Enercon has urged Germany’s politicians to improve the framework for onshore wind repowering projects.
During a visit by Schleswig-Holstein’s energy minister Jan Philipp Albrecht to Enercon’s stand at the Husum Wind 2021 trade fair, Enercon CEO Momme Janssen reiterated the need for improved framework conditions for repowering projects.
Janssen welcomed the “trailblazer role” of the northern-most federal state in expanding wind energy.
With 674MW, Schleswig-Holstein takes the top spot for new approvals at present, accounting for almost a quarter of all the wind turbines approved across Germany.
Janssen also said it was important to simplify measures for site repowering.
Janssen said: “In the interest of the energy transition, we do need to look further ahead than just the approval pipeline.
“Many established sites in Germany are at risk of being dismantled, as the current legal position makes them unsuitable for repowering.
“Politicians urgently need to put regulations in place for these sites to ensure they are kept for green energy production.”
If there is no further expansion, the federal government will not be able to fulfil its climate protection obligations, said Janssen.
Janssen pointed to the industry demands made of politicians in Berlin to quickly remove approval obstacles for onshore projects following the general election at the end of September.
“Investors need planning security. Without reliable framework conditions for new projects we will be heading towards a gap in renewable energies that is in stark contrast to the increase in requirements – such as for green hydrogen.”
Alongside Lower Saxony, the Enercon CEO sees Schleswig-Holstein as a positive example for the development of wind energy in Germany.
A legally binding regional plan is now in force in the state.
The governing coalition made up of CDU, Greens and FDP “recognises great potential in the integrated energy concept” and the idea of becoming a region that generates green energy for the metropolitan city of Hamburg, said the CEO.
“With this level of commitment and dedication in other states as well – and above all in the next federal government – it should really be possible for us to remove the regulatory obstacles and restart the energy transition the way we need to”, Janssen added.