Germany's Wind Energy Expansion Shows Progress but Faces Challenges

Recent growth in onshore and offshore wind installations highlights advancements, yet experts warn of slow progress and call for stronger support to meet ambitious 2030 and 2045 goals.

In 2024, 22 new onshore wind turbines were built in southwest Germany, marking an improvement over previous years, though still far below the pace needed to meet long-term targets.
Offshore wind capacity in Germany grew significantly, with 73 new turbines adding 742 megawatts, bringing the total installed offshore capacity to 9.2 gigawatts by the end of 2024.
Experts emphasize that achieving the 2030 goal of 30 gigawatts of offshore capacity may be delayed until 2031, while the 2045 target of 70 gigawatts remains feasible with consistent policy and investment support.
Key challenges include slow grid expansion, insufficient harbor infrastructure, and regulatory uncertainties, which could hinder further progress in both onshore and offshore wind energy development.
The industry calls for enhanced cybersecurity measures and physical protection for critical offshore infrastructure, alongside reforms to auction systems and clearer long-term planning frameworks.