WHAT: Texas/European Union Wind Energy Symposium

WHO: The European Union Center at Texas A&M University and partners throughout Texas

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Pebble Creek Country Club in College Station

CONTACT: Ann Klaus, 979.862.6700 http://eucenter.tamu.edu/Events/Content/WE/WE_site.html

Speakers representing government, academia and industry in Spain will provide a firsthand accounting of the benefits of wind energy. The symposium’s main objective is to disseminate information about wind energy as a beneficial alternative energy source.

The presenters will share their knowledge of wind energy in Spain, particularly as it pertains to the State of Castilla-La Mancha. Considerations will be offered for the Texas wind energy strategic plan, based on Castilla La Mancha’s experience. Presenters also will provide technical and operational insights on wind energy including, but not limited to, engineering, infrastructure, financing and environmental impact.

The symposium will provide the basis for potential university, industry and community collaborations in the research and development arena, as well as for resolution of the challenges presented by this source of renewable energy.

U.S. speakers will look at regulatory, infrastructure and workforce issues, and provide a customer perspective. Both groups will also discuss best practices for the Texas wind energy strategic plan and technical and operational insights on wind energy, including engineering, infrastructure, financing and environmental impact.

Organizers say the fraternal partnership agreement between the cities of College Station and Ciudad Real, Spain, which is located in Castilla La Mancha, makes the symposium especially relevant to the local community because of the cities’ similarities, which include city size, roles in hosting a local university and proximity to larger metropolitan areas.