Index assessment reveals most favoured spot for wind development

Spain has the most favourable conditions in the world for wind energy and renewables development, according to Ernst & Young's latest Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index. The index assesses each country's regulatory infrastructure, planning and grid issues, and access to finance. Spain's rise to the top of the wind index from fourth place in February is due to a decline in the US and German scores. The US's lower ranking results from a new offshore element to the Wind Index in which it performs poorly. Germany's lower rating is due to reduced availability of financing. Jonathan Johns from Ernst & Young says the UK has slipped from first place in February to second in October due to the uncertainty over the market for Renewables Obligation Certificates beyond 2010, which has led to lower prices on power purchase agreements. While Spain tops the onshore wind index, however, the UK comes top of the offshore index.