Bavaria is catching up in wind energy

17.10.2025

Source: E & M powernews

More in six months than in the whole of last year: the wind power capacity approved in Bavaria up to the end of July totals 599 MW.

This kind of talk from the industry is new in the white-blue Free State of Bavaria: "Things are finally happening for wind energy in Bavaria," summarized the BWE state association at its most recent Annual General Meeting. After years of blockades, a turnaround has finally been achieved. A turnaround that the association can pin down in figures.

The volume of contracts awarded to Bavaria in the last tendering round amounted to 272 MW. The association puts the newly approved capacity in the first half of the year at 599 MW. And a number of projects are still in the pipeline. By comparison, a total of 559 MW was approved in 2024.

However, the expansion has not yet become a sure-fire success. The trend needs to consolidate, for which political tailwind from Berlin is also crucial, emphasizes BWE Bayern.

Focus on area target and reference yield model

The work of BWE Bayern is having an impact and has brought about solutions to many problems, says state chairman Bernd Wust. As an example, he cites the abolition of requirements for clearance areas or the draft law for the participation of citizens and local authorities. Agreements have also been reached on water protection.

"Our industry is ready to continue the turnaround and implement new projects," says Wust. Berlin must now send a clear signal "that federal policy is serious about wind energy in the south". Specifically, Wust is concerned with the 2 percent area target and the reference yield model. Both instruments are essential "in order to distribute turbines evenly throughout Germany and thus also to better utilize grids, for example". Especially in industrial Bavaria, the availability of cheap and clean electricity is crucial.

Author: Manfred Fischer