RenewableUK reveals plans for Global Offshore Wind 2012 event
This year is guaranteed to deliver another record for the United Kingdom's offshore wind sector. By the end of 2012 the country will have 3.2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind, delivering three per cent of the nation's net electricity - and in the process retain the gold medal for being world leader in offshore wind.
It is thus fitting that 2012's key world-wide offshore wind conference and exhibition is held at London's EXCEL arena, within reach of the capital's Olympic Stadium.
RenewableUK's Global Offshore Wind 2012 will bring together delegates from across the world, competing to develop the technology and supply the burgeoning offshore wind market. It will give the audience the opportunity to see what makes the United Kingdom so successful in developing this exciting new sector.
The UK has gone from two experimental near shore wind turbines in Blyth Harbour in 2001 to 487 turbines today in the Irish and North seas. But, this is just the beginning: as our most recent study of projects in construction and planning indicates, we can expect 8GW by 2016 in this country alone, and across the European Union a total of 40GW by 2020. This is sufficient capacity to supply the total electricity needs of the Netherlands and Ireland combined.
There is little doubt that offshore wind holds tremendous potential to power Europe and the world. 2012 will be a year of rapid progress.
To use another sporting metaphor, next year offshore wind in truly coming home. To mark the occasion RenewableUK has a limited number of tickets for sale at an early bird discount rate.
It promises to be the event of the year in London... except, of course for the Olympics.
Nick Medic is director of offshore renewables at trade association RenewableUK
This post is hosted in association with RenewableUK and the Global Offshore Wind 2012 event
