Introduction to the European Technology Platform for Wind Energy (TPWind)

The European Technology Platform for Wind Energy (TPWind) is the indispensable forum for the crystallisation of policy and technology research and development pathways for the wind energy sector, as well as a new opportunity for informal collaboration among Member States including those less developed in wind energy terms.

Wind energy is the leading renewable energy technology. Given the right support it could provide up to 28% of EU electricity by 2030. However, this target will not be achieved if the sector and policy makers continue to think in the short term. Long-term, strategic action in technology and policy research are fundamental: TPWind facilitates the development of effective, complementary national and EU policy to build markets, and a collaborative strategy for technology development. Its ultimate aim is to achieve cost reductions to parity with the cheapest alternative electricity generation technologies.

TPWind is made up of stakeholders from industry, government, civil society, R&D Institutions, finance organisations, and the wider power sector, at Member State and EU levels. It is unique: the only body with sufficient representation or ‘critical mass’ of wind-specific knowledge and experience to be able to fully understand and map realistic and prioritised pathways for policy and technology R&D, taking into account the full range of sector needs.