Saxony-Anhalt significantly ahead of Saxony in wind power

According to the energy company VSB, the expansion of wind power in Saxony-Anhalt is making much better progress than in the neighboring state of Saxony - mainly due to political decisions. "I believe that politics has an extremely strong influence," VSB Managing Director Thomas Winkler told the German Press Agency. While around five times as many new plants have been built in Saxony-Anhalt as in Saxony, the necessary framework conditions are lacking there.

"There are many good locations that would be well suited, but politicians are not designating the areas," criticized Winkler. The so-called two percent target - according to which two percent of the state's land area is to be designated for wind energy by the end of 2032 - is not being implemented. In Saxony-Anhalt, on the other hand, the political course is "much more progressive" and cooperation with the authorities is also much less complicated there.

Is Saxony slowing itself down?

Saxony's Greens are also warning of a step backwards in energy policy. CDU Infrastructure Minister Regina Kraushaar (CDU) recently questioned the target area and referred to concerns from the population. In response, former Energy Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens) spoke of a "lack of planning in terms of industrial policy" and called for the consistent expansion of renewable energies.

In addition to political support, the mood on the ground is also crucial, said Winkler. In Saxony, there is much more resistance to the planning of new projects. "I don't want to deny the Saxons anything, but I think the Saxons themselves - change is not their thing." In Saxony-Anhalt, on the other hand, local acceptance is higher. "People are much more open and unbiased here."

Repowering as a model for the future

VSB, based in Dresden, is active in both federal states. The company is currently implementing one of Europe's largest repowering projects in the district of Wittenberg in Saxony-Anhalt. This involves replacing 50 old turbines with 16 new, more powerful wind turbines. Two more are to follow by the end of 2025. According to the company, the total output of the wind farm will increase from 30 to 105 megawatts.