Wind power - 04/11/2012

Spain is the sixth largest country in wind patents, according to the UN

Spain ranks as the sixth largest country in the area of generated intellectual property (patents) for the wind sector, behind countries like the U.S., Denmark and Germany. The data were provided by the United Nations (UN).

On the other hand, the Spanish Wind Business Association (AEE) reminded how according to the R&D+i Survey from the Spanish wind sector in 2010 published by the consulting firm Altran, the wind companies in Spain invested annually in R&D around 140.3 million euros (figures from 2008). "This figure is not negligible considering that the coverage of the electricity demand in Spain for electricity coming from a wind source is above 12%," says Altran. Apart from these 140.3 million euro, we should also add €49.2 million from public investment (this figure is an estimate, since it is difficult to separate the different technologies projects) coming from universities and R&D+I centres, which brings the total to €189.5 million.

The private sector is focusing its investment efforts on developing market-oriented technology products involving a cost reduction and improved product reliability. On the other hand, public bodies, mainly universities, emphasize projects related to environmental improvements and the social impact of the wind. In addition, future challenges such as offshore wind or the standardization of components are priorities for this sector, but not for the administration.