January 2012

A Brief Review of Wind Power in Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Vermont, and Maine: Possible Lessons for Massachusetts

Download the supplemental report: PDF 850 KB

Introduction and Brief Summary

The purpose of this supplementary report is to provide a brief overview of wind power in three countries (Denmark, Germany, and Sweden) and two states (Vermont and Maine), with a focus on determining if there are any possible best practices and/or lessons for Massachusetts to consider. These three countries were chosen because they have made a strong commitment to renewable energy and have at least several years' of experience with wind power. The two states were chosen for their experiences with wind power and their proximity and similarities to Massachusetts.

A brief profile of each country or state reviews the current status of wind power and provides such information as: how many wind turbines exist and how much electricity is produced by them; any stated goals for expansions of wind power; current health-related regulations related to wind turbines; if there is any government or other official record of health complaints related to wind turbines, and if so, how these complaints have been handled.

The conclusion provides some thoughts about aspects of these five profiles that could be considered a best practice for Massachusetts to consider, and any lessons learned from these profiles.