Title: Renewable energy technologies and the European industry

Authors: Mark Whiteley, Mike Bess

Addresses: Energy for Sustainable Development (ESD) Ltd., Overmoor Farm, Neston, Corsham, SN13 9TX, UK. ' Energy for Sustainable Development (ESD) Ltd., Overmoor Farm, Neston, Corsham, SN13 9TX, UK

Abstract: The European renewable energy industry has the potential to be a world leader. This has been achieved within the European region for specific technologies, through a set of policy activities at a national and regional level, driven primarily by employment, energy self-sufficiency and industrial competitiveness. Using the experience gained in recent years, European industry has the opportunity to continue to expand its horizons on a worldwide level. Through the use of the SAFIRE rational energy model, an assessment has been made of the future penetration of renewable energy within Europe and the effects on these socio-economic factors. In conjunction with these outputs, assessments of the worldwide markets for wind, photovoltaics, solar thermal plant and biomass have been assessed. A case study of the Danish wind industry is used as a prime example of a success story from which the learning opportunities are replicated to other industries, so that the European renewable energy industry can achieve its potential.

Keywords: renewable energy; wind; solar; photovoltaics; biomass; market drivers; employment; security of supply; industrial competitiveness; Europe.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2000.004432

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2000 Vol.14 No.1/2/3/4, pp.331 - 347

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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