The German government has committed to introducing new measures to support the German onshore wind industry.
Energy Minister Peter Altmaier (pictured, centre) told a crisis summit in Berlin on Thursday that the “expansion of wind energy is essential” to meet future climate goals.
He said proposals to speed up the approvals process for wind farms are in the works. Slow permitting has led to a significant drop in the number of wind farms eligible to take part in auction rounds.
Altmaier said Berlin, state governments, municipalities and associations have a responsibility to work together to solve the problems and must start a “positive communication”.
He said solutions mush be provided “fast” to secure the German wind industry to off-set a currently lump in installation of up to 80%.
Some 35,000 jobs have been lost in the sector since 2017, he added.