How and why did the wind-turbine industry in Denmark become so strong Essay

How and why did the wind-turbine industry in Denmark become so strong - Essay Example Short term goal for 2020 is to achieve a 15% renewable energy component in the over all energy mix in the country. Replacement of existing facilities with import substitution and self reliance, and  de-carbonizing  the atmosphere to ward off extreme climatic changes are among other priorities. These goals for 2020 and 2050 can be met better by Offshore Wind Power Projects. The option to go for increased production of renewable energy sources will also help curtail the dependence on fossil fuels, and help meet the government’s goal of energy security and reliability. U.K.’s predominant position in the World as a major off shore producer of renewable energy will further facilitate this change. Export Income (GBP  8Million) and local employment generation (up to 70,000) are by-products of this initiative, (Connor, 2003). At the same time, a stable regulatory regime is a must for the fulfillment of these expectations. Support to investors in the prevailing uncertain e conomic conditions is another prerequisite.    Awareness of the potential of the Offshore Wind Power Resources to serve the Environmental  Ã‚  goals and the thrust towards developing these has to be tempered with a concern for its impact on the other users of the Sea and Coastal environment and for the purpose of sustainability. The existing capacity of 8GW energy production of Wind Energy in the country was sought to be raised by 25GW in 2007. The impact of this policy was reviewed later through a Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) and concerns about adverse impacts on other energy systems addressed through mitigation measures, (Connor, 2003). Incentives for investment and innovation underpin these efforts in the energy sector. Consistent with the findings of the SEA review referred to above, the UK government has now decided to go  Ã‚  ahead with Round 3 to grant leases for locations for Wind Power facilities in the Territorial  Ã‚  Waters and Economic Zone of U.K and Wales.  There is no denial that the work in this segment is good for the Environment and Economy of  Ã‚  the U.K.    2.0 Fast Market Growth of the Wind Power Sector    From the days of tiny wind power units in farms, to the current stage of giant wind farms with utility level capacity for massive energy generation, the development of wind energy technology has helped bring down the cost of production. The cost in areas with good wind speeds compare well with the cost of  Ã‚  generation  Ã‚  in new plants using other conventional generation methods, (Porter, 1998). At this rate, within this decade wind power is poised to become the cheapest energy source.  Further reduction in costs will call for massive increase of capacity and a corresponding  Ã‚  growth of this particular energy market. New large capacity generators are being installed in Germany, Denmark, Spain, U.K., India, China and the United States.                3.0 UK Case Study    Following its acceptance of the European Union target of achieving a 20% renewable energy component in the overall energy consumption as power and heat, and in transport, U.K. is committed to enhance its production of offshore wind energy. From consultations made by the U.K. Government in 2008, numerous measures have been initiated to achieve the goal. On shore and off shore wind energy will make up 30-35 % of the over all increase in production.