Australia is blessed with natural resources and has made significant progress in the use of renewable energy, particularly wind power. Some states have already achieved, or are on track to achieve, 100% renewable power, with wind a major contributor.


Jarra Hicks is Director of the Community Power Agency and has been involved in the development of wind projects. She explains the opportunities and challenges of the Australian wind energy market and how greater community engagement could help accelerate the development of Australia's wind and renewable energy market.

Sweden was one of the first countries to embrace modern wind technology and is now one of Europe's most dynamic wind power markets, with one of the highest installed capacities per capita. Blessed with an abundance of wind resources, the country is rapidly increasing its share of wind power and citizens and businesses are benefiting from lower electricity prices.

Pakistan has become an important market for wind energy. In recent decades, the country has experienced major challenges with its electricity supply and wind power appears to be a perfect solution to meet the country's energy needs. Pakistan is also dependent on imported and expensive fossil fuels, which pose a problem for its economic development. 



Mirza Muhammad Umer is Senior Business Development Manager at Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind and has been involved in the development of Pakistan's wind power sector for almost a decade. He explains why, more recently, both residential and industrial consumers are playing a driving role in the development of renewable energy in Pakistan. Several wind farms are now supplying power directly to businesses, providing them with a stable and affordable supply of electricity.

Spain has played a key role in the development of modern wind power, as one of the world's largest wind power markets and by contributing to the development of modern wind technology. The country has an abundance of wind resources which, together with solar and other renewables, can provide more energy than Spain needs to meet its domestic demand.

Blessed with natural resources, especially wind and sun, the Republic of Korea is one of the most technologically innovative countries. Modern wind power started more than 25 years ago and several of the country’s major companies have invested in developing wind technology. 



The country has big ambitions, particularly in the offshore sector, but currently has a modest installed capacity of 2 Gigawatt. A lack of comprehensive policy and social integration are major barriers to wind power investment, while the country's industry has a huge demand for climate-friendly energy. 



Choong-Yul Son, a retired professor, is one of the early pioneers of wind power in Korea and has been instrumental in establishing some of the key organisations promoting wind power in Korea and beyond. He explains the current challenges and prospects of the Korean wind energy market.

The world's first documented wind generator was installed in Austria in 1883, and now, more than 140 years later, wind power plays a crucial role in the country's electricity supply, providing 12% of the country's electricity. The country has excellent wind resources in both the mountainous and eastern parts of the country and is aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Martin Jaksch-Fliegenschnee, spokesman for the Austrian Wind Energy Association (IG Windkraft), and Stefan Gsänger talk about the current challenges facing wind energy in Austria, as well as the opportunities and prospects. What is the role of the Austrian manufacturing industry and how important are community-based wind developments?

In 20 years, China has become the world's largest wind power market, adding nearly 80 gigawatts of new wind capacity last year - two-thirds of the global market. The country has managed to build a strong domestic supply chain that is also internationally connected. Wind power now accounts for around 10% of China's electricity generation and will play an even more important role in the future.

Yu Guiyong heads the international department of the Chinese Wind Energy Association and talks to Stefan Gsänger about the history, achievements, current challenges and future prospects of the Chinese wind sector. What needs to be done for China to reach the 3000 gigawatt target and what role can Chinese companies play in the global development of wind power?

With the growth of wind turbines, small wind – wind turbines with a capacity of below 100 kW – has become its own market segment. After some challenging years, small wind turbine have now established themselves as an important element of the future renewable energy power supply system.

Ulrich Høgenhaven, managing director of the small wind manufacturer Viking Wind, talks to Stefan Gsänger about the business opportunities for small wind turbines. Where does small wind stand today, what are the challenges that the industry is still facing and how does Viking Wind address the requirement of its clients?

India is now the largest country on the planet, and it is blessed with natural resources. The South Asian country was one of the first to embrace modern wind power, building a domestic wind industry driven by many small and medium-sized enterprises, some of which have become global players.

As an entrepreneur and treasurer of the Indian Wind Power Association, Dr N. Karunamoorthy talks to Stefan Gsänger about the historical development of wind energy utilisation, the main drivers, key players, economic opportunities and regulatory barriers. How is wind power helping India to become an economic superpower?

Canada is one of the largest countries on the planet, and as such is blessed with natural resources. During the 20th century, however, the country began to exploit its fossil energy resources and has become one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases per capita.

However, the country has already made good progress in harnessing its vast renewable energy resources, notably wind power. What is the status of wind power in the Canadian provinces, what are the main barriers and opportunities? What role can remote communities and urban centres play in a renewable energy powerhouse?