Webinar in partnership with GWEC and Renewable Energy World
As the world’s attention turns towards the landmark COP21 climate negotiations in Paris later this year, the European wind industry is in a confident mood.
There is now 128.8 GW of installed wind energy capacity in the EU (approximately 120.6 GW onshore and just over 8 GW offshore) and the future outlook is positive. European utilities are making a strategic shift towards renewables, the offshore market is booming with 26.4 GW of consented offshore projects in the pipeline, and the focus on efficiency and innovation is translating into new business opportunities for global wind energy companies.
However, some issues are creating uncertainty in Europe, such as changes to government policies, problems with grid integration, overcapacity, depressed wholesale prices and a weak carbon price signal.
The webcast will contextualise these issues and share best practice on how best to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the European wind energy landscape.
Speakers:
Kristian Ruby
Chief Policy Officer
EWEA
As Chief Policy Officer, Kristian Ruby is in charge of development and implementation of EWEA’s political strategy and all related activities from political advocacy to communication and business intelligence.
Kristian holds a master degree in history and international development. Before joining EWEA, he worked as manager in a consultancy Group and also spent seven years as a public servant in the Danish ministries of Environment and Climate and Energy and the European Commission.
Markus Tacke
CEO
Siemens Wind Power and Renewables
Markus Tacke is CEO of Siemens Wind Power and Renewables Division, the global market leader in wind power technology and services. He is head of a global business that employs more than 12,000 people worldwide and operates major production and research facilities in Denmark, Germany, and the US, with new production sites currently being under construction in the UK and Egypt. With more than 30 years of onshore wind power experience and more than 20 years in offshore, Siemens Wind Power has installed nearly 13,000 wind turbines globally with a total capacity of more than 21 GW, helping to provide the world with clean and reliable renewable energy.
Before being named CEO of the Wind Power and Renewables Division, Dr. Tacke served as CEO of Siemens’ Industrial Power Business Unit. He earned a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering at the Technische Universität Darmstadt, and holds a Master of Engineering degree from Cornell University in (New York).
Moderator: Steve Sawyer
Secretary General
GWEC (Global Wind Energy Council)
Steve Sawyer, Secretary-General of GWEC, has worked in the energy and environment field since 1978, with a particular focus on climate change and renewable energy since 1988. He spent many years working for Greenpeace International, representing the organization at intergovernmental and industry fora primarily on energy and climate issues. At GWEC he is focused on working with intergovernmental organisations such as the UNFCCC, IPCC, IRENA, IEA, IFC and ADB to ensure that wind power takes its rightful place in the energy options for the future; and with opening up new markets for the industry worldwide.
