The countries of Southeast Europe are blessed with abundant renewable resources, but deployment has so far lagged behind other parts of Europe. Romania leads the region with around 3 GW of installed wind capacity, and while huge untapped potential remains across all countries, there has recently been encouraging growth – notably in Serbia. At the same time, battery storage systems are booming, laying the foundation for a fully renewable energy supply.

Our guest, Julian Popov, former environment minister of Bulgaria and today, amongst others, senior fellow at a European think tank, has closely observed the region's energy transformation. He explains the market potential, why the region needs to move faster — for both economic and political reasons — and identifies the key barriers and opportunities.

Wind power has set new records every year, and global installed capacity is about to exceed 1,5 million megawatts. While the initial momentum came mainly from Europe, China, India and Brazil have more recently become driving forces. The global wind industry has grown into a pillar of the global economy, with excellent prospects ahead.

Policy remains a determining factor in the success or failure of wind power. This September, the industry will gather at WindEnergy Hamburg to showcase its latest achievements and technological advancements, and to discuss how to advance wind power through international collaboration. Hamburg has become the global hub for the industry. Claus-Ulrich Selbach, Vice President of Hamburg Messe, will explain the role of the fair, the expected participants, and the targeted outcomes.

Greece is a nation defined by its 6000 islands – 124 of them inhabited. Its unique geography pairs naturally with an abundance of renewable energy, which already supplies nearly half of the country’s electricity.

My guest is Victoria Kerner, CEO of WRE, a leading renewable energy developer. We discuss Greece’s long history with wind power, its potential to become a 100 % renewable energy nation, the special opportunities this transition offers, and the challenges still to overcome on the way.