Wind energy: climate solutions in action, 11 December 2015
Accelerate the energy transition
More than ever, swift action to fundamentally transform national energy systems and scale-up investments in renewable energy is essential. The power sector is the largest single contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Action here can make global emissions peak and, then, decline. While urging policymakers to act, the latest IPCC Synthesis Report has stated clearly that the technologies to decarbonise power systems are available. It also highlighted that it is cheaper and much more cost-effective to accelerate the energy transition instead of delaying action. Wind energy, the most efficient solution to emission reductions in the power sector, demonstrates that combining decarbonisation and economic growth is entirely feasible.
Wind energy, a leading solution
As a mainstream technology, wind energy is already the largest source of electricity in several countries. As the cost of wind energy has dropped significantly, it is already the lowest-cost form of new electricity generation in many places around the world. Wind energy’s characteristics – providing clean energy, being cost-competitive, reducing energy dependence and creating local growth and jobs – have proved that it is and will be a leading solution in the transition to a renewable energy supply. Wind energy will lead renewables’ growth over the coming years. According to the Wind Energy Outlook, by 2030, wind power could supply between 17% and 19% of global electricity demand and help save over 3 billion tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Social and economic benefits for growing economies
While wind energy is powering homes and businesses with affordable energy around the globe, it also provides socio-economic solutions to growing economies by accelerating rural electrification, reducing poverty and developing communication infrastructure. Wind energy is capable of helping governments bring more prosperity and welfare to their people. Many countries across the world have started down a path to a wind energy supply that provides affordable energy and solutions to their social and economic challenges.
Acting now makes economic sense
A new global climate agreement, to be concluded in Paris in 2015, will mark the start of a fundamental transition in the energy sector. The wind energy industry understands the scale of this opportunity and is ready to engage with all parties to go all-in and power global solutions. Acting now makes economic sense and, therefore, political leaders need to take responsibility, recognise the availability of key climate solutions such as wind energy, and act accordingly.
The wind industry now calls on all parties to:
- Recognise the huge opportunities and benefits that renewable energies have on energy systems and offer businesses, the economy and society.
- Submit ambitious Intended Nationally Determined Contributions and translate these into long-term national frameworks that can be a catalyst towards a business environment that drives investments in wind energy.
- Engage with public and private investors in the process of creating and implementing the countries’ Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.
- Work towards a meaningful price of carbon that factors in externalities and sends the right price signals to drive investments in the transition of the energy sector.
- Foster cooperation between public and private investors through partnerships that enjoy governmental, institutional, and structural support.
- Promote policy options that encourage the deployment of resources and capital to support the industries of today and tomorrow.
Signatories
Austrian Wind Energy Association (IG Windkraft)
Brazilian Wind Energy Association (ABEEólica)
Canadian Wind Energy Association (CANWEA)
Chilean Association of Renewable Energy (ACERA)
Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association (CREIA)
Chinese Wind Energy Association (CWEA)
Clean Energy Council (Australia)
European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)
French Wind Energy Association (FEE)
Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)
Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA)
Japan Wind Energy Association (JWEA)
Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA)
Korean Wind Energy Industry Association (KWEIA)
Mexican Wind Power Association (AMDEE)
New Zealand Wind Energy Association (NZWEA)
South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA)
Ukrainian Wind Energy Association (UWEA)
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