Industry organisation the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) says governments need to take dramatic action to scale up wind and renewable energy in this decade, and address energy security and climate crises ahead of  international climate meeting the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties (COP27).

If the world is to get onto a 1.5 °C-compliant pathway (above preindustrial levels) to net zero, yearly global wind energy installations must quadruple to about 390 GW/y by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency and, by 2050, wind energy must generate more than one-third of global electricity, up from 6% today.

“Urgent action must be taken to realise this goal and unleash the full potential of wind technology to provide secure, affordable and clean energy for communities across the world,” it says.

A global coalition of 108 wind energy companies and associations have compiled the Global Wind Energy Manifesto for COP27 to challenge governments to take actions to scale up wind and renewable energy this decade.

“The Global Wind Energy Manifesto for COP27 warns that, while wind energy is one of the most competitive, mature and quickly deployable energy technologies, it needs large, steady and visible volumes for deployment and a robust global supply chain to thrive,” the GWEC says.

This can only be achieved through clear and practical actions set out in the manifesto, including urgently streamlining planning and permitting schemes for grid-scale renewables projects; rapidly building out vital grid infrastructure for integration of clean energy and cross-sector decarbonisation; and evolving power markets to incentivise investment in renewable generation and allowing citizens to benefit from the affordable, secure generation provided, it avers.

“COP27 presents an opportunity for policymakers to come together to deal with these twin crises. The opportunity to draw a line under the unstable and unsecure fossil fuel era is waiting to be seized by leaders around the world. It is time the world welcomed in the renewables era bringing clean energy and clean jobs with it,” says GWEC CEO Ben Backwell.

“At a time when the need for improved energy security and decarbonised economies has been pulled into sharp focus by global events, the industry stands ready to support governments' efforts to deliver, but needs clear and practical action now to realise this potential,” he adds.

The manifesto demonstrates that the wind industry stands ready to work together to achieve the required rapid scale-up of wind installations this decade, and signatories of the manifesto include the largest companies in the sector, as well as the wind industry associations in China, Brazil, South Africa, Europe, the UK, Australia and more.

“The wind industry is already delivering significant growth and benefits to the global energy system on security, cost and climate.

“In 2021, 94 GW of wind energy capacity was added globally, producing around 275 TWh of electricity a year – more than the current annual electricity demand in Australia and enough to displace over one-third of the European Union's imports of Russian gas prior to the invasion.

“However, decisions at COP27 and in the next few years will determine whether the world can leverage wind and renewable energy to get on track for net zero and secure a livable, just and equitable energy transition, the GWEC states.

“Scaling up wind energy is a win-win for people and the planet, delivering lower energy prices, stimulating investment, economic growth and job creation, while helping countries meet their climate targets and supporting secure energy,” says GWEC COP27 chairperson Joyce Lee.

“The tools, technology and know-how are on our side. But policymakers must act now to deliver the secure and clean energy system the world sorely needs. That means urgent action to accelerate renewables, from speeding up permitting of projects to governments providing clear and ambitious timelines on buildout,” she adds.