Saxony is catching up in the expansion of renewable energy

The expansion of renewable energies in Saxony has "clearly picked up speed" according to the Ministry of the Environment. This is evident from the federal-state report 2024 on the current status in Germany and "confirms that we are finally on the right track in Saxony", said Environment Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens). "In recent years, we have released the brakes on expansion and switched from preventing to enabling."

According to the ministry, the number of applications and approvals for wind energy has "grown strongly". The development of photovoltaics is "very dynamic". Significant growth in electricity from wind and solar is expected over the next five years. The industry needs green electricity in order to remain internationally competitive, said Günther.

Increase in wind energy and photovoltaics

In the first half of the year, 16 wind energy plants with a combined output of 83 megawatts were approved, 139 further plants with a nominal output of around 882 megawatts are currently in the process. By August 1, funding commitments had been issued for projects with a total output of 219 megawatts. The development is being boosted by the flexibility clause, which allows the construction of turbines below the distance regulation with the consent of the affected municipalities.

In addition, 727 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity went into operation, more than in 2023 as a whole. From the ministry's perspective, the Energy Revenue Sharing Act passed in June, which guarantees municipalities a share of the revenue, is contributing to further dynamization in this area.