Reduced Approval for Wind Energy Projects in the Northern Region - Cut-backs on wind turbine authorizations in the northern region
Let's dive into the latest developments in wind energy sector in Schleswig-Holstein, a regional powerhouse riding the wave of renewable energy.
Decelerating But Steady Growth
In a twist of winds, the northernmost federal state witnessed a slight drop in the number of approved wind turbine installations. While 241 new wind turbines were installed in 2023, the number dipped to 204 in 2024, as per the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Environment's announcement at the Wind Energy Summit in Husum. Despite the dip, the approved installations last year boasted a capacity of 1.1 gigawatts, displaying the region's undeterred commitment to clean energy.
Speedy Permitting Process
Schleswig-Holstein's permit procedure stands as one of the fastest in the nation, with permits typically issued in a mere 18 months as opposed to the national average of 23 months. This acceleration plays a substantial role in fostering wind power expansion in Schleswig-Holstein, a fact emphasized by Energy Transition State Secretary Joschka Knuth during the presentation of these statistics.
In 2024, the state churned out a mighty 27.3 terawatt hours of green electricity. Currently, there are 348 wind turbines with around two gigawatts of capacity in the permit pipeline, with 489 installations approved and under construction or ready for commissioning, highlighting the region's relentless push towards its goal of 45 terawatt hours of land-based power generation by 2030.
Moving Forward: Requirements and Challenges
The Need for Planning Security
Knuth emphasized the importance of instituting reliable framework conditions to facilitate the energy transition in collaboration with the new federal government. He underlined the necessity for the federal government to maintain forward-thinking decisions and avoid regressive policies, particularly concerning temporary grid congestion areas that could potentially hinder the expansion of renewables. To ensure continued investment, the renewable energy sector craves early planning security, says Knuth.
High-paced Expansion Necessary for Success
"The wind energy sector is the backbone of Germany's power supply," asserted Baerbel Heidebroek, president of the Federal Association of Wind Energy. Heidebroek expressed the industry's readiness to join forces with the new federal government to maintain a steady expansion pace, ensuring an independent and cost-effective energy supply.
Industry Dilemmas: Permits, Bureaucracy, and Grid Capacity
Though Schleswig-Holstein continues to dominate the wind power landscape, the sector confronts obstacles like complicated permit procedures, cumbersome bureaucracy, and inadequate grid capacity in numerous states. Alleviating these challenges will be key in realizing a successful energy transition.
In essence, while Schleswig-Holstein enjoys impressive wind energy growth, it's essential for the federal government to address permitting issues, streamline bureaucracy, and ensure grid expansion to continue the positive momentum towards a sustainable energy future.
- To maintain Schleswig-Holstein's leadership in wind energy, it's crucial for the federal government to establish a supportive climate-change policy and provide funding for science and research in the field of environmental-science and renewable-energy.
- As Schleswig-Holstein strives towards producing 45 terawatt hours of land-based power by 2030, regional development and industry growth require addressing challenges including financing, permitting, and adequate grid capacity for renewable-energy.
- In the context of climate-change and the expanding renewable-energy sector, it's essential for the federal government to prioritize finance, science, and technology to facilitate regional development, particularly focusing on the wind energy industry.
- With regional development in mind, Schleswig-Holstein's commitment to clean energy and swift permitting processes can serve as a model for the entire nation, fostering growth not only in the wind energy sector but also in the wider environmental-science and industry landscape.
