More than 900 participants for the world’s biggest wind power convention

Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik today opened the world’s largest ever conference and exhibition on offshore wind power – The Copenhagen Offshore Wind 2005 (COW) at Bella Center. Over the next few days, more than 900 participants will be discussing the perspectives that the market offers for offshore wind power, and some 2,500 guests will visit the exhibition.

 

“Copenhagen Offshore Wind 2005 shows that Denmark is a global centre for offshore wind power. We have 94% of the world market and those who participated from around the world in the introductory visit to the wind turbine park off Nysted have been able to see for themselves that offshore wind power is feasible,” says Bjarne Lundager, Director of the Danish Wind Industry Association.

 

The location of over 100 m tall wind turbines far out in the sea is an enormous challenge – both technically, financially and in planning. But Denmark has shown that it is feasible, and will be sharing its experiences at the conference with experts, authorities and businesspeople from around the world.

 

“This means that the world has opened its eyes to the fact that offshore wind power is a realistic possibility – both technically and financially. We should understand that we must exploit the enormous potential available in this sector. Cementing the Danish wind industry’s leading position requires research, development and demonstration. Land-based wind turbines are already an export success for Denmark, and there is a major potential for offshore wind power,” says Anders Stouge, Director at DI’s Danish Energy Industries Federation.

 

Major projects are on the drawing board around the world – but many of them take a lot of time to realize.

“The majority of countries with plans for offshore projects do not yet have the experience of the administrative procedures that are necessary to plan an offshore project and have it sanctioned. Developing these projects takes a long time. It makes them more expensive and uncertain than necessary,” Lundager says.

 

The Danish Energy Authority has taken the initiative for a political seminar to be held on October 27 in Copenhagen. At the seminar, officials from several EU member states will discuss what can be done politically to promote offshore wind power.

“There is a political will and I have great hopes that the political discussions on October 27 will place focus on several of the barriers that exist when large wind power projects are under development,” says Andes Stouge.

 

The result of the political discussions will be put forward in connection with the Copenhagen Offshore Wind 2005 at the Bella Center on Friday, October 28.

 

Further information:

Anders Stouge, Sector Director, Danish Energy Industries Federation, tel: +45 2949 4674 or Stephan Ghisler, Communication Manager, Danish Wind Industry Association, tel +45 6130 8087