Government Allows Construction to Be Paused for Individual Wind Turbines

Infrastructure Minister Regina Kraushaar (CDU) has issued a decree putting the brakes on certain wind power projects in Saxony. The ministry stated that this applies to projects that do not fit within the future wind energy plans of the regional planning associations. Kraushaar emphasized that her directive does not mean a blanket halt to the approval of wind turbines.

The four regional planning associations are working to develop wind energy plans by the end of 2027. These plans designate areas where wind turbines are, in principle, permitted. Kraushaar’s directive to the State Directorate, as the approving authority, prevents projects that contradict these regional plans from being implemented at this time. Wind turbines should only be built where the plans call for them.

Kraushaar and Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Panter (SPD) emphasized that the expansion of wind energy in Saxony will continue to be pursued. “At the same time, we recognize that the expansion is highly controversial among certain segments of the population. We must not ignore these concerns,” Panter explained. The decree is neither a halt nor a reversal of wind energy expansion. Rather, it is intended to foster acceptance.

Saxony is also preparing a Bundesrat initiative calling on the federal government to evaluate the land-use targets for wind power expansion through 2032 “early and with an open mind.” Currently, the federal government requires the Free State to designate two percent of its land area for wind energy use by the end of 2032.