Global Wind Day 2009
Tens of thousands of people the world over celebrated the enormous benefits of wind power on Global Wind Day this year. From China to the Czech Republic, over 300 events and wind activities were organised in 35 different countries around the official Wind Day date of 15 June to spread the positive message about wind power.
For the first time, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) joined forces with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and many national wind energy associations to coordinate Wind Day events across the globe, expanding from the pan-European events held in 2007 and 2008. From wind farm open days, conferences, exhibitions, workshops and information days to regattas, sporting contests and theatre shows, there was something for everyone, everywhere.
For a full report of all the activities that took place during the Global Wind Day click here.
Quotes
Wind energy is a driving force for climate protection, economic development and the creation of future-proof jobs. The Global Wind Day 2009 demonstrates the enormous potential of wind energy to the public.”
Sigmar Gabriel, Environment Minister, Germany
Europe has a golden opportunity to develop a green economy which will boost the economy overall and build new jobs. Europe has already an advantage in terms of technological know-how and it needs to continue this technological leadership, but also to provide political and market stimuli.
Swedish Energy Minister Maud Oloffson
"I congratulate the wind energy community on its initiative to increase public awareness on the need to develop the inexhaustible renewable energy sources. I urge young people to demand from their parents environmentally responsible attitude."
President of the Greek Parliament and Ex-Development Minister Sioufas, Greece
“The Administration is working to keep and consolidate the leadership of the Spanish Wind Energy sector. […] The contribution of renewable energies to the Energy mix in 2009 will be higher than 25 per cent”
Pedro Luis Marín, Secretary of State for Energy, Spain
"We are very open and very supportive to the wind energy industry, we try to find the balance between giving support to new energy sources and mixing it with the already existing ones"
Tudor Serban, Secretary of State in Energy, Romania
"The IWEA’s assessment that wind energy can become a significant employer here in Ireland is absolutely correct. We have the will and the resources to achieve this. […] On this Global Wind Energy Day, it’s clear that Ireland can and will be an international leader in wind energy."
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan TD, Ireland
