- Solar power expansion advances in the southwest
Baden-Württemberg is making progress in expanding solar energy. The state's self-imposed targets for solar energy expansion by 2024 were already achieved by the end of July, according to the Ministry of the Environment. From January to July, 1,229 megawatts of new capacity were installed, as announced by Minister of the Environment Thekla Walker (Greens) in Stuttgart. The expansion target for this year is 1,150 megawatts, based on a sector study commissioned by the state, which determines what needs to happen in each area to enable the southwest to achieve its goal of climate neutrality by 2040.
However, experts warn that Baden-Württemberg is at risk of missing its climate goals. In a recent climate projection report, they calculated whether the state is on track to meet its climate targets. The state aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 65% compared to 1990 by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2040, five years earlier than the federal government's target. At this rate, the state will only achieve a 53% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and will still emit 21 million tonnes of CO2 in 2040. Further measures are needed to reach the targets, according to the report.
Growth in rooftop installations
Walker stated that renewable energy is booming. "This is good for consumers who can become more independent by installing solar panels on their roofs or balconies. It's also good for the economy, as more electricity is fed into the grid at unbeatable production costs, putting downward pressure on stock prices." She noted that more companies are investing in local green energy and building their own solar parks for their production facilities, driving the energy transition in the state.
The ministry attributes the good expansion figures mainly to the growth in rooftop installations. More needs to be done for photovoltaics on open land. To secure areas for the expansion of photovoltaics and wind energy at the regional level, minimum area targets are anchored in law. By 2025, regions should set aside areas of at least 0.2% of their respective total area for the use of photovoltaics on open land, as announced by the Ministry of the Environment.
The success in expanding solar energy in Baden-Württemberg has led to a boom in renewable energy, with many companies investing in local green energy and constructing their own solar parks. However, to maintain its progress and reach the climate neutrality goal by 2040, additional efforts are required in the expansion of photovoltaics on open land.
