Wind Power

The Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) chief executive Ben Backwell and researcher Kevin  Winter join the Wind Power podcast to discuss the rise of misinformation and disinformation around wind power, and how misleading claims are shaping public debate about the sector.Backwell explains why false narratives about wind power continue to circulate and how organised disinformation campaigns can take hold, particularly as the rapid growth of renewable energy prompts political pushback.Winter, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Hohenheim, also discusses findings from his 2024 study on public agreement with misinformation about wind farms, which explores how widely such claims are believed and what drives their appeal.This episode was produced by Inga Marsden. 

As of 2026, the UK space industry is a significant and strategic driver of the national economy, contributing over £19 billion in revenue and supporting tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs. Satellite-based services and data underpin roughly 18% of UK GDP, equivalent to approximately £454 billion of the wider economy. And the sector is growing exponentially.But this is just the tip of the iceberg. For the space industry to fully realise its potential it needs more of the right people to understand what’s happening and get involved. People like policy makers, investors, regulators, planners, communicators, lawyers and consultants.Dr Alice Bunn, the president of UK Space, and her panel of guests, Sam Alden co-CEO of Space Solar, Nick Shave managing director of Astroscale and Anushka Sharma founder of Naaut, discuss the surprising, awe inspiring business of space and make the compelling case for why more companies and investors should get involved. Contributors:Host:Alice Bunn, President of UKspace Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedInUKspace: Overview | LinkedInGuests:Nick Shave, Managing Director of AstroscaleNick Shave FRAeS | LinkedInAstroscale: Overview | LinkedInSam Adlen, CEO of Space SolarSam Adlen | LinkedInSpace Solar: Overview | LinkedInAnushka Sharma, founder of NaautAnushka Sharma | LinkedInNaaut: About | LinkedInKey topics covered:Impact of Space on Everyday LifePractical ApplicationsEnvironmental MonitoringGlobal SecuritySustainability and Innovation in OrbitSpace DebrisManufacturing in MicrogravitySpace-Based Solar PowerEconomic and Regulatory LandscapeCost ReductionInvestment and FinanceRegulation and PolicyThe Future of Space ExplorationNew PlatformsAcademic Contribution

Tinne Van der Straeten, the new chief executive of WindEurope, talks to the Wind Power podcast about her priorities as she takes up her post at the trade body. In a wide-ranging interview, Van der Straeten, a former energy minister in the Belgian government, spoke about how to meet European wind targets, changing public opinion towards wind power, and whether a firm hand is needed for EU member states that are lagging on faster permitting rules.Van der Straeten also answered questions on whether the EU’s wind installation targets can be met without the input of Chinese manufacturers and gave her reaction to an analysis that suggests Europe could gain from US president Donald Trump’s antipathy towards wind power.This episode was produced by Inga Marsden.

Speaking at the February 2025 Blades USA conference, delegates predicted how they thought the US wind industry would fare under the then newly elected Trump administration.Experts in turbine blade repairs, operations and maintenance and fire safety spoke to Windpower Monthly editor Ian Griggs about their concerns for the growth of the industry in the US and about how the acceleration of AI may create an irresistible economic imperative for new wind power.This episode was produced by Inga Marsden.

The UK’s latest offshore wind auction round stunned the European wind industry when the results were announced this month, with a record-breaking 8.4GW of new capacity awarded. This time on the Wind Power Podcast, we speak with two experts on UK offshore wind to discuss why the auction was so successful, how other markets are responding, and what the results could mean for the UK’s energy transition going forward. The scale of the auction was celebrated by the wind industry in providing a welcome boost for offshore wind, which has faced mounting economic and political turmoil in recent years. This success is analysed in depth with a focus on the auction’s boosted budget, contract for difference mechanism and strike prices. Meanwhile, other European markets that recently committed to a massive expansion of offshore wind in the coming years are taking note. This episode was produced by Inga Marsden. 

Windpower Monthly editor Ian Griggs and reporters Robyn White and Orlando Jenkinson talk about the issues and themes which defined 2025 for them in this special Christmas edition of the Wind Power podcast.The conversation covered Donald Trump's election in the US and the effect on the country's wind power targets China's runaway ambition on wind technology and build-out and the finances of the major OEMs.Also in this episode, the team talks about some of the stories they enjoyed working on.This episode was produced by Inga Marsden.

In this episode, we examine the shifting financial landscape for Western turbine manufacturers, and why there appears to be widespread restructuring across the sector. Is this a sign of deeper strain, or a natural shift towards tighter, efficiency focused business models?We also turn to Ukraine, where Russia has targeted wind farms in a series of attacks. With drones increasingly used in conflict zones, what does this mean for the security of renewable energy, and how should developers and investors operating near frontlines reassess risk?Finally, the team looks at the latest turbulence in European offshore wind auctions. Denmark faces developer pushback and legal threats over revised tender terms, while the Netherlands saw no bids for a 1GW site. Are rising costs and policy uncertainty now outpacing the ability of existing tender designs to attract investment?

Community engagement can make or break any wind farm project. In this episode of the Windpower Podcast, we discuss the importance of getting this crucial stage of the development process right and making it fair for all concerned with two industry experts. Gaining community support is often an essential step for the future viability of new wind farm, with supportive communities providing strong foundations for a successful project, while resistance from local communities can hold up or even end the prospects for a future site. General lessons from positive community enagement include an approach that puts listening first and foremost, being attentive to what the nearby community needs, how they might feel about their "new neighbours" and developing a collaborative approach based on transparency and trust. These techniques are highlighted by some of the best specific examples of how community engagement done right can help everyone, from the remote town in Germany that turned its fortunes around with a suspension bridge built with wind industry support, to grassroots activism in Bristol in the UK channeling the funds of a successful wind farm into much needed community projects. Meanwhile, a rise in disinformation about wind power is increasing distrust of the technology and dismissing the benefits it can bring to local areas. While this is an issue that goes beyond the wind industry, sometimes it can best be addressed by highlighting the living proof of the benefits brought to communities already hosting successful wind farms.  This episode was produced by Inga Marsden and Jude Owen.