The European Union’s Green Deal charts a course towards a climate-neutral future. However, recent events like the war in Ukraine highlight the need for secure energy supplies. Europe’s energy policy must provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy for its citizens and businesses.
The Green Deal’s transition to a sustainable and circular economy requires replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources. Energy-intensive industries are crucial to this shift.
Europe boasts a strong and innovative industrial base. It provides high-quality jobs, reliable and sustainable products, and respects human and social rights. However, this base needs modernization to thrive in a climate-neutral future. Focus on electrification, efficiency, and circularity will ensure a healthy European economy.
Wind power is central to achieving these goals. Already accounting for 20% of European electricity consumption, wind is a strategic resource for industry.
Chemicals, steel, aluminum, copper, and cement are all vital parts of the wind supply chain. Europe needs strong energy-intensive industries to support the massive expansion of renewables. Ideally, materials and equipment for energy infrastructure would be produced in Europe, requiring globally competitive clean energy and access to raw materials.
Current policies fall short in enabling Europe to meet these needs. Energy-intensive industries have faced production cuts due to the energy crisis. Addressing this challenge is crucial for a new European Industrial Deal.
Faster deployment of renewables will bring lower energy bills for consumers. The International Energy Agency reports that without wind and solar capacity growth between 2021 and 2023, electricity prices would have been significantly higher.
Combining the Green Deal with an Industrial Deal empowers industries to decarbonize while remaining competitive. This strategy provides regulatory stability and fosters prosperity.
Industry leaders across various sectors voiced strong support for a complementary Industrial Deal:
- WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson: “Europe’s wind industry is key to delivering clean energy and supporting other industries. The Green Deal needs an Industrial Deal to help industries decarbonize through electrification.”
- Cefic Director General Marco Mensink: “A successful Green Deal requires strong partnerships across value chains. Cooperation between wind and other energy-intensive industries is crucial for emissions reduction.”
- CEMBUREAU CEO Koen Coppenholle: “Cement is vital for wind turbine construction, and renewable energy is essential for our net-zero goals. Cooperation between these sectors strengthens EU industrial policy and decarbonization investments.”
- EUROFER Director General Axel Eggert: “Wind and steel exemplify circularity in decarbonization. A strong Industrial Deal ensures the competitiveness of all our key industries.”
- Eurometaux Director General Guy Thiran: “A thriving wind sector is essential for Europe’s metals industry. Close value chain partnerships will help us emerge stronger from the energy crisis.”
Europe’s clean energy future depends on balancing environmental goals with a robust industrial base. By working together, Europe can achieve a sustainable and prosperous future.
