Germany’s wind energy sector has made a record-breaking expansion, with over 2,400 new turbines approved and a total output of around 14 gigawatts. As the country gears up to meet its climate neutrality goals, experts weigh in on the industry’s future.
Record-Breaking Wind Energy Expansion in Germany
Germany’s wind energy sector has made significant strides in 2024, with regulators approving over 2,400 new onshore wind turbines and a total output of around 14 gigawatts. This marks a record high for the industry.
The Positive Figures Behind the Numbers
The German Wind Energy Association and VDMA Power Systems report that the government’s efforts to simplify and accelerate the permitting process for wind and solar installations have paid off. As a result, renewable energy now accounts for nearly two-thirds of Germany’s electricity generation, with wind power being the primary source.
Criticism from the Far-Right AfD
However, far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alice Weidel has made vehement opposition to Germany’s energy policies and wind in particular. She claims that renewable energy is unreliable and should be replaced by nuclear power or fossil fuels. Weidel’s party congress saw her vow to tear down all of Germany’s “windmills of shame” and boost the use of planet-heating fossil fuels.
Expert Insights
Energy expert Wolf-Peter Schill, however, disagrees with Weidel’s stance. He believes that a return to nuclear power in Germany is not plausible or helpful for climate protection. Moreover, dismantling all wind turbines would be costly, both financially and environmentally. Schill argues that increasing solar energy could help replace some of the lost capacity, but photovoltaic panels are not always the best option.
The Economic Benefits of Wind Power
Despite Weidel’s claims, the data suggests that wind power has an edge in Germany. Renewable energy now accounts for 59% of Germany’s electricity generation, and the industry is creating jobs and promoting investment. Schill notes that wind power plays a crucial role in climate neutrality plans due to its affordability.
A Boost for Wind Energy
The decisions made by the outgoing government have set the stage for stronger growth in the wind energy sector. Larger, more advanced wind turbines are being built to replace older power stations, which could help bring renewables up to 80% of Germany’s total energy supply. Schill emphasizes that it would be absurd for the next government not to capitalize on this boost.
The Resilience of Wind Power
Wind turbine manufacturers based in Germany and Europe give the industry an edge compared to other energy technologies like photovoltaics, which are heavily reliant on imports from China. From a resilience perspective, wind power has many advantages, making it a crucial component of Germany’s energy mix.
