The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has appointed Markus Tacke, CEO of Siemens Wind Power, as its new chairman.
Regarding the appointment, Tacke commented that major challenges to be faced initially will be safeguarding a 30 percent renewables target in the 2030 climate and energy framework to be agreed by heads of state and government.
This will give the wind energy industry a springboard for the post-2020 environment, he said.
Wind turbine installations in the European Union will increase 64 percnt by 2020 compared to 2013 levels, according to EWEA. The association expects wind energy to produce 442 TWh of power, meeting 14.9 percent of electricity consumption in 2020.
Tacke will succeed Andrew Garrad, current EWEA president who has served through 2013- 2014.
Presiding over EWEA has been a rewarding experience and Association has been transformed since office was taken over a year and half ago. That EWEA is held in such high esteem throughout Brussels circles and across Europe, is testament to the strength and fortitude of the organization and industry, said Garrad.
EWEA’s progress will be tracked as the wind energy industry continues to make great and unprecedented strides in Europe, continued Garrad.
Markus Tacke is welcomed as the new chairman. Working with such an experienced individual at a pivotal juncture for the wind energy industry in Europe is a great triumph, said, Thomas Becker, CEO, EWWA, commenting on the appointment.
Tacke has assumed the responsibility of Siemens Wind Power on 1 August, 2013. Since joining Siemens in 1998, he has also served as CEO of the industrial power business unit at the oil and gas division from October 2009. Earlier he was in charge of industrial steam turbines.