Danish wind industry maintains high export figures in 2009 despite financial crisis

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 02:07

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With an aggregated export of 41.7 billion kr. (exceeding 5.6 billion euro) in 2009 the Danish wind industry maintained the high export figures from record breaking 2008 despite the financial crisis. The wind industry exports account for 8.5 per cent of total Danish exports in 2009 compared to 7.2 per cent in 2008. "We have maintained the high export figures from the record breaking 2008. Today, the Danish export of wind power technology accounts for 8.5 per cent of the total Danish exports as compared to 7.2 per cent in 2008. The industry has felt the financial crisis because the markets were depressed resulting in lower employment rates," says Jan Hylleberg, CEO of The Danish Wind Industry Association and continues: "Looking ahead the industry expects employment rates to increase by 8 per cent in 2010 to a total of approximately 26.700 employees. Thereby half of the workplaces lost in 2009 will be recreated, and it is most gratifying that the companies expect to reemploy as many people." The wind industry expects the Danish nearby markets to grow from 35 GW at present to a minimum of 117 GW by 2020 equivalent to a growth by more than 10 per cent a year.

"The Danish companies are well prepared to turn the great potential on the nearby markets in to good account. The potential in northern Europe both onshore as offshore is great and commercially unexploited. If we come to a decision in Denmark as to the national 2020 extension plan, the technology development taking place among Danish companies will be strengthened. Denmark has always been a front runner regarding next generation turbines, components, and grid. A decision to develop the energy system enabling us to integrate 50 per cent wind power by 2020 will drive the technology development forward," says Jan Hylleberg.

Today, wind power accounts for approximately 20 per cent of the Danish electricity supply. The Danish Wind Industry Association has shown how 50 per cent of the electricity can be supplied by wind power by 2020. "A national target to realize 50 per cent wind power by 2020 will, apart from a certain market potential, pave the way for technology development among the Danish companies. The technology development will take place among manufacturers, suppliers, and utility companies and also provide an interesting possibility to exhibit Danish competencies to the benefit of the Danish industry, exports, and employment," concludes Jan Hylleberg.