The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has published a report highlighting the largely untapped opportunities which could be unlocked by wind energy in a group of developing economies between 2022 and 2026.
The report, Capturing Green Recovery Opportunities from Wind Power in Developing Economies, was written in collaboration with BVG Associates and focuses on how Brazil, India, Mexico, the Philippines and South Africa can unlock economic growth and recovery through wind power.
The report includes five case studies demonstrating a scenario in which policy support of wind deployment could give rise to employment and socioeconomic benefits. The emphasis is on policy commitment in order to mobilise the investment needed.
Ben Backwell, GWEC CEO, said: “The transition to clean energy is a key priority for Indonesia’s G20 presidency this year, and this report shows the scale of opportunities at stake: a transformed world delivering jobs for people, value for economies and zero emissions, helping us all reach net zero.
“Policy commitments, investment in the expansion of grid and transmission infrastructure, as well as simplifying the permitting schemes for renewable energy projects are the common recommendations across each country studied in this report. Addressing these barriers proactively, in coordination with the wind energy industry and other relevant stakeholders, can support the accelerated deployment of wind energy and a green recovery in emerging economies.
“The time for action is now, and governments need to use forums such as the G20 to turn promises, targets and ambitions into decisive interventions that provide the foundations for local communities and the private sector to make the energy transition a reality.”
Key report findings include:
• The total upside for green recovery measures across the five countries examined in the report includes 2.23 million jobs over a 25-year lifetime of wind projects
• Brazil could create an extra 575,000 jobs over wind farm lifetimes if it opted for a green recovery over a business as usual approach,
• India could save an extra 229 million metric tons of CO2e over the lifetime of a wind farm – around 25 years – while also creating more than a million green jobs,
• Mexico could more than double its projected carbon emissions equivalent saved by replacing fossil fuel generation if it pursued a green recovery approach for wind energy,
• South Africa the coal to clean journey could deliver an extra 250,000 jobs and more than $10 billion gross value added to the economy over 25 years,
• The Philippines could see more than $1.1 billion of gross value added to the economy, with more than 1,650 MW of wind installations completed under a more ambitious approach.
Mike Blanch, Associate Director, BVGA Associates, said: “Our work with GWEC shows how wind energy can deliver a green economic recovery and cheap energy. The report includes recommendations on how to strengthen policy, transmission and permitting to create jobs and establish local supply chains.”
Read the full report.
