One of the most interesting observations from the EWEC conference is that several European countries are still suffering from feeble-minded governments. This results in a lack of decisions about support for sustainable energies in general and wind energy in particular. Governments in Italy, the UK, the Netherlands and others are hesitating. That is, not only about supporting schemes, but also about compliant procedures, grid connections, the organisation of infrastructure, and a lot of other aspects essential for wind farms.

And yet, even in these countries, investors, project developers and the wind energy industry are very active. It makes you wonder: “What do the stakeholders need governments for?”

Of course the industry knows these governmental hesitations must be temporary hiccups. The long term line can only be one way: upwards. Still, governments are crucial to define the gradient of this line. They are the only ones that can level the disadvantages that wind energy experiences today.  Fossil fuels are still subsidised, while fossil fuels should be taxed or fined because of their environmental impact. So, support systems for renewable alternatives are still needed.

Maybe even more important to the business cases of wind power developers are flexible procedures, the grid connection and long-term security of policies and measures – no matter what the policies are.

Nevertheless, the EWEC conference more and more resembles a real trading floor, instead of a conference and exhibition. Project developers are queuing up for interesting sites, (preferably including a construction consent). And of course they need to buy turbines too.

Rolf de Vos

Chief Editor

GreenPrices Newsdesk