Danish wind power policy has changed after a centre-right government took office after last November's election. Guaranteed minimum prices for wind energy, significantly above market prices, will be abolished from 2004 and three out of five planned offshore wind parks have been scrapped.

"The new offshore wind farms are seen bringing a socioeconomic surplus, even when the economic benefits for the wind power industry is not included," the wise men said in its semi-annaul report.

The wise men said that Denmark's investments in wind power over the past 10 years had cost the Danish society net three billion crowns ($373 million). The high wind energy prices have only partly been offset by environmental advantages and related industry activities.

The new government says green energy is denting Danish companies' competitiveness. It also cites the fact that Denmark is ahead of its target for installed wind power capapity, part of a general plan to bring down green house emission in order to comply with the Kyoto climate protocol.

By 2003, green energy is seen covering 27 percent of Denmark's electricity demand compared to a 20 percent target.

Denmark plans to build two offshore wind farms in 2002 and 2003 with total capacity of 300 megewatt. Plans of three additional parks of each 150 megawatt has been cancelled.

"Even though wind turbines have been loss-making during the past years, wind turbines can be profitable today due to the technological development," the wise men's report said.

Notably increased capacity in turbines have made wind energy more competitive to electricity from fuels like oil and coal. Turbines have grown from a few kilowatts to the megawatt-class and soon the first wind turbine makers will introduce four and five megawatt turbines.