Wind Power Projects in Germany

 

Wind Power Projects in Germany

Wind Power Surges in Germany: Ambitious Targets and Ongoing Challenges

Germany, a leader in the European energy transition, is seeing a significant surge in wind energy projects, both onshore and offshore. This expansion is driven by ambitious national goals for renewable energy and a desire to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, several challenges remain, such as permitting hurdles and grid limitations.

Onshore Wind Rebounds:

  • After a period of stagnation, onshore wind installations are picking up pace again. 1.6 GW of new capacity was added in the first half of 2023, and additional tenders promise further growth.
  • The government aims to install 10 GW of onshore wind annually from 2025 onwards, aiming for a total capacity of 115 GW by 2030.

Offshore Wind Pushes Boundaries:

  • Germany boasts a rapidly growing offshore wind sector, currently holding second place globally in installed capacity.
  • Ambitious expansion plans target 30 GW by 2030 and 70 GW by 2045, driven by recent tenders awarding nearly 1 GW of new capacity.
  • Projects like Borkum Riffgrund 3 (900 MW) and Kaskasi (342 MW) showcase the sector's potential to power hundreds of thousands of households.

Challenges on the Horizon:

  • Streamlining permitting processes remains crucial for meeting ambitious targets. Complex procedures and local opposition can significantly delay project development.
  • Upgrading and expanding the electricity grid is essential to efficiently integrate the increasing wind power generation into the national network.
  • Social acceptance and community engagement are key to overcoming local resistance and fostering broader support for wind energy projects.
Wind Power Projects in Germany

Wind Energy Statistics in Germany (as of 2023)

Installed Capacity:

  • Total: 76,985 MW (61,010 MW onshore, 15,975 MW offshore)
  • Rank globally: 4th (onshore), 2nd (offshore)
  • Share of German electricity production: 32% (net)

Growth:

  • New onshore installations in 2023: 745 turbines (3,567 MW)
  • New offshore installations in 2023: 300 MW
  • Government target for annual onshore installations: 10 GW by 2025, 15 GW by 2030
  • Target for total offshore capacity by 2030: 30 GW
  • Target for total offshore capacity by 2045: 70 GW

Economic Impact:

  • Jobs in the wind industry: 160,200 (2016 data)
  • Revenue generated by the wind industry: €12.4 billion (2020 data)
Wind Power Projects in Germany

Top Largest Wind Farms in Germany (as of February 20, 2024)

CategoryWind Farm NameLocationCapacity (MW)Number of TurbinesType
OffshoreEnBW Hohe SeeNorth Sea49787Fixed-bottom
OffshoreBorkum Riffgrund 2North Sea46598Fixed-bottom
OffshoreMerkur OffshoreNorth Sea39966Fixed-bottom
OffshoreMeerwind Süd/OstseeBaltic Sea33280Fixed-bottom
OffshoreBaltic 2Baltic Sea28880Fixed-bottom
OnshoreReussenköge Wind FarmSchleswig-Holstein25571Multi-brand
OnshorePomerania II Wind FarmMecklenburg-Vorpommern24351Multi-brand
OnshoreMark 50 (Markdorf)Baden-Württemberg21746Multi-brand
OnshoreWindpark PutenwindBrandenburg20941Multi-brand
OnshoreWindpark NorderwalsedeLower Saxony20451Multi-brand

Additional Notes:

  • This list includes both operational and under-construction wind farms.
  • "Multi-brand" indicates that the wind farm uses turbines from various manufacturers.
  • This list only includes wind farms with a capacity of 200 MW or above.
  • Data may vary slightly depending on the source.

Looking Ahead:

Despite the challenges, Germany's commitment to wind energy expansion is clear. With continued efforts to address permitting hurdles, grid limitations, and public concerns, the country is poised to become a global leader in harnessing the power of wind for a sustainable future.

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