Renewable - Wind energy expansion is proceeding slowly in MV
The efforts of the state government in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to accelerate the expansion of wind energy use have not yet resulted in noticeable outcomes. In the first half of 2024, according to industry reports, only seven new wind turbines with a total capacity of approximately 39 Megawatt were built in the northeast. This represents a setback compared to the previous year, during which 12 new wind turbines were installed in the state.
Nationwide, the wind energy expansion came to a standstill. In Germany as a whole, 250 new wind turbines with a total capacity of around 1.3 Gigawatt were built. This is about a quarter fewer new installations than in the previous year. The number of newly authorized wind turbines that have not yet been installed, however, increased by 32% to 847.
Currently, 1859 wind turbines generate electricity in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In neighboring Schleswig-Holstein, there are 3238. The acceptance for renewable energy production is higher there. One significant reason for this is that the operators of wind parks are mostly from the region and thus the profits remain in the country.
Despite the challenges in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Berlin, the German federal government, has set ambitious goals for renewable energy, including a focus on wind energy. Germany aims to derive 80% of its energy from renewable sources by 2050.
In contrast to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the state government of Schwerin in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's neighboring region, Schleswig-Holstein, has seen more success in wind energy development. The presence of local windmill operators contributing to the region's economy could be a contributing factor.
The setback in wind energy expansion in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern might prompt the state government to reassess its strategies and policy implementation to attract more investment in renewable energy, specifically wind energy.
Germany's energy future relies heavily on successful renewable energy projects, and regions like Schleswig-Holstein, with higher acceptance rates for renewable energy projects, are essential contributors to this national goal.
