IEA Energy Technology Perspectives 2008

06 June 2008
The International Energy Agency (IEA) today released their report 'Energy Technology Perspectives 2008'. The 650 page document responds to the G8 call on the IEA to provide guidance for decision makers on how to bridge the gap between what is happening and what needs to be done in order to build a "clean, clever and and competitive energy future". The IEA analysis demonstrates that technology is the key to achieving a more sustainable energy future. This innovative work demonstrates how energy technologies can make a difference to an ambitious series of global scenarios to 2050.

Technology Roadmaps. The study contains technology roadmaps for all key energy sectors, including wind energy (Chapter 3) as well as other forms of electricity generation, buildings, industry and transport. Pp 138 & 139 contain the 'Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy' roadmap. The roadmap identifies the key RD&D and Deployment priorities for wind energy.

RD&D. Key recommendations are contained in Chapter 4. "Public RD&D spending today at approximately $10bn a year, is at about half the level it was 25 years ago. Although governments have made commitments to increase public investment in energy RD&D, this has not yet materialized" .

Wind Energy. Chapter 10 "Although wind power is increasingly commercial much RD&D remains to be done if wind is to deliver its full potential to provide ample electricity supply in a carbon constrained world. Priority areas include resource assessment in complex terrains and production forecasting. Storage, grid integration, power system design and regulation are also important research areas". This finding corresponds with that of the recently released US DoE 20% wind energy study

Electricity Systems. Chapter 13. "The characteristics of the electricity system can significantly affect the cost of emission mitigation options. Investment costs for transmission and distribution systems are of a similar magnitude as production plant investments."

IEA Energy Technology Perspectives 2008 press release and link to web site

WEICan contact for additional information:
James Glennie
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