All eyes on Denmark

Twenty-five years after the first wind turbine was connected to the Danish electricity network, more than 6000 turbines are today meeting up to 20% of Denmark's electricity consumption. But it has become clear there are too many wind turbines, and the smaller and older units must be replaced by fewer and larger machines. This is the background for today's political discussions on restructuring the wind market, prompted by energy minister Svend Auken (see main article 'Danish market reform'). At this stage the changes are only proposals for political discussion. But the intention is clear: many old turbines are for the chop. Moreover, the proposals are likely to throw a shadow of uncertainty over future investors in Danish wind power. As the world's recognised leader in the field of wind energy, what Denmark does has ramifications throughout the wind power world.