Germany issued a record 3310 onshore wind permits totalling 21GW in 2025 as expansion continued to strengthen.
The German Wind Energy Association and VDMA Power Systems said gross additions reached 958 turbines and 5.2GW, which lifted total installed capacity to about 68GW.
The associations added that the Federal Network Agency awarded bids to 2348 turbines with 14.5GW in its oversubscribed tenders.
“Wind energy is steadily gaining importance in the German energy system,” said Dr Dennis Rendschmidt, managing director of VDMA Power Systems.
He added: “The political and regulatory framework must effectively address the comprehensive security and resilience of all energy installations connected to the power grid in order to minimize existing risks and ensure security of supply and national security.”
“The expansion momentum is positive and must be continued and stabilised with an ambitious course and the right political framework,” commented Dr Rendschmidt.
BWE president Bärbel Heidebroek said challenges remain as grid access for new projects becomes increasingly difficult and long waiting times risk slowing momentum.
“As gratifying as the records for new permits and awarded bids are, they expose the problems of grid expansion being too slow: grid access for new projects is becoming increasingly difficult,” said Heidebroek.
She stated: “The grid must finally be expanded, modernised and digitalised consistently and with great urgency.”
Rendschmidt said investments in energy infrastructure generate strong value creation impulses by creating demand for turbines and components, safeguarding employment and contributing to tax revenue.
To secure this, an overdue reform of the electricity system is required, according to Heidebroek.
“The energy system must be aligned with their needs,” added Heidebroek, stressing the need for flexibilisation through storage, green hydrogen, cable pooling and strengthened direct supply.
The associations project 8–8.5GW of expansion in 2026 assuming an unchanged realisation pace.