Renewable energy technologies are attracting increasing support in the European Union, with wind power particularly favoured. The growth of wind power capacity has proceeded at variable rates in different countries. This paper focuses upon the contrasting experiences of two countries both blessed with abundunt wind resources: Denmark, a leader both in wind turbine installation and manufacture, and the UK, where development has been slow until the 1990's. The recent energy histories of the two countries are explored as the context for wind power development. Denmarks success has been based on a combination of local and co-operative ownership with government encouragement and support, whereas the UK, despite the impetus provided by the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation since 1989, has largely failed to ensure the involvement of people at the local level.
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