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29.11.2017

NEW REPORT: LOCAL IMPACT, GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

The European wind industry contributed €36bn to the EU’s GDP in 2016, supports 263,000 jobs and generated €8bn of exports outside of Europe.

These are the main findings of a new report, “Local Impact, Global Leadership” carried out by Deloitte for WindEurope and on 28 November 2017 at the WindEurope 2017. The report also outlines what the wind industry saves Europe in terms of reduced fossil fuel imports (€32bn from 2011-2016) and CO2 emissions (166 million tons of CO2 in 2016) and what it contributes to government tax revenues (€4.9bn in 2016).

The report shows how wind energy creates value not only for the wind industry but for the wider economy. Every €1,000 of turnover generated in the wind industry generates €250 of economic activity in other sectors such as metals, chemicals, electrical equipment and machinery, construction and engineering. Much of the industry and supply chain is located in economically less-advantaged areas. And it brings quality jobs to those areas: 82% of the 263,000 jobs are high-skilled.

Wind farms also bring direct benefits to the communities where they’re located, whether through local citizens sharing the revenues through community ownership or the operators paying local taxes to the town or district authorities.

“Wind is a smart choice for the economy. It’s a European industrial success story. But it’s at risk. Clear and ambitious targets and policies are essential to sustain the jobs and growth our industry supports,” said Giles Dickson, WindEurope CEO.

“Renewable energy policy means industrial policy – wind energy is making major contributions to economies on a national and international level. The main requirement for the wind industry and green, sustainable growth in Europe is a stable, reliable and long-term political framework post-2020. Visibility is crucial to industrial planning. When we see significant volumes in a market or a region, we invest in the supply chain as it provides economies of scale,” said Hans-Dieter Kettwig, Managing Director, ENERCON.

“The challenges of climate change, energy security and Europe’s industrial stability are more intense than ever before. Wind power is an important part of the solution as it has already soundly proven – locally and globally”, said Markus Tacke, CEO, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy