Only five new wind turbines - but more permits

The expansion of wind energy in Saxony continues to make slow progress. As the Saxon Ministry of the Environment announced in response to an inquiry, only five new wind turbines with a total output of 23.9 megawatts had been commissioned by the end of September 2024. In comparison: In the previous year as a whole, there were ten turbines with an output of 46.8 megawatts.

Approvals as a glimmer of hope

In contrast, a positive trend is emerging in terms of approvals. By the end of September 2024, 44 wind turbines had been approved - significantly more than in the previous year with 29 approved turbines. According to the ministry, tender awards with a total capacity of 306.5 megawatts were also granted for projects that had already been approved. As soon as these plants are connected to the grid, they could supply around 300,000 average private households in Saxony with electricity, according to the ministry.

"In recent years, we have released the brakes on expansion and, against great resistance, turned the tide from preventing to enabling," said outgoing Energy Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens), who handed over the office of Energy Minister to Dirk Panter (SPD) shortly before Christmas. Günther went on to say that his ministry had ensured that more areas were available for wind energy. The rising number of applications and approvals as well as the latest tender awards are proof that the expansion of wind energy in Saxony is finally picking up speed.

Association: More momentum needed for approvals and expansion

The Managing Director of the German Wind Energy Association, Wolfram Axthelm, takes a more critical view: "Despite slight progress, Saxony is still one of the laggards in a comparison of the federal states". However, the planned provision of land is positive and gives hope for a breakthrough. In order to successfully decarbonize industrial cores in Saxony, additional momentum in approvals and a significant expansion are required, emphasized Axthelm.

With a view to the coming years, the new coalition of CDU and SPD has announced that it will consistently push ahead with the expansion of wind energy and photovoltaic systems in close coordination with grid expansion.