Major players in the wind sector have published a statement that highlights wind energy’s ability to play a leading role in economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic
The statement says governments should introduce clear criteria that investment schemes for public and private bodies are built upon the principle of ‘no harm’ for society and the environment.
The statement calls on governments, intergovernmental bodies, and global lending institutions to put wind energy investment at the centre of their economic recovery and growth plans by taking key actions outlined in it.
The statement highlights key actions policymakers can take to put investment in wind energy at the centre of economic recovery and growth plans with three overarching themes: investment for a sustainable and resilient future; an enabling environment for clean energy; and empowerment of people to drive the energy transition forward.
Global Wind Energy Council chief executive Ben Backwell said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has had unprecedented social and economic impact around the world, and how we recover from the crisis depends on the actions we all take over the coming months.
“We have the opportunity to ‘re-build back better,’ help kick-start sustainable economic recovery, and build the energy infrastructure of the future.
“Young people in particular will bear the financial, social, health and environmental costs of the stimulus plans now being designed, and carry the debt associated with this spending, so we must make sure they are able to benefit from today’s decisions.
“At the same time, governments should establish a principle of ‘no harm’ for economic stimulus spending and ensure that this does not go towards reviving fossil fuel industries which need to be phased out to achieve the energy transition and head off the threat of dangerous and irreversible climate change.”
WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson said, “The long-term impact of Covid-19 depends on the political action we take now.
“In Europe, the Green Deal offers a route to economic recovery. Jobs, growth and sustainability – a clear vision for all countries to pursue. Governments should align their recovery packages with climate goals and invest in the job-creating potential of onshore and offshore wind. Their economies will bounce back stronger and more resilient”.
The statement has been signed by the major corporates in the wind sector including Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, Iberdrola, Mingyang Smart Energy, MHI Vestas, Acciona, Nordex, ReNew Power, EDPR, ZF, Ørsted, Goldwind and Envision.
It has also been signed by wind and renewable energy associations such as WindEurope and many national associations.
The full statement can be found here. Versions of the statement are also available in Chinese, French, and Spanish.
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