Expansion of Wind Energy: Is Baden-Württemperg set to transform into a wind energy dominant state?

Baden-Württemberg Set for Wind Power Boom as Kretschmann Steps Down

Baden-Württemberg, a German state known for its industrial prowess, is poised for a significant expansion in wind power, with over 1,100 applications for new turbine construction received in recent months. This surge in interest is due in part to the Wind Energy Demand Act passed by the Traffic Light coalition in 2022, which has accelerated the country's transition towards renewable energy.

Current Minister President Winfried Kretschmann, who has been a strong advocate for green politics, will not be around to reap the laurels of this wind power expansion. He is set to step down in March of the following year, and his successor, likely Manuel Hagel of the CDU or Cem Özdemir of the Greens, could be remembered as Baden-Württemberg's wind power Minister President.

The parliamentary leader of the Greens in the state parliament, Andreas Schwarz, attributes the delay in green politics in the state's wind power advancement to a change in mindset among all parties involved. However, recent developments suggest a shift towards more efficient processes. Approval times for wind turbine construction have reduced significantly, from over 30 months to around 8 months.

This speedy approval process can be seen in the district of Sulzbach-Laufen, where the mayor, Markus Bock, gained fame for rapidly approving new wind turbines in his community. Mirjam Schöller, a project developer, managed to approve several large turbines near Münsingen in under three months due to good cooperation with the district office.

The success of these swift approvals is not only beneficial for the wind power industry but also for the communities involved. In Sulzbach-Laufen, a citizen energy cooperative is being organized, allowing local residents to financially participate in wind turbine projects.

However, there are concerns in the wind power industry regarding signals from the federal government that question the "Reference Yield Model." This model creates similar competitive conditions between windy regions and less windy areas, such as Baden-Württemberg, through subsidies. Mirjam Schöller considers the current regulation of the "Reference Yield Model" to be correct and important as it generates electricity where it is needed: in the industrial and energy-intensive south of Germany.

Julia Wolf, the state chairwoman of the Federal Association of Wind Energy, predicts a wind power boom in Baden-Württemberg, stating that the state is now in a situation where it's "really going to take off." With the upcoming elections, the Greens in the state are eager to use the success of this wind power expansion as their own.

Baden-Württemberg currently lags behind other states in terms of wind power, with approximately 800 wind turbines. However, with the current momentum, it seems that the state is on track to catch up and become a major player in Germany's renewable energy landscape.