PWEA Conference - Conclusions

27-04-2009

The IV^th PWEA „Wind Energy Market in Poland” Conference was held on 21-22 April in the Mazurkas Conference Centre in Ożarów Mazowiecki.

The event proved to be an extraordinary success, attracting many interested in the Polish wind energy market. The Conference was attended by almost 700 participants, what compared to the last year’s 450 registered attendees was a great success, further confirming the demand for such events. Among the invited guests were representatives of the Government, the Parliament, scientists, representatives of media and companies interested in rapid development of wind industry in Poland. Honorary patronage of the Conference was assumed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Economy, Mr. Waldemar Pawlak, and Minister for the Environment, Professor Maciej Nowicki.

This year’s two-day event started with the “Market and Policy” plenary session, presided by Mr. Jarosław Mroczek, President of Polish Wind Energy Association, Mr. Arthuros Zervos, President of European Wind Energy Association, and representative of the Government, Mr. Henryk Majchrzak, Ph. D., Director of Energy Department in the Ministry of Economy. During the plenary session current situation of the global wind energy sector was presented, along with the problems faced by it in Poland. Furthermore, solutions and actions implemented by the Government to remove the problems and barriers were discussed. The 10 thematic panels, dealing with a wide spectrum of wind energy issues, hosted more than 40 moderators and speakers. For the first time in PWEA’s history all sessions were recorded to publish fully multimedia proceedings from the event. Participants were surprised with a birthday cake to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Polish Wind Energy Association. PWEA successfully acts to develop the wind energy market in Poland since 1999.

A traditional side event was ceremonial Gala Dinner, held in the evening of the first day of the Conference. The informal meeting is very popular; this year the participants were invited to the Physics Hall of Warsaw University of Technology. The very special setting provided an extraordinary opportunity to establish new relations, exchange experience and discuss current problems of the sector. During the Gala Dinner Secretary of the State in the Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Stanisław Gawłowski, decorated PWEA President Mr. Jarosław Mroczek with an honorary decoration for his services for the protection of the environment and water management.

The next year’s Conference will be held the day before EWEC 2010, organised by European Wind Energy Association in Warsaw. PWEA is co-organising the event. Selection of Poland as a host of this annual event attracting a couple of thousands attendees is a proof that Europe acknowledges the potential of this part of the continent. EWEC will feature a Polish Day in the Hilton Hotel, Warsaw, on 19 April 2010.