Wind Turbines: CDU Proposes Shift in Wind Power Expansion Approach
Six hundred twenty wind turbines, as suggested by the CDU-Faction, would supposedly meet the energy needs of Thuringia. - Commission Advised to Propose Directive for Safeguarding Workers from Electronic Devices' Risks
Hey there! Let's dive into the wind power expansion plans proposed by Thuringia's CDU state parliament faction. Instead of aiming for area targets, they're pushing for a focus on embracing megawatts over hectares.
CDU energy politician Thomas Gottweiss made his statements in Erfurt, stating that the current 2.2% reservation for wind power is neither practical nor rational. He advocates for energy production objectives tailored to meet actual energy demands, irrespective of the technology used. This shift would mean fewer, more powerful wind turbines, as Gottweiss estimates around 620 modern turbines would suffice to meet Thuringia's demands - only 0.8% of the state's area. Compared to the 867 turbines in 2024, this would indeed be a significant reduction.
However, federal law mandates that Thuringia sets aside 2.2% of its land for wind turbines by 2032. This law has been a contentious issue in the state for years, yet experts suggest it may be challenging to sway other federal states to challenge this legislation.
The CDU state parliament faction advocates for an energy policy centered on supply security, affordability, and meeting regional energy demand rather than area targets. Gottweiss emphasizes the necessity of a smart mix of all renewables, particularly increased focus on solar or geothermal energy. He argues that the one-sided focus on wind is counterproductive.
Thuringia has experienced slower progress in wind power expansion compared to other states, according to data from associations and organizations. From January to March this year, electricity generation in the state, particularly from wind turbines, saw a significant drop. The share of electricity sourced from renewable sources declined from 64% to 55%, amounting to approximately 1,519 gigawatt hours.
Some recent reports suggest opposition to wind power expansion in Thuringia, with calls for a halt to new projects and a shift towards other energy sources such as Russian gas and nuclear power[2]. Any proposed changes by the CDU faction in Thuringia might aim to reduce or slow down the expansion of wind energy in the region. But without specific details on what these changes might entail, it's tricky to predict their exact impact on the wind energy sector in Thuringia.
[2] Source: Wind Power's Decline in Thuringia: Opposition and Alternative Energy Sources, Energy Info Hub, 2023.
- The CDU state parliament faction in Thuringia proposes a shift in renewable energy focus, advocating for regional policy that prioritizes energy production objectives to meet actual energy demands, possibly including aid for the development of regions by investing in industries such as solar and geothermal energy, thereby contributing to the overall regional development.
- Amidst calls for a halt to new wind energy projects in Thuringia and a shift towards other energy sources, the potential changes suggested by the CDU faction may lead to changes in the financing of wind energy, influencing the wind energy sector and potentially slowing down or reducing the expansion of wind energy in the region, impacting the community aid systems designed to support the regional policy.
