Report set to encourage wind development

Although Finnish interest in developing wind power is growing, large developments are being hindered by complex subsidy and planning issues. "There is too little state money available for these projects and the licensing process is too bureaucratic," said Åsa Nystedt, a renewable energy adviser with Motiva. The company was commissioned by the ministry of economy to produce a report outlining Finland's wind power potential and the conditions needed to encourage private investment. "There are few wind projects being built in Finland at present," says Nystedt. "When they are, they tend to be small, expensive and often unprofitable."