Each new wind turbine built in Europe generates €10 million worth of economic activity, according to a European industry network.
A new report by WindEurope also says investing in wind energy will help Europe’s economic recovery from the impacts of the Corona-19 virus pandemic.
The report says wind energy is generating 300,000 jobs in Europe and contributes €37bn to EU GDP every year.
It says that if governments fully implement their national energy and climate plans (NECPs), Europe will have over twice as much wind energy capacity as today by 2030.
It says that in this scenario, there would be 50% more jobs in wind by 2030 – as in a total of 450,000 employed.
It says wind energy would constitute 30% of Europe’s electricity consumption, up from 15% today, and it would be contributing €50bn to Europe’s GDP.
“But as they stand, the NECPs will struggle to deliver this,” the report says, as the plans “give insufficient visibility on when and how governments will auction new wind farms”.
“And they fail to simplify the process of getting permits for wind farms. If this doesn’t improve, Europe will not have enough new wind, and will actually lose 20,000 jobs compared to today,”the report says.
“Investing in wind energy will help Europe’s recovery,”it says and “each new turbine installed in Europe generates on average €10m of economic activity”.
“This is spread across the 248 factories in Europe that produce turbines and components – and all involved in planning, construction, logistics and R&D,”it says.
“Expanding wind energy will also help Europe strengthen its global leadership in wind. 5 of the world’s top 10 turbine manufacturers are European – and collectively they have a 42% global market share,” it says.
Wind farms benefit those who live near them, it says.
“Wind energy pays €5bn in taxes across Europe every year, often directly to deprived rural municipalities. Many wind farms also make direct payments to communities and local organisations, offer benefits-in-kind, and in many cases, communities participate in the ownership of the local wind farm,” it says.
WindEurope describes itself as “the voice of the wind industry, actively promoting wind power in Europe and worldwide”.
It has over 400 members, active in over 35 countries, extending from wind turbine manufacturers to component suppliers, research institutes, national wind and renewables associations, developers, contractors, electricity providers, finance and insurance companies, and consultants.
“Wind Energy and economic recovery in Europe – How wind energy will put communities at the heart of the European recovery”.