Now it is the BBC’s turn to report on what the “reset” of British wind-power pricing may look like:

The price paid to generate electricity by offshore wind farms is set to rise by more than 50% as the government tries to entice energy firms to invest.

It comes after an auction for offshore wind projects failed to attract any bids, with firms arguing the price set for electricity generated was too low.

The BBC understands the government now will raise the price it pays from £44 per MWh to as much as £70.

It is hoped more offshore wind capacity will lead to cheaper energy bills.

Something about that math seems a little unconvincing. . . .

BBC:

The technology has been described as the “jewel in the UK’s renewable energy crown”, but firms have been hit by higher costs for building offshore farms, with materials such as steel and labour being more expensive.

According to energy companies, the government’s failure to recognise the impact of higher costs led some firms to abandon existing projects, and all operators to boycott the most recent auction.

Some jewel, some crown. . . .

Oh yes, as an added bonus, this extra wind power may need some dilution of property rights.

BBC:

There is another huge problem in how the power produced out at sea is transported back to land. Hundreds of miles of pylons and underground cables will be required, many of which would, if built, cross privately-owned land.

The BBC understands Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will use his Autumn Statement to find ways to speed up this process by reclassifying such connections as critical national infrastructure, while also consulting on ways to compensate affected communities – including farmers – by offering discounts on energy bills.

In other news (via Renewables Now):

Norwegian aluminium producer Norsk Hydro ASA has been notified that Markbygden Ett AB, the owner of the 653-MW Markbygden ETT wind farm in Sweden, has entered a company reorganisation process…

Norsk Hydro said that due to lower-than-expected generation and subsequent financial troubles, the wind farm has not been able to provide the agreed-upon electricity since February 6. It added that as of the third quarter, its claims for non-delivered power of 0.9 TWh amount to about EUR 12 million (USD 12.9m) and that it plans to seek compensation.

Swedish media reported recently that Markbygden Ett had applied for restructuring because of its unprofitable contract with Norsk Hydro for a fixed volume of electricity, meaning it had to buy electricity at higher prices when the turbines are not spinning.

Sometimes the wind just doesn’t blow (enough).