WindEnergy Hamburg
Innovation and co-operation needed to meet ‘almost insurmountable’ wind energy targets
A challenge for the global wind energy industry
The world’s largest gathering of the global wind energy industry, WindEnergy Hamburg, will take place from September 27 to 30, 2022, and the industry is under tremendous pressure to meet ambitious wind energy targets. To combat climate change, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which focuses on energy, aims to increase the global share of renewable energy in the energy mix to at least 20% by 2030 and to 40% by 2040.
Targets far ahead
In 2019, wind power accounted for just over 6% of the world’s energy supply, a significant improvement over previous years. However, reaching the 20% and 40% marks requires exponential growth. WindEurope estimates that an increase in global wind capacity to at least 750 gigawatts (GW) will be needed by 2030, a level not achieved since 2006. This requires, in the words of Dr. Jonas Münzer, Executive Director of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), an ‘almost insurmountable’ increase in capacity compared to historical growth rates.
Innovation: key to success
To meet this unprecedented demand, the industry is looking to innovation. Breakthroughs in design, materials, and construction technologies can help increase turbine efficiency and reduce costs. One of the key drivers of innovation is the continued improvement in wind turbine blades, with larger rotors capable of harnessing stronger winds.
Co-operation: a winning formula
The challenge is too great for individual companies or nations to solve alone. Successful solutions require collaboration across industries and continents. Public-private partnerships and international cooperation have played a crucial role in accelerating wind energy development and should continue to be emphasized. Examples of successful collaboration include joint ventures for offshore wind farm construction, research and development (R&D) programs for emerging technologies, and government support for policy-driven frameworks.
Social acceptability and economic feasibility
Despite the technical and innovation-based advancements, the deployment of wind energy infrastructure remains susceptible to social and economic barriers. Public perception of wind turbines, environmental impact, and noise concerns have historically influenced local support. Companies and governments must strike a balance between technical viability, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility to secure stakeholder acceptance.
Conclusion
The wind energy industry must confront the monumental challenge ahead. Innovation, collaboration, and social acceptance will be the keys to achieving wind energy targets. By gathering together at WindEnergy Hamburg, the industry will reaffirm its commitment to harnessing the power of the wind to drive sustainable growth and combat climate change.
FAQs
What are the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 targets?
The SDG 7 aims to increase the global share of renewable energy in the energy mix to at least 20% by 2030 and to 40% by 2040.
How much wind power is needed by 2030 to reach the SDG 7 targets?
According to WindEurope, global wind capacity needs to reach at least 750 GW by 2030.
What is the primary challenge in meeting the wind energy targets?
Meeting the ambitious wind energy targets will require an ‘almost insurmountable’ increase in capacity compared to historical growth rates.
