Wind energy

Investments in the development of sustainable energy are investments in our economic future, our human environment and in a reliable energy provision at stable prices in the long term. Wind energy is one of the most important forms of sustainable energy that can be used on a large scale. Consequently, wind energy can make a substantial contribution to the provision of sustainable energy.

Wind energy is a clean form of energy that does not involve the emission of CO2 or any other pollutants that are typically associated with fossil fuels (coal, gas or oil) and nuclear energy. The energy payback time – the time that is needed to generate the level of energy that was used to create a wind turbine – is approximately three to six months. Apart from being clean, wind energy can reduce the Netherlands’ dependency on the import of gas and oil from other – potentially unstable - countries and regions of the world.

In addition, the supply of wind energy is inexhaustible and freely available. The locations at sea in particular offer great advantages. By way of illustration, the global potential is double the expected electricity demand in 2020. This enormous potential and continuous improvement of its competitive advantage against other energy sources makes wind energy one of the vital alternatives for fossil fuels when the economic extraction of these fuels is no longer viable. Consequently, wind energy will increasingly contribute to a sustainable future.

To achieve this objective, a clear, constant long-term policy is required that supports the controlled, uninterrupted development and growth of the onshore and offshore wind energy capabilities in the Netherlands.

Other sources of information

www.offshorewindenergy.org
www.awea.org
www.ewea.org
www.bwea.com
www.canwea.ca
www.wwindea.org