Fewer Wind Turbine Permits Issued in Schleswig-Holstein, Yet Expansion Remains Priority
Decreased approvals for wind energy facilities in the northern regions - Decreased allowance for wind turbine installations in the northern region
The numbers are down for wind turbine permits in Schleswig-Holstein - a drop from 241 in 2023 to 204 in 2024 as announced by the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of the Environment at the Wind Branch Day in Husum. But don't be fooled - these installations still pack a punch, totaling 1.1 gigawatts of capacity.
Despite this decrease, the state's permit process remains one of the swiftest in the nation, with a goal achievement time of 18 months, compared to the nationwide average of 23 months. Energy Transition State Secretary Joschka Knuth (Greens) sees this expediency as a key factor in the strong expansion of wind power in the region. Last year, Schleswig-Holstein generated a hefty 27.3 terawatt hours of green electricity.
As we speak, another 348 wind turbines, roughly equivalent to another two gigawatts of capacity, are under consideration in the permitting process. Additionally, 489 installations have already been approved and are either under construction or ready to be commissioned. The Ministry of the Environment expects Schleswig-Holstein to hit its goal of producing 45 terawatt hours of land-based electricity by 2030.
"Now it's essential to establish a reliable framework for the continued success of the energy transition in collaboration with the new federal government," said Knuth, emphasizing the need for the federal government to maintain its focus and avoid any backward steps.
Knuth voiced concerns about the potential introduction of temporary grid congestion areas that could hinder the expansion of renewables, urging instead a swift pace in grid expansion, local price signals, and a future-proof Renewable Energy Act to support the industry's need for early planning security.
Wind energy is the backbone of Germany's power supply, as Baerbel Heidebroek, president of the Federal Association of Wind Energy, underscored. The industry is gearing up to partner with the new federal government to keep the expansion going at a rapid pace, ensuring a dependable and cost-effective energy supply.
Despite the national influence of Schleswig-Holstein's wind power, the industry still grapples with overloaded permit authorities, bureaucracy, and an insufficient grid infrastructure in various states.
Enrichment Data:While detailed data on the increase in wind turbine permits in Schleswig-Holstein over recent years is scarce, the broader context of renewable energy expansion in Germany offers valuable insights. Germany has witnessed robust growth in wind energy, both onshore and offshore, driven by governmental policies and technological advancements.
The future plans for renewable energy expansion in Schleswig-Holstein will likely mirror Germany's broader renewable energy strategy, concentrating on both onshore and offshore wind power. The ongoing offshore wind expansion projects, as well as the integration of wind energy into regional infrastructure, are critical for achieving Germany's renewable energy targets.
Given the paucity of specific data on wind turbine permits in Schleswig-Holstein, it's vital to keep an eye on local and national policy developments for more comprehensive insights into future plans.
- Bolstered by the success in Schleswig-Holstein, the science and environmental-science communities advocate for additional aid for the development of regional sectors, focusing on the expansion and optimization of wind energy infrastructure.
- As Schleswig-Holstein strives for an expansion in land-based electricity production, the industry seeks finance and investment, aiming to eliminate bottlenecks in the form of bureaucracy and an insufficient grid infrastructure.
- With the burgeoning regional development in renewable energy, particularly wind power, the importance of fostering the industry through energy policies and technological advancement in environmental-science becomes paramount for Germany's future environmental and financial stability.
