Chambers demand adherence to area target for wind power

The three Saxon chambers of industry and commerce (IHK) have criticized the move by the eastern state premiers to overturn the two percent target for the expansion of wind power. According to the chambers, constant changes to the political framework conditions unsettle companies, inhibit investment and jeopardize competitiveness.

The heads of government in the east recently approached the federal government with a request to increase acceptance for the expansion of wind power with new regulations. Instead of the fixed requirement to designate a certain proportion of the state's land area for wind energy, volume targets for renewable energies should be considered.

In September, the Saxon state parliament had already decided to postpone the land area target for wind power in the state. This means that 1.3 percent of the state's land area is initially to be designated for wind energy by 2027 and two percent by 2032.

Chambers: Back and forth unsettles companies

The constant back and forth regarding the legal framework is a major source of uncertainty for companies, the chambers criticized. "Without sufficient space for the generation of renewable energy, Saxony is at risk of losing its attractiveness and competitiveness - due to the high costs of gas and coal-fired power generation, CO2 pricing and increasing sustainability requirements in financing."

The argument of technological openness, which the eastern MPs cited as justification, falls short. Photovoltaic systems are already reaching their limits and regularly feed too much electricity into the grid at midday. Wind power and storage are indispensable for a stable energy supply. "And since the expansion of wind power is the main problem in Saxony, the two percent rule was an important step in the right direction," explained the chambers of industry and commerce.