Germany’s coalition government has included a measure in its proposed new climate package that would ban the building of wind farms closer than 1000 metres from residential areas, according to WindEurope.
The measure would make it impossible to build wind farms in around half the country, including where they already exist and need to be repowered, the trade body said.
Individual states and municipalities in Germany will need to opt out of the rule if they wish to build wind farms closer than 1000 metres, it added.
WindEurope said that in other European countries a 500 metre rule or even less is applied.
WindEurope chief executive Giles Dickson said: “A 1000-metre rule makes it harder for Germany to meet its target of 65% renewable electricity by 2030.
“And for Europe to meet its renewables targets. And it’ll mean Germany loses even more jobs in wind – on top of the 35,000 already lost since 2016.
“The government has also promised to bring forward measures very soon to ease permitting: it’s too slow and complex.
“They also want more financial participation in wind farms from local communities, especially with those opting out of the 1000-metre rule. It’ll be crucial to make the most of these initiatives.”