Inaugural Wind Industry Forum sells out

The inaugural Wind Industry Forum in Melbourne was a sellout, with 200 industry professionals attending to hear insights from leading experts.

David Green, Clean Energy Council chief executive, says the turnout shows the industry potential that is poised to be unlocked once the legislated review of the Renewable Energy Target is completed.

“The current review of the Renewable Energy Target is making it difficult to get finance for major projects due to the uncertainty created by that process,” Green said.

“The strong attendance and engagement levels at the 2014 Wind Industry Forum clearly show that this is an industry that is hungry and ready to get down to business.

“Those attending were clearly passionate about ensuring they have the latest technical expertise at their fingertips so they can build cutting-edge wind projects to the highest possible standards.”

Clean Energy Council Wind Directorate Chair Ken McAlpine said the Wind Industry Forum was “a great event for us all to develop our ability to deliver high-quality projects in a safe and efficient way”.

“The wind energy industry has come a long way in Australia in a relatively short time, but we can always learn more from each other and that is what the Wind Industry Forum is all about,” said McAlpine, who is also director of public affairs at Vestas.

Delegates heard lessons from offshore wind farms that can be applied to the onshore variety, as well as sessions on special audible characteristics.

Green says the Renewable Energy Target has already delivered more than $18 billion in private investment, with another $18 billion projected if the policy can be locked in and allowed to continue delivering renewable energy at the lowest possible cost to Australia.

“Producing power from our world-class sunshine, wind, waves, hot rocks and bioenergy resources makes sense to most Australians. Multiple opinion polls have shown that more renewable energy is something people across all political parties want,” Green said.