The debate, chaired by Eric Prideaux, editor of Windpower Intelligence and Data, brought together Jacopo Moccia, head of political affairs at the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), Michael Hannibal, Siemens CEO Offshore Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Albert Jochems, managing director of Green Giraffe Energy Bankers.
More than 160 people from around the world listened in and contributed questions to the lively debate, which looked at how offshore compares with other energy sources, what will bring down the cost of offshore wind and other key issues central to the economics of wind.
Moccia kicked off proceedings with a provocative presentation that looked at the economics of offshore wind versus nuclear with, as he stated, a back of envelope calculation that he knew would raise some eyebrows. Two listeners challenged his comparative methods.
Hannibal talked about Siemens’ innovations in offshore wind and the German government’s policy on the renewable energy source. He highlighted the hidden and transparent subsidies that exist in energy, particularly when wind is compared with gas, nuclear and oil.
Green Giraffe’s Jochems highlighted the different phases and risks of a wind project and the quality of return that can be obtained from such investments.
Slides are available to download by pressing the attachment button on the webcast.
