Analysis explains the emergence of a regional dimension to the multi-level governance of renewable energy in England. The case sits in a tense, yet informative, position between the two poles of 'ordered' and 'messy' multi-level governance. These tensions, which are currently debilitating, could be rendered more creative and fruitful if greater authority was devolved to the regions, and if policy learning between the regions and the central government was institutionalised more deeply. Improved legitimacy and accountability mechanisms must accompany increased authority. However, English ambivalence over regionalisation generally means such changes are unlikely. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.