The driving forces behind community and corporate ownership of wind energy in Europe, with implications for New Zealand

Abstract

This research assesses the mechanisms that have affected community and corporate ownership of wind power in Europe. Community ownership has proven to be a great success in Denmark, Germany, and in parts of the UK. New Zealand could learn much from Europe, as a union with well-established planning and policy systems for wind energy development.

This research begins with a historical review of wind power development and different ownership structures in Denmark, Germany, and the UK. The corresponding renewable energy policies and economic incentives in each case study are assessed to determine if, and how, this has affected community and corporate ownership of wind energy. Local attitudes that affect wind power will also be assessed, followed by an investigation into the planning conditions that affect wind power. Finally, this research will attempt to identify the relative significance of each factor in determining corporate and community ownership. A discussion on the implications for New Zealand wind energy development reveals some potential avenues for, and barriers to, community and corporate ownership of wind farms.