read the whole news release please click on http://www.eow2007.info/index.php?id=30

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