In terms of job profiles, the report shows that turbine manufacturers are the main employers, with 37% of all direct jobs, followed by component manufacturers and project developers. Where the Member States are concerned, currently 75% of all direct wind energy jobs are to be found in the three 'pioneer' countries of Denmark, Germany and Spain, but other countries, such as France, the UK and Italy are now beginning to catch up.
"'Wind at Work' reveals the vast potential of the wind energy industry as a source of employment that can bring real long-term benefits to European economies," said Christian Kjaer, EWEA Chief Executive.
Wind energy can give a huge boost to economic welfare, offering greater energy independence, lower energy costs, reduced fuel price risks, improved competitiveness, technology exports and new jobs. "Wind at Work" focuses on just one of the many economic benefits of the industry, revealing the full extent of the effect that supporting and developing wind energy has on employment in the EU.