Denmark's Recipe for a Model Democracy

[marmar]

from Der Spiegel:



[font size="1"]AFP[/font]


Hailed as a "miracle of modern politics," Denmark consistently earns top marks for its efficient governance, innovation and transparency. Nowhere is this more apparent than with its successful embrace of wind power, making it a role model for the world.

The blades of the wind turbine are made of plain wood painted red, and they measure exactly 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) long. Their curved edges are only roughly sanded. Nothing seems to suggest that this unremarkable-looking device heralded the rise of a global corporation and the restructuring of an entire country.

"At the time, I found the thing in a dusty corner of the barn," says Henrik Stiesdal. "I still clearly recall how I held it in the wind for the first time."

His blue eyes gleam as if he were reliving the experience from 35 years ago, saying: "I suddenly felt this power and thought: That's just the ticket!"

Stiesdal jumps up from his chair, which he had been casually rocking on only a moment ago. He wants to leave his office on the first floor and show his visitors what has evolved from this red piece of wood. The 55-year-old technical director at Siemens Wind Power rushes toward a large production hall with its walls of black granite sparkling in the sun. ..................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/how-wind-energy-is-transforming-denmark-into-a-modern-marvel-a-849227.html

[xchrom]

1. Du rec. Nt

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. I saw that bank of windmills from the train

It's in the straits between Denmark and Sweden.

[moondust]

3. 2050

Denmark aims for 100 percent renewable energy in 2050

I've been a passive fan of "little Denmark" since I first traveled there 37 years ago.

[malaise]

4. Must read

Rec