Abstracts Political Science

Winds of change: A comparative study of the politics of wind energy innovation in California and Denmark

by Q.C. van Est

Tens of thousands of wind turbines are in operation worldwide today. This book gives a detailed account of the rise of modern wind energy technology in California and Denmark, its cradle. There is a world of difference between the approaches to the development of wind power in these two countries. In Denmark, groups of neighbors stimulated its decentralized, small-scale use and gradual development, while futuristic-looking large-scale wind farms sprouted like mushrooms on the Californian hills. However, the thriving Californian market did not result in a successful American wind turbine industry. In contrast, the Danish industry currently produces more than half the world output of turbines. In ‘Winds of Change’, Rinie van Est describes how and to what extent public policies influenced the development of wind energy technology and industry in California and Denmark. He explains the marked differences between the two countries by looking at the way in which policy makers, technicians and entrepreneurs - in interplay - shaped the development of wind power. The book also explores how national political and techno-economic traditions guided the activities of these innovators. The book is highly relevant for policy experts, those working in R&D, corporate managers, environmentalists, scientists and technologists who are looking for ways to keep technological innovation in line with social needs and public demands.