The energy industry expects a “wind power summit” with Economics Minister Robert Habeck to give a signal for more speed in the expansion of wind turbines. Wolfram Axthelm, Managing Director of the Federal Wind Energy Association, told the German Press Agency that the federal states and the subordinate authorities in particular are now asked to implement it. “Your turn now.” Countries could not shirk their responsibilities. With every month that the number of permits does not increase, the pressure increases.
The expansion targets threatened to be missed. “The goals must now become concrete orders for the industry.” Above all, it is still about accelerating planning and approval procedures, said Axthelm. He also warned of additional hurdles due to possible stricter requirements for heavy goods transport.
Habeck wants to set the pace
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) invited to a “wind power summit” in Berlin today. Among others, representatives of energy associations and countries are expected. The federal government had decided on extensive measures to speed up the expansion, including a target area for the federal states. Most recently, the Bundestag decided on simplified planning and approval procedures, which involved the implementation of an EU regulation.
Habeck had emphasized the need for acceleration. The expansion of solar energy is progressing, “we’re not there yet for grids and wind,” he said. In terms of legislation, the most important things for the expansion have been achieved. The ball is therefore essentially in the hands of the approving authorities.
From the point of view of the industry, the expansion of wind energy has only been sluggish since the start of the year. There has also been a north-south divide in the expansion of wind power for a long time. According to industry figures, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia accounted for 77 percent of the new building last year.
80 percent renewables by 2030
Energy and business associations had appealed that, above all, sufficient space was needed. Municipalities need more room for maneuver, explained the Federal Association of Energy and Water Management. The Association of the Chemical Industry explained that every kilowatt hour counts for energy-intensive industries such as the chemical industry. “In order to operate in a greenhouse gas-neutral manner, we increasingly need large amounts of renewable electricity at low prices.” The association of municipal companies called for a forward-looking expansion of the distribution grids.
According to the plans of the federal government, 80 percent of the electricity should come from renewable energies such as wind and sun in 2030, currently it is about half.
