Saxony-Anhalt outpaces Saxony in advancement of wind energy production. - Saxony-Anhalt surges ahead in the realm of wind energy compared to Saxony.
Wind power development is seeing a swift surge in Saxony-Anhalt, outpacing its neighboring state Saxony, according to energy company, VSB. This growth is largely attributed to strategic political decisions, as VSB CEO Thomas Winkler highlights in an interview with the German Press Agency.
While nearly five times as many new wind projects have sprung up in Saxony-Anhalt compared to Saxony, the latter state struggles with the necessary infrastructure. "It's politics that wields significant influence," Winkler says candidly, criticizing the lack of designated areas for wind energy production.
Conversely, the approach in Saxony-Anhalt is deemed "progressive," and cooperation between authorities runs much smoother there. Even the Greens in Saxony express concerns about setbacks in energy policy. CDU Minister of Infrastructure, Regina Kraushaar (CDU), has questioned the area target, citing public concerns. Ex-energy minister Wolfram Günther (Greens) then countered, accusing the state of industrial political cluelessness and advocating for consistent expansion of renewable energies.
Resistance to new projects is more prevalent in Saxony, Winkler points out. The lack of openness and willingness to embrace change slows the planning process. In contrast, people in Saxony-Anhalt are more accepting of wind power projects, with a greater emphasis on being unbiased, Winkler observes.
Based in Dresden, VSB is active in both states. Notably, the company is overseeing one of Europe's largest wind power repowering projects in the Wittenberg district of Saxony-Anhalt. They're replacing fifty old facilities with sixteen new, more efficient wind turbines, with two more planned by the end of 2025. This revamp will significantly boost the total capacity of the park from 30 to 105 megawatts, according to the company.
Expansion in Saxony-Anhalt shows no signs of slowing down. Saxony-Anhalt's Ministry of Economics reports an increase of 75.8 megawatts in wind power capacity from January to the end of May 2025, reaching 5,596 megawatts. With roughly 200 megawatts projected for 2025, the state could experience back-to-back years of growth in the renewable energy sector.
Minister of Economics Armin Willingmann of the SPD party acknowledges the growth's momentum and stresses the need for continued expansion. "Wind power and photovoltaics are vital to us if we aim to break away from foreign energy supplies," he emphasizes.
Wind Power- Future model for energy production- Emphasis on renewable sources
Saxony-Anhalt- Rapid growth in wind power development- Strategic political decisions favoring wind energy
Saxony- Struggles with necessary infrastructure and public resistance- Calls for consistent expansion of renewable energies
Energy Company- VSB Neue Energien Deutschland GmbH- Expanding wind power in both states
Dresden- Headquarters of VSB- Hub of renewable energy activities
CDU- Christian Democratic Union of Germany- Infrastructure Minister- Criticizing wind power expansion plans
Magdeburg- Capital city of Saxony-Anhalt- Site of potential wind energy development
Energy Transition- Shift towards renewable energy sources- Addressing climate change through sustainable practices
German Press Agency- Reputable news source providing insights into the energy sector
- Vocational training programs in the renewable-energy industry could be beneficial for both Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony, especially as the renewable-energy sector continues to expand, securing a stable financing for the growth and ensuring a skilled workforce for future energy projects.
- With the increasing emphasis on renewable sources of energy, it would be advantageous for EC countries, such as Germany, to provide vocational training opportunities in vocational training institutions focused on various aspects of renewable-energy, such as vocational training for maintaining and operating wind turbines, to prepare the workforce for the future of the energy sector and promote energy transition.
