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Danish wind exports up in 2009

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With an aggregated export of DKK41.7 billion (> €5.6bn) in 2009 the Danish wind industry maintained the high export figures from record breaking 2008 despite the financial crisis.

“We have maintained the high export figures from the record breaking 2008. Today, the Danish export of wind power technology accounts for 8.5% of the total Danish exports as compared to 7.2% 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 <link http: www.windpower.org _blank>Danish Wind Industry Association.

“Looking ahead the industry expects employment rates to increase by 8% 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.”

Positive future for Danish wind

The wind industry expects Denmark's ‘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% 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,” Hylleberg says.

“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% wind power by 2020 will drive the technology development forward.”

Today, wind power accounts for approximately 20% of the country's electricity supply. According to the Danish Wind Industry Association, this could increase to 50% by 2020.

“A national target to realise 50% 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.

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