Photo: Freepik
Global Wind Day, celebrated every year on June 15, was first marked in 2007 as a joint initiative of WindEurope and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). The European Union will need more than 200,000 trained workers in the wind energy sector in the future, which is why this year’s focus of Global Wind Day is on the people who work in the industry.
Global Wind Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of wind as a renewable energy source and its role in reshaping energy systems, decarbonizing the economy, and tackling climate change. The event is celebrated through various activities around the world, organized by international organizations, national associations, and companies operating in the wind energy sector.
Wind energy is now one of the most affordable forms of power generation in large parts of the world. In 2023, global wind energy capacity exceeded one terawatt. Last year alone, a record-breaking 127 gigawatts were added. According to the Global Wind Report published by GWEC, the countries with the most newly installed capacity last year were China, the United States, Brazil, India, and Germany.
The use of wind energy dates back to ancient Egypt. The first modern wind turbines were installed around four decades ago, standing 120 metres tall and placed on land. Today, the tallest wind turbine is fixed to the seabed and is 260 metres tall. Innovations in turbine technology have advanced to the point where we now have floating wind turbines, and soon, offshore wind catchers may become a reality.
Wind industry employs 370,000 people in Europe
This year, Global Wind Day shines a light on the people working in the wind industry. Around the world, children and adults alike are exploring how wind energy works, its potential to change the world, and the job opportunities it offers.
Today, wind farms produce around 20% of Europe’s electricity. The EU aims to increase this to 35% by 2030 and over 50% by 2050.
Currently, the wind industry in Europe employs 370,000 people – a number that could reach 600,000 by 2050. However, a major challenge lies ahead: Europe will need to train more than 200,000 workers to meet the growing demand in this field.
Share your experience in wind industry on Instagram and TikTok
Last year, the #WorkingInWind campaign was launched to raise awareness about the wide range of jobs available in the wind sector. This year, the goal is to inspire younger generations to pursue careers in wind energy.
An impressive 91% of Gen Z use Instagram, and 86% are on TikTok. Many turn to these platforms not only for news but also for inspiration and discovery.
WindEurope and GWEC have invited all current professionals in the wind industry to join the campaign by sharing stories about their career paths – how they got started, what they do, why their work matters, and what a typical day on the job looks like.
According to the campaign guidelines, the story should be shared on the mentioned social media platforms in the form of a photo with text or a short video, using the hashtags #GlobalWindDay and #WorkingInWind.
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