Europe’s wind industry is well-versed in community engagement and has a track record in bringing employment and social benefits to populations close to projects. But developers still face opposition and frequently suffer setbacks, a problem that could mean renewable energy targets are missed if lawmakers fail to act
Wind developers are getting inventive with schemes to improve community acceptance, but they need help with regulations
BACKYARD BRAWLS Despite major outreach efforts by developers, wind projects still face opposition
LOCAL HERO An increased focus on the economic and social benefits of nearby wind projects can help bring the locals on board
KEY QUOTE We only want to build projects in areas where we have local support ...
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Denmark's "sunshine island" is taking its efforts to become carbon neutral beyond wind energy. Experiments with solar technologies are directed towards achieving heating, cooling and electricity generation from a single source of clean energy.
The idea the transition to a clean energy economy should also be as fair as possible to everyone has, until now, been seen by many as a nice to have. Andrzej Blachowicz and Julie-Anne Hogbin from Climate Strategies argue developing countries in particular can achieve greater and more inclusive climate action by placing the just transition at the heart of their climate plans
Placing wind and solar photovoltaic facilities on the same site may sound attractive in theory, but the reality is more complicated and many experts suggest this will only make sense in a limited number of cases
Upgraded emission reduction goals are important. But crucially tools and policies decide whether the wind sector can unlock its full potential, says WindEurope’s Giles Dickson
Denmark’s offshore wind tender model is being looked to as a shining example of how to drive down cost through proactive government action. Others may adopt the market model, too.
The new rules may cause “more work and more risk” for developers
Europe’s electricity industry is decarbonising at an increasing pace, with the rise of renewables and drop in coal-based power generation. But progress on the ground will be bigger once the remaining barriers are removed, argues Eurelectric’s Kristian Ruby