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17:45 (CET)

That's it for today. There will be more tomorrow, where Vestas and GE will be among those with announcements to make.

17:10 (CET)

Just doing the rounds and someone not too distant from the Enercon stand mentioned the company is gearing up to launch a new turbine, the E92. It has a 2.3MW capacity and is probably going to be launched at Hanover.

1620 (CET)

Just had meeting with GE general manager Europe Stephan Ritter and product manager Vincent Schellings. Spoke about the GE 4.1 offshore trial and the launch of the 1.6MW turbine in Europe.
Referring to the trend for larger turbines both offshore and onshore, both made the point that efficiency and reliability were more important than capacity.

In terms of news stories, GE also announced installations of its 2.5MW series had reached a worldwide capacity of 2GW. Additionally, it is launching the first order for the 1.6MW turbine in Turkey for the Fina
Enerji's Tayakadin wind project in Istanbul. The project has a 49.6MW capacity.

14.40 CET

Just videoed an interview with Siemens Wind Power CEO Felix Ferlemann. He spoke about lessons that could be learned from the automotive sector (he previously headed up the chassis division of Benteler Automotive) such as using fewer platforms across its range of turbines.

Additionally, Ferlemann spoke a little about Siemens' plans for the low wind sector with a new turbine launch that is due to happen at this event. (click image to view interview).

13.15 CET

News from a press conference with Oettinger. Again he referred to member states not playing a part in supporting renewables. He also warned there was not only a danger to their own markets but that this policy of reducing support could be exported to other countries. He hinted there was a strong chance new legislation would come in stopping member states from 'chopping and changing' subsidies. He said the challenge, in these economically troubled times, was that renewables were seen as a nice to have rather than a must have.

12.00 CET

Ewea has released its 'Green Growth' report. Obviously falling in line with key points from this morning's presentation about the industry's contribution to the economy and fears about cost cutting. Key facts include:

• The wind sector contributed EUR32 billion to EU GDP in 2010.
• The sector's contribution to GDP grew by 33% from 2007 to 2010.
• It created 30% more jobs from 2007 to 2010 to reach nearly 240,000. By 2020 this figure should reach 520,000.
• A net exporter of EUR5.7 biilion of goods and services in 2010.

11.20 CET

Just met with Gamesa marketing director Juan Diego Diaz who spoke about both Gamesa’s latest 2MW turbine, the G114, which is designed for low wind speeds. Diaz said the turbine was going to play a large part in the company’s aim to reduce the cost of energy by 30% by 2015. He also said he was on target to lower it by 20% next year.

"The target with the G114 is to put it to the market without the need for subsidies."

Gamesa is also planning presentations on its offshore programme later today and tomorrow. Diaz spoke about plans to install the first version of the 5MW turbine in the Canary Islands next year. He said the Chesapeake, Virginia, operation with Northrup Grumman was proceeding well but was unable to give any further details.

Below is a short film from the event for those who can't be there.

11.00 (CET)

Beyond the usual talk about the environment and the need for green energy, all of the speakers highlighted the need for innovation and investment.There were also warning about wind and renewables being the first target of any austerity measures.

Here are some key points from the opening presentation.

EWEA CEO Christian Kjaer spoke about strength of Denmark's wind industry, crediting policy stability and support from the Danish royal family.

Danish prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt spoke about the Danish govenment's plan to deliver half of its energy from wind by 2020. She added a word of warning about austerity measures, "There's a danger that long-term objectives will give way to short-term goals. But my government believes its about job creation in the short term and the environment in the long term."

European energy commissioner Gunther Oettinger,  spoke about the importance of investment and targets but pointed out there were many member states who were failing in their aims. 

Siemens Wind Power CEO Felix Ferlemann, warned about "stop and go subsidy schemes."

The programme started at 9.00 CET with an opening session featuring Danish prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, European energy commissioner Gunther Oettinger, Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark, EWEA president Athouros Zervos and, chairing the conference, Siemens Wind Power CEO Felix Ferlemann.

Live coverage from the event by