Many argue that global warming is currently the most important issue we face.   They warn that if we don’t change our environmental policies and energy technologies, we could experience a range of global catastrophes, including rising sea levels, global hunger, degraded water quality, and increased frequency of hurricanes, droughts, and tornadoes.  As a result, this past decade has been characterized by a movement towards cleaner “green” energy.  One type of green energy that has recently gained popularity is wind power.  Wind energy has gained much popularity in Europe, with Denmark leading the world in the production of wind power.  Offshore wind power currently makes up just 0.3 percent of Europe’s electricity use, compared to Denmark’s 4.5 percent of electricity from offshore wind farms.  Although the United States has invested some money in wind turbines and wind farms, U.S. companies have often chosen to invest money towards wind farms in other parts of the globe.  For example, the U.S. Company, GE, has begun investigating in gearless wind turbines that could find an offshore home in Europe.

After hearing an announcement about the North Seas Countries’ Offshore Grid Initiative, it is clear that Denmark and many other European nations have and will continue to put a heavy emphasis on green wind energy and improved electricity markets.  News from the Copenhagen climate summit suggests that there are plans to create a “super-grid” in the North Sea.  The collective effort of nine European nations would allow offshore wind power to easily cross national boundaries.  With the super grid connection in place, Irish wind farms would join forces with continental European countries, including Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, and Norway.  Many are also hopeful that the project could help Europe reach its goal of getting 20 percent of its electricity from renewable resources within the next ten years.  Perhaps we should take notes on Europe’s energy initiative.  It is a global effort, and we need to work together.

Original Article: http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2009-12/european-nations-vow-create-supergrid-sharing-offshore-wind-power