Germany

Wind Energy in Germany

The conditions for the development of wind energy in Germany are better than ever. After the nuclear catastrophe in Japan in 2011 there was no alternative to a nuclear phase-out. Onshore wind will play a key role in achieving an environmentally friendly and affordable power supply.

At the end of 2011 the total installed wind energy capacity is approaching 29,000 megawatts. The potential for further growth is particularly high in the centre and south of Germany. The moderate amendment of the Renewable Energy Law, the slight decline in plant prices and the progress in wind energy technology enable the development of more and more sites in the inland.

Powerful plants on towers with a hub height of 100 meters or more enable the cost-efficient construction and operation of wind parks at forest sites, for example. At the same time, many regions recognize the benefits of wind power. In the decision-making process revenues from lease payments and commercial tax for public budgets, impulses for the regional economy, sustainable energy supply and image effects achievable through climate protection become more important than the designation of priority areas.

The Role of ABO Wind

ABO Wind is in an ideal situation to benefit from the future growth of the German wind power market.  Political decision-makers have recognized ABO Wind as a dependable partner, and have gladly worked with us again on new projects and have recommended us to others. This has made the acquisition of new sites easier.

In 2011 ABO Wind connected 42.5 megawatts of wind power to the German grid. Even higher results are anticipated for 2012. Building permits for about 200 megawatts per year are expected for the coming years. 25 qualified planners in the German department currently work on new projects with a total capacity exceeding 1,000 megawatts.

Currently ABO Wind is focusing its efforts on the states Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Baveria, Brandenburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden Wuerttemberg and Saarland. In autumn 2009, ABO Wind opened an office in Berlin to establish a presence in the eastern part of Germany.

In the growing competition for the high wind areas in Germany, ABO Wind can assert itself with solutions which are tailored to the regions’ needs. A convincing argument for regional authorities to choose ABO Wind is the newly developed instrument „Effect Check“ which offers the possibility of gaining an overview of a location's potential. „Effect check“ supports local authorities in their efforts to integrate climate protection, a secure energy supply, sustainable regional profit and the acceptance of the community in one comprehensive strategy.