European leaders will meet this week to discuss how wind energy can help lead to more jobs and economic growth.
In 2010, the wind energy sector's growth rate was twice that of the European Union's (EU) gross domestic product. Furthermore, although the EU's overall unemployment rate rose between 2007 and 2010, over 50 new jobs were created in the European wind industry daily, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).
‘EU funds must be leveraged – for example, through the European Investment Bank, and by potentially using structural funds – towards technologies that can make a significant and immediate impact on jobs, while reducing Europe's fuel import bill," says Christian Kjaer, CEO of EWEA. "Onshore wind energy offers the greatest short-term stimulus potential, followed by offshore wind energy and investments in electricity infrastructure."
According to EWEA, wind energy and its benefits must be prioritized in the EU's 2014 to 2020 budget – which is currently under discussion – and more research and development funding is needed in order to bring costs down and allow wind energy to reach its potential.
