ITALY BOOSTS WIND

Another story coming out of the big wind show in Milan.

Italy seen raising 2012 wind energy target
May 7, 2007 (Reuters)

WHO
Italian Energy Ministry, adviser Gianni Silvestrini
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WHAT
Because Italy has already installed more than 80% of its wind energy goal, it will likely double the size of its ambition

WHEN
Italy had earlier set a goal of 2500 megawatts from wind energy by 2012; In 2006, it produced 2123 megawatts. As a member of the European Union, Italy is committed to the goal of producing 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

WHERE
Italian wind farms
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WHY
Italy’s wind energy production has been growing at a rate of 450 megawatts/year since 2004. Italy’s wind energy stopped 3.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, 15,000 tonnes of sulphur dioxide emissions and saved 10 million barrels of oil. Its 3.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity from wind filled 1% of demand.

QUOTES
Silvestrini: "In my opinion, given the high pace of (sector) growth, we can have at least 5,000 mw…"