Europe - Over 100 wind farms open to the public for the European Wind Day 2008

All across Europe, a wide range of events have taken place this week in the run-up to the European Wind Day 2008. Thousands of members of the public have already taken part in activities from exhibitions in Belgian train stations to photo contests in Sweden. The events all focus on how wind energy works and the benefits it brings as a clean and sustainable power source.

The official Wind Day is tomorrow, Sunday 15 June. National wind energy associations are organising events in 20 different countries, and over 100 wind farms are holding open days. Drawing competitions in Bulgaria, regattas and boat-races in Italy and hot-air balloon rides in Portugal are but a few of the activities on offer.

In the UK, 20 venues are being opened up to the public. The European
Wind Day is about "educating people on how wind farms work and how they are helping the UK fight climate change," explains BWEA's Maria McCaffery.

"If every wind farm in the planning system were given the go ahead a
further 5 million UK homes could be powered by green electricity. We hope the success of events such as these will act as a reminder to planners that the vast majority of people think the UK should build more wind farms."

Joanna Trela from the Polish Wind Association agrees: "These kind of
events help the public learn about renewables, which is key for the
development of wind energy in Poland." The Association is organising an educational day at the picturesque Malta Lake on 15 June, with competitions for children and live music.

Charles Dugue from the French association, France Energie Eolienne,
which is organising wind farm open days all around the country, explains why it is so important that the public becomes more aware of the benefits of wind energy: "Over recent years, wind energy has proven that it can make a significant contribution to a new energy mix that is green, sustainable and economically advantageous."

Dr Yannis Tsipouridis, President of the Hellenic Wind Energy
Association (HWEA) in Greece, which is holding contests to design a
wind-powered vehicle and a 1kW turbine, emphasises the point. "The solution to the energy and climate crises which are upon us has a name: wind energy.

Together with the other renewables, improved energy efficiency and energy savings, it can deliver the desired solution and most important of all, it can do it in the time frame required."

To see the interactive Wind Day map and find out what is happening
where over the weekend, see http://www.windday.eu/index.php?id=680.