General – politics
The video message from Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, European Commission, opened the political panel during the Opening Session at ElectricCity2021 with a very clear message: the EU wants 1000 GW onshore wind and 300 GW offshore wind by 2050.
EU Green Deal must be delivered cost-effectively and jointly, sharing best practices on permitting and cooperating in cross-border wind and grid projects.
Tinne Van der Straeten, Federal Minister of Energy, Belgium said: “Wind energy means independence. To be resilient on high energy prices and external shocks we need to invest more in renewables. Belgium will continue to push offshore wind innovations.”
Claude Turmes, Minister for Energy and Spatial Planning, Luxembourg: “There is much we can do about rising energy prices. Don’t mess with the market arrangements! Speed up renewables, build interconnectors for offshore wind and use CfDs to stabilise prices.”
Andreas Feicht, Secretary of State in the Federal Ministry for the Economy and Energy, Germany: “There is a huge demand for wind, investors and capital are there but we need to bring people together and create acceptance for more wind and digitalise permitting authorities.”
Most of the European countries were represented during the Opening Ceremony. Unfortunately, the Dutch government was conspicuous by their absence. Most probably they had more important things to do.
