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19.09.2024
The European umbrella organization Wind Europe has presented its report on the development of wind energy in Europe in the first half of 2024. Germany leads the expansion.
The European industry umbrella organization Wind Europe reports a significant upswing in the first half of 2024, with surcharges and the volume of new orders from manufacturers showing a clear upward trend, according to the report, which was published on 13 September. "The expansion of onshore and offshore wind energy is picking up across Europe," commented Wolfram Axthelm, Managing Director of the German Wind Energy Association (BWE).
Germany, the European core market, is back with great vitality. "The stable growth in new approvals for wind turbines and rising awards in the tenders are putting Germany on course for a record year," said Axthelm. If the tendering round in November is not shortened by the Federal Network Agency and participation is high, the BWE hopes that awards with a volume of around 10,000 MW can still be achieved this year.
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A quarter of the expansion in Germany
In total, a volume of6,400 MW was newly commissioned across Europe in the first half of 2024. With a total of 1,700 MW of new installations onshore and offshore, Germany underpinned its position as the frontrunner and core market in Europe. Germany's share of new installations across Europe is 27 percent.
Across Europe, a total volume of 19,700 MW was awarded in tenders. Germany is in first place with6,600 MW and accounts for around 90 percent of the awards in the onshore sector. New orders for turbines also increased by 11% compared to the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. According to the report, the bottleneck in expansion in Europe has shifted from approval processes to grid availability. Germany is singled out in particular for its consistent implementation of the new EU approval requirements.
Further support required
"In order to meet the high demand, we need to prepare production, supply, maintenance and repair capacities," warned Axthelm. Skilled workers must be recruited, trained and educated. At the same time, the necessary infrastructure needs to be upgraded. "We can already see today that the organization of large and heavy transports is a challenge," said the BWE representative. Closed bridges or impassable sections of highway make progress difficult.
"Grid expansion and the ramp-up of storage facilities and electrolysers need more speed," continued Axthelm. The EU is called upon to ensure fair competition and create a level playing field for everyone. All of this is achievable and makes us confident that the ambitious political goals are attainable, said Axthelm, assessing the current state of affairs.
The Wind Europe Autumn Report 2024 is available online.
Author: Susanne Harmsen
Source: Energy & Management Powernews