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 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)
Top Largest Wind Farms in Germany (as of February 20, 2024)
| Category | Wind Farm Name | Location | Capacity (MW) | Number of Turbines | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore | EnBW Hohe See | North Sea | 497 | 87 | Fixed-bottom |
| Offshore | Borkum Riffgrund 2 | North Sea | 465 | 98 | Fixed-bottom |
| Offshore | Merkur Offshore | North Sea | 399 | 66 | Fixed-bottom |
| Offshore | Meerwind Süd/Ostsee | Baltic Sea | 332 | 80 | Fixed-bottom |
| Offshore | Baltic 2 | Baltic Sea | 288 | 80 | Fixed-bottom |
| Onshore | Reussenköge Wind Farm | Schleswig-Holstein | 255 | 71 | Multi-brand |
| Onshore | Pomerania II Wind Farm | Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | 243 | 51 | Multi-brand |
| Onshore | Mark 50 (Markdorf) | Baden-Württemberg | 217 | 46 | Multi-brand |
| Onshore | Windpark Putenwind | Brandenburg | 209 | 41 | Multi-brand |
| Onshore | Windpark Norderwalsede | Lower Saxony | 204 | 51 | Multi-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.