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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Community engagement can make or break the future of any wind farm project. In this episode of the Windpower Podcast, we speak with two industry experts on the importance of getting this crucial stage of the development process right and making it fair for all concerned.

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 wind farm, while resistance from local communities can hold up or even end the prospects for a future project.

General lessons from positive community engagement include an approach that centres 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 by wind industry support, to grassroots activism in Bristol channelling the funds of a successful wind turbine project into much-needed community projects.

Meanwhile, a rise in disinformation about wind power is increasing distrust of wind power 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 through the living proof of the benefits brought to communities already hosting successful wind farms.

This episode was produced by Inga Marsden and Jude Owen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.