Strong opposition for new criterion wind turbines in German State

A new proposal from the government of Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) has stirred up quite some opposition. Plans are to demand a distance of at least 1500 meters between a new turbine and the nearest building. NRW was one of the most favorable wind energy states in Germany until now. Peter Ahmels, chairman of the German Wind energy association Bundesverband Windenergie, warns that renovation of existing wind energy sites with larger turbines will become very difficult. By approving the proposal, the government will risk that the strong wind energy industry in NRW will ultimately leave, says Ahmels in the BW magazine.

Belgian certificates for solar

Belgium will apply some changes in support measures starting Jan 1st 2006. Certificates for solar kilowatt-hours will be valued at 45 Eurocent/kWh (three times the present level), while investment subsidies will decrease from 50% to 10%.

Renewable energy in France

Although nuclear energy remains to be the primary energy source in France, the country has also announced plans to enhance renewable energy. Prime Minister De Villepin announced a 50% subsidy on solar water heaters, tax incentives for high-efficiency boilers and tax credits for low-emission cars.

Nine 50 MW solar power plants in Spain

Last week, the Spanish energy company Iberdrola announced the development of 450 MW solar thermo-electric systems. Nine projects of 50 MW each will be built across the country.