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| The European Union and Wind Energy |
The European Union (EU) is a leader in the field of renewable energy, and wind power in particular. At the end of 2007, cumulative installed wind power capacity in the EU amounted to over 56,000 MW, with Germany (22,000 MW), Spain (15,000 MW) and Denmark (3,000 MW) leading the way.
Renewable energy plays an important part in the EU’s energy mix. Decisions made at the EU level concerning renewables and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions have a major impact on all the member states' energy policies.
On December 17, 2008, the European Parliament passed the ambitious new Climate Change and Energy package ("20-20-20" climate deal), which mandates that the 27 EU member states derive 20% of their total energy use from renewables by 2020. The agreement further stipulates that CO2 emissions are reduced to 20% below their 1990 levels by 2020. A third requirement seeks to improve energy efficiency by 20%, also by the year 2020.
The renewable energy directive in the Climate Change and Energy package establishes wind energy as an important component of the future EU energy mix. Additionally, it contains long-term planning provisions for expanding current grid capacity as well as reducing administrative hurdles that prevent the development of renewable energies.
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