Minister: German states finally understand the importance of wind energy

According to Economy Minister Robert Habeck, German states have finally understood the importance of renewable energy for preserving local industry and have begun preparing for the rapid expansion of onshore wind farms. The news was reported by the international website Clean Energy Wire.

Following a summit on wind energy development attended by industry representatives, politicians from the individual German states and other market participants, Germany’s economy minister said that all 16 states had gradually begun to view wind turbines located on their territory as an economic advantage.

After the German government launched a series of reforms aimed at speeding up the planning, permitting and construction of new wind turbines, it is now up to the states to approve the construction of 9 GW of wind farms currently “stuck” in permitting processes.

“The speed at which these backlogged applications are processed will have a significant impact on meeting the ambitious targets for wind farm development, which envisage quadrupling the current rate of construction,” Habeck said.