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Germany’s Wind Power Expansion Faces Setback as Legislation Threatens Projects

Germany’s Wind Power Expansion Faces Setback as Legislation Threatens Projects
Source: Bloomberg
  • PublishedJanuary 29, 2025

Germany’s ambitious expansion of onshore wind power is facing a significant hurdle as proposed amendments to energy legislation threaten to stall some 1,000 projects, Bloomberg reports, citing an industry group.

The changes, embedded in a larger energy package, are poised for quick passage through the Bundestag, potentially derailing the rapid pace of wind farm development seen in the past year.

The contentious bill eliminates a pre-approval process that has been instrumental in fast-tracking wind farm permits. This streamlined procedure allowed projects to quickly move towards full approval, but its removal is expected to create significant delays. Hans-Josef Vogel, head of the North-Rhine Westphalia chapter of the German Renewable Energy Federation, warned that the legislative change would lead to a “blanket, disproportionate rejection of permit applications.”

Germany has seen a record number of onshore wind approvals following a push to diversify energy sources after the conflict of Ukraine cut off gas supplies. In response, the government prioritized renewable projects, declaring them of “overriding public interest,” and mandated that states allocate about 2% of land for wind turbines.

However, this push has met with increased local opposition. Communities have staged protests against the visual impact and perceived disruption caused by large-scale wind turbine installations, especially in North-Rhine Westphalia, the country’s leading onshore wind state.

Despite rising political tensions surrounding the upcoming snap election on February 23, a broad coalition across political lines supports the draft bill. This cross-party cooperation, even as the far-right AfD gains popularity in polls, highlights the importance given to the energy package.

While some political figures, such as Friedrich Merz, chairman of the conservative CDU/CSU, have expressed support for the changes, citing a desire for North-Rhine Westphalia to “regain its planning sovereignty,” other stakeholders have raised concerns. SL NaturEnergie, a wind park developer in the state, acknowledges the benefit of “regional control” but anticipates being negatively impacted. The pro-business Free Democrats also criticized the speed at which the bill was being pushed through, arguing that lawmakers lacked sufficient time to properly review it.

The broader energy package includes measures beyond wind power. Provisions also aim to reduce solar energy subsidies, accelerate the rollout of smart meters, continue funding for combined heat and power plants, and promote the growth of bioenergy.

Written By
Michelle Larsen