EWEA events, WW200806
Over 100 wind farms open to the public for the European Wind Day 2008
All across Europe, a wide range of events took place for the European Wind Day 2008 on Sunday 15 June. Thousands of members of the public took part in activities from exhibitions in Belgian train stations, photo contests in Sweden and drawing competitions in Bulgaria to boat-races in Italy and hot-air balloon rides in Portugal.
National wind energy associations organised events in 20 different countries, and over 100 wind farms held open days. The events all focused on how wind energy works and the benefits it brings as a clean and sustainable power source.
In the UK, 20 venues were opened up to the public. The European Wind Day is about “educating people on how wind farms work and how they are helping the UK fight climate change,” explains Maria McCaffery, CEO of BWEA.
“If every wind farm in the planning system were given the go ahead a further 5 million UK homes could be powered by green electricity. We hope the success of events such as these will act as a reminder to planners that the vast majority of people think the UK should build more wind farms.”
Joanna Trela, Managing Director of the Polish Wind Association, agrees: “These kind of events help the public learn about renewables, which is key for the development of wind energy in Poland.” The Association organised an educational day at the picturesque Malta Lake on 15 June, with competitions for children and live music.
Charles Dugué, President of the French association, France Energie Eolienne, which organised wind farm open days all around the country, explains why it is so important that the public becomes more aware of the benefits of wind energy: "Over recent years, wind energy has proven that it can make a significant contribution to a new energy mix that is green, sustainable and economically advantageous.”
Dr Yannis Tsipouridis, President of the Hellenic Wind Energy Association in Greece, which held contests to design a wind-powered vehicle and a 1kW turbine, emphasises the point. "The solution to the energy and climate crises which are upon us has a name: wind energy. Together with the other renewables, improved energy efficiency and energy savings, it can deliver the desired solution and most important of all, it can do it in the time frame required."
To see the interactive Wind Day map and have a look at photos of the different activities that took place, click here.