Turkish Wind Energy Association carried its intensive activities across Europe on behalf of the wind industry to the European Parliament this time in cooperation with WindEurope.
The meeting titled 'Wind Energy Supply Chain Challenges, Solutions and Alternatives for the EU Region', held at the EP building in Brussels on October 25, hosted speeches in which extremely positive messages were given on behalf of the Turkish wind sector in the near and medium term.
While EU Commissioner for Energy Affairs Kadri Simson noted that they will focus on increasing cooperation opportunities with Turkey, TÜREB President İbrahim Erden pointed out that Turkey can cooperate with the European wind industry with its local wind energy power and alleviate the difficulties Europe is experiencing in terms of supply chain and energy supply problems. "Wind energy market, market size, security of supply, end user benefit both in Turkey and Europe; He gave the message, "We can provide win-win for both Europe and Turkey in all these matters, together with the wind."
Speaking at the meeting, European Union Commissioner for Energy Affairs Kadri Simson stated that Europe has ambitious targets in terms of energy supply security and that EU countries will focus on working closely with Turkey in the field of wind and increasing cooperation opportunities in this field. Simson said, “Wind is a strategic sector for realizing the energy transition. In 2030, wind energy will be the largest source of electricity in the European Union. The European Commission also adopted a new wind package yesterday. “The package reveals six action categories to relieve, support and revitalize wind energy and the industry,” said Simson, providing information about regulations in different areas, from permit processes to competition systems, from access to financing to digitalization.
"Turkish companies are one of the main partners of EU turbine manufacturers," said Kadri Simson, reminding that Turkey has ambitious plans to increase wind power, including offshore, and continued: The Turkish market is very important for EU manufacturers. The Union hopes that the support we provide to EU wind producers will also benefit Turkey. And you know that you can rely on the solid production foundation of a reliable partner.
“We are ready to work with our Turkish partners to overcome the current challenges in this field, facilitate the integration of wind energy and increase production capacity in this field.”
“Europe needs a road map for a new industrial strategy”
Sharing general information about the world energy outlook, International Energy Agency President Dr. Fatih Birol mentioned that Europe now needs a road map for a new industrial strategy. Stating that after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the markets experienced a natural gas crisis with all the shock waves in Europe and beyond in terms of gas availability, gas and energy prices, and are now facing another crisis, Birol said: “When we talk about energy security, our fight against climate change I think it is just as important. Should we seek more oil, more gas, or look at alternatives? In my opinion, wind, solar, hydrogen, nuclear energy, these are all alternatives to have. We should think of wind not just as a means to achieve our climate goals, but as a means to secure our energy resources. Wind will soon surpass other energy sources and become Europe's number one source of electricity generation. If Europe wants to have a competitive position in the next chapter of clean energy technology production, it needs to provide incentives for its industries, just as other countries do. Europe has a very good and advantageous position, but it is time to find a solution with common sense and realistic world policies. Secondly, now is the time to develop the wind industry together with its neighbors and allies to ensure a much faster deployment of wind energy.”
“Turkey's growing renewable sector is a beacon of hope and a model to be emulated.” Speaking at the meeting, Member of the European Parliament Ryszard Czarnecki stated that the European Union is currently under the influence of the winds of change that mobilize “collective commitments for the future” and said: “First of all, The demand for renewable energy, especially wind energy, has increased due to various factors such as disruptions in the global supply chain and the European Union's quest for energy security. At a time when we are experiencing uncertainties, it is very important to recognize the significant impact the Turkish wind industry can have in supporting regional energy stability. Turkey plays an important role in this transformation with its unique geopolitical position that bridges Europe and Asia. As a potential candidate country towards European Union membership, Turkey's participation in the energy transition is of great, indeed tremendous, importance. Turkey's growing renewable sector, including wind energy, provides us with a beacon of hope and a model to emulate.
WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson, who moderated the meeting and said, "If we produce wind energy at home, no one can cause problems," pointed out that if Europe wants to achieve its now very ambitious climate and energy security goals, it needs to expand and improve existing factories and added, "European governments, Europe's He determined that it is very critical for Turkey and Turkey to implement incentives that will support the investments needed to ensure that the wind energy sector has full competitiveness and can grow.
“Türkiye can alleviate Europe's difficulties in supply chain and energy supply”
Speaking on behalf of the Turkish wind industry in the European Parliament, TÜREB President İbrahim Erden said that Turkey, which exports 75 percent of its production in the wind sector, provides approximately 11 percent of its electricity production from wind energy, and that Turkey is the 5th strongest in Europe's wind industry. Stating that it is a country and ranks sixth in Europe with a total wind installed capacity of 12 GW, he said:
“Turkey is a very large market with a population of 85 million and also has a large production potential. In our country, 330 terawatt hours of energy are produced annually. Of this, 35 terawatt hours come from wind and approximately 20 terawatt hours come from solar. And our country does this with a total installed capacity of 106 GW. Of this, wind has already reached nearly 12 GW, bringing our country to sixth place in European wind installed capacity. We predict that our wind energy installed capacity can reach up to 5 GW in 2035 with the licenses given and expected to be given, capacity increases and the targeted 43 GW. New licenses in the sector will play a role in this capacity increase. Turkey also aims to implement projects in offshore wind energy to support this installed capacity forecast.
The winds of change are blowing in the world right now, and we need to achieve the results of this change together. Türkiye is also a versatile country. With local wind energy power, Turkey can cooperate with the European wind industry and alleviate Europe's challenges in terms of supply chain and energy supply issues.
Wind energy market, market size, security of supply, end user benefit both in Turkey and Europe; "Together with the wind, we can provide win-win for both Europe and Turkey on all these issues."