Europe
Solar Power
Wind Energy
Geothermal Energy
Biomass
Other
As a result of broad 2001 renewable energy reforms, EU countries have been striving to increase Green Energy production to approximately 12.5% of the EU’s energy consumption. Many countries in the union are implementing FIT programs and other policies favoring clean energy production.
Germany has pledged to obtain 35% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, using FIT programs and other preferential policies that encourage energy diversification. Germany is notably the world leader in solar energy output. As of 2010, Germany was also the wind energy leader throughout Europe. Shosha are involved in numerous green energy projects here, with one operating a solar energy plant in Betzweiler, and another providing investment dollars to a local solar power system integrator.
Also making strides is Spain, overtaking Germany in late 2010 as the EU’s king of wind power. The 2007 introduction of a FIT program for solar energy also spurred almost instant growth in that field, and plans are well under way for a variety of large-scale solar panel fields – a trendy solution for countries with enough available land. Japanese Shosha are helping out on the Spain front, with investment dollars making possible a solar power plant on Tenerife Island and another in Cordoba. A Shosha also operates a separate solar power plant in Catalonia.
Demand for Green Energy in Italy has lead to grant money being funneled into various solar power system projects. Shosha are facilitating this process with investments to solar power system integrators.
Offshore wind turbines, too far removed from civilization to create noise pollution problems, are proving more and more popular, especially in England. The country plans to reach a capacity of 32 million kW of offshore wind power by 2020, reaching a total of 30% of all power consumed. A Japanese Shosha is working very closely with a local power company to invest in the Gunfleet Sands offshore wind farm.
Finally, Portugal represents the EU’s most well-suited location for solar power, with comparatively longer daylight hours than other union countries. Shosha are preparing to lend a hand here, too.
France, Norway, Greece and the Czech Republic also represent areas of Shosha activity. In general, Shosha are most heavily involved in solar projects around Europe, with a fair number of wind power projects also completed or underway.
The IEA points out that deserts the world over, from the Sahara to parts of Italy, offer up the perfect location for the effective deployment of solar panel fields. The agency is currently conducting studies in regards to this. The so-called “Mediterranean Union”, which overlaps with some member nations of the EU, is currently planning to increase solar power capacity to 20 million kW by 2020.
