Long-term Research and Development Needs for Wind Energy for the Time Frame

The Implementing Agreement This report on long-term R&D needs for wind energy was produced by the Implementing Agreement for Cooperation in the Research and Development of Wind Turbine Systems (IEA R&D Wind), which forms part of a programme of international energy technology collaboration which is undertaken under the auspices of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The IEA is the energy forum for 25 industrialised countries established in 1974. Its mission , as adopted by Energy Ministers of IEA countries in their Shared Goals in 1993, is to create conditions in which the energy sectors of their economies can make the fullest possible contribution to sustainable economic development and the well-being of their people and of the environment. Research, development, and market deployment of new and improved energy technologies and international cooperation , including industry participation and cooperation with non-Member countries, are an essential part of the shared goals. The IEA R&D Wind Implementing Agreement, begun in 1977, has provided a flexible framework for cost-effective joint research projects and information exchange on wind energy for the past 25 years. The basis for the IEA R&D Wind collaboration is the national wind energy programs of the Member countries. By participating in IEA R&D Wind, Members exchange information on the planning and execution of national large-scale wind system projects and undertake collabora-tive R&D projects approved as annexes to the original Implementing Agreement. The activities of national programs and of the collaborative R&D projects, called Tasks, are reported each year in a 200-page Annual Report that is provided to Members for their distribution. Overall control of information exchange and the R&D Tasks performed under Annexes is vested in the Executive Committee (ExCo). The ExCo consists of a Member and an Alternate Member from each Member country that has signed the Implementing Agreement. Collaborative Research Each Task is managed by an Operating Agent, usually one of the contracting parties to the IEA R&D Wind agreement. Participants in a Task sign an Annex proposal agreeing to contribute funds to support the work of the Operating Agent and, often, to perform specific tasks in their own laboratories. The technical results of Tasks are shared among participating countries. Each participant receives results from the effort of five to ten participating research organizations—a very good return on investment. In 2001, Members of the IEA R&D Wind Agreement were working on five Tasks. Several additional Tasks are being planned as …