It is known and proven by all that the international situation is shaking the foundations of the wind energy sector in Europe, which has become one of the most discussed topics at the WindEurope event held in Bilbao.
Exhibitions and conferences held by European leaders during the event have made it clear that things must change, since it is unthinkable to continue maintaining a supply chain with the type of pressures that the renewable energy industry is experiencing. As Sheri Hickok, executive director of onshore wind power at GE Renewable Energy, put it, for example: “The state of the supply chain is ultimately unhealthy right now.”
Supply chain issues, inflation and high costs will continue to weigh on profitability, and these issues are likely to once again be the key industry challenges this year. Additionally, supply chain disruptions may become even more significant and prices such as copper, steel and aluminum could rise.
Changes in Europe
The war in Ukraine is also leaving its mark and is giving impetus to the EU’s climate plans by helping to strengthen the European wind industry.
But it is also necessary to create value to ensure that the EU achieves climate, environmental protection and energy objectives. According to WindEurope calculations, the EU needs to install 25 GW of new onshore wind power and 8 GW of new offshore wind power, on average, per year during the 2022-26 period, for the bloc to be on track towards its reduction target. emissions of 55%.
In this sense, and as we have been able to share with many and many of you during the WindEurope event, at Laulagun we believe that it is essential to overcome this situation and reach the objectives set by Europe: to have 450 GW installed by 2030.
But how can we do it? From Laulagun we propose four actions:
- Simplify and streamline permits for the installation of wind farms.
- Achieve the % localization in the auctions, as in other countries, and build 260 GW in 7 years with the EU supply chain that has made the green transition possible by installing 190 GW
- Carry out auctions for generated value and not just for price and, very importantly, combine the energy, economic and industrial objective in the auctions.
- Hydrogen and accumulation are key, which we must support with the current European supply chain in a market that is 85% onshore and 15% offshore.
Time will tell us what the future holds, and what paths the European Commission will take. Meanwhile, we must continue betting on our sector, the wind sector, working to continue offering the best technology.
Thanks to all of you who have shared your time with the Laulagun Bearings team during WindEurope.
