Day of the Wind: Potential of wind energy for climate-neutral energy future
On June 15 on "Wind Day", the importance of wind power is to be highlighted worldwide. Unfortunately, the current framework conditions for the expansion of renewable energies are not sufficient to comply with the Paris Climate Agreement. A good energy example would be so close: wind turbines.
The Day of the Wind should not only be about beautiful clouds. Already 14 percent of European electricity consumption was covered by wind energy last year (source: IG Windkraft). This makes wind energy the strongest of all renewable energy forms and one of the biggest contributors to compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement. The Day of the Wind on June 15 is intended to draw attention to this importance worldwide.
Wind turbines cover 11 percent of Austria's electricity demand
Last year, 1,313 wind turbines in Austria generated as much environmentally friendly electricity as more than 1.9 million domestic households consume. These wind turbines can generate around 7 billion kWh annually. This is equivalent to 11 percent of the entire country's electricity demand and 4.3 million tons of CO2 that can be avoided (source: IG Windkraft). Most of the newly installed plants have a capacity above 3 MW, which corresponds to an annual production of over 6 GWh.
In contrast to photovoltaic systems, wind turbines are not yet profitable for private individuals.
In Austria, as in Switzerland, the full potential of wind power has not yet been exploited. In a European comparison (cumulative capacity of wind power plants in GW), Austria ranks only 14th, while Germany is in first place (source: WindEurope).
Great potential for business location
"Compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement is not realistic with the current framework conditions at European and Austrian level," states energy expert DI Dr. Roland Kuras. "Stronger incentive strategies must be put in place here to increase the expansion of renewable energy and equally to increase energy efficiency."
Setting the right framework provides positive effects not only from an ecological but also from an economic point of view. This is shown by a Investigation by fourteen scientists from LUT University and Energy Watch Group. According to the study, a complete phase-out of fossil fuels by 2050 is realistic with a wind power share of 32 percent in Europe. The researchers see another advantage in the fact that 1.5 million new jobs would be created.
The Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG), which is currently being planned, is to decide on the expansion and promotion of wind power, photovoltaics, biomass and hydropower. Its appraisal has been postponed until further notice.
Technologies in demand especially for wind power storage
"Austria now has the chance to establish itself as an international know-how platform together with other European countries by sensibly expanding technologies related to wind power," Kuras adds. This also includes the demand for new storage technologies such as the storage of wind via hydropower plants, power-to-gas or battery storage.
More info in the video "Wind Energy Simply Explained
