Wind Energy: Saxony Plans to Review Targets

Saxony wants to have the land-use targets for expanding wind power in Germany reviewed. A motion to that effect is to be introduced at the upcoming Energy Ministers’ Conference in Göttingen in November, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy, and Climate Protection. The federal government is being called upon to promptly present the review of the wind energy land-use targets for 2032—as agreed upon in the coalition agreement—and to closely align it with the realities of the energy sector. 

Saxony Wants to Expand Wind Power, but Also Ensure Its Acceptance

The expansion of renewable energies remains urgently necessary, explained Minister Dirk Panter (SPD). This is the only way to make the energy supply more independent, resilient, and affordable. Electricity demand is steadily increasing—especially from data centers and the electrification of industry, transportation, and heating. Against this backdrop, it is important to update the assumptions regarding future electricity demand. “Our goal is to make both possible: the necessary expansion of wind energy and its acceptance in the regions.”

Taking Different Conditions in the States into Account

According to federal guidelines, the states must designate 1.3 percent of their land area for wind energy use by the end of next year. By the end of 2032, this figure is to reach 2.0 percent. Saxony currently accounts for about 0.2 percent. “A review of the land-use targets must take into account not only the land-use yields achieved to date and the federal government’s yield targets, but also the varying geographic, topographic, and meteorological conditions of the federal states,” the ministry explained. 

“The evaluation offers an opportunity to adjust the state-specific land contribution values so that they take into account the actual potential and local obstacles. In this way, we strengthen acceptance in the regions while reliably ensuring the achievement of the nationwide overall target,” argued Panter. Saxony also plans to take action on this matter in the Bundesrat, according to reports.

The efficiency of modern turbines should be taken into account during planning

In the minister’s view, technological progress in wind energy should also be given due consideration. “Modern wind turbines have higher output, larger rotor diameters, more full-load hours, and are more efficient even in light winds.” The land-use targets should take this into account, balancing the changed land requirements and the higher efficiency without reducing the yield potential of the federal territory. The goal is “land-efficient expansion.”