The German Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) has launched its latest tender for onshore wind energy, aiming to secure up to 4093MW in each of the next four procurement rounds.
The additional volume comes from the quantities not allocated in the previous year.
Bärbel Heidebroek, president of the Federal Wind Energy Association, said: “BNETZA has now provided clarity on the volumes of the next four onshore wind energy tenders.
“This makes it clear that almost 15,000 MW can be put out to tender this year.
“This should provide a strong motivation for the industry to continue to seek new approvals at high speed.
“After the peak of 7500MW last year, we see a strong upward trend in the first quarter of the current year.
“This must now be consolidated and expanded across all federal states.”
Of the approvals from 2023, half were already awarded in tenders in the year of approval.
In total, 2023 contracts were awarded for a volume of around 6400MW.
This value should be significantly exceeded in 2024, the Federal Wind Energy Association said.
In 2024, the maximum value for tenders for onshore wind energy will remain at 7.35 ct/kWh. This means economic viability can be achieved both in the south and in topologically challenging low mountain ranges or forests.
Heidebroek said: “This year, according to figures from the onshore wind energy agency, systems with a cumulative output of more than 1200MW have already been newly approved.
“This continues the positive trend from the previous year. However, more permits are needed, especially in the southern region, from Saxony to Bavaria to Baden-Württemberg.
“The states have a central responsibility here. At the same time, the municipalities whose planning rights have been strengthened via the municipal opening clause can now also bring projects forward.”