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Germany's Latest Renewable Energy Projects

Germany’s Renewable Energy Surge: Latest Projects and Stats Fueling the Green Transition


Germany, a European leader in renewable energy, continues its ambitious push towards a sustainable future. 

With a goal of achieving 80% electricity consumption from renewables by 2030, the country is witnessing a surge in innovative projects across various technologies. Let’s explore some of the latest developments and delve into the accompanying statistics:


Solar Power Soars:



  • Record Installations: 2023 saw a remarkable installation of over 1 million new solar systems, generating 14 GW of capacity – an 85% increase compared to 2022. This translates to roughly 3 new installations every minute!

  • Community Power: Initiatives like citizen energy cooperatives are facilitating community-owned solar parks, empowering local communities and boosting participation.


Wind Power Pushes Forward:



  • Offshore Expansion: Projects like the 900 MW Nordsee Two wind farm, operational since 2023, highlight the focus on large-scale offshore wind developments.

  • Onshore Repowering: Replacing older turbines with more efficient models is revitalizing existing wind farms, boosting output and efficiency.


Beyond Wind and Solar:



  • Hydrogen Hubs: Green hydrogen production from renewable sources is gaining momentum, with projects like the Holtenhafen green hydrogen plant paving the way for decarbonizing various industries.

  • Geothermal Potential: Exploration and development of geothermal energy resources are underway, particularly in southern Germany, offering a promising source of clean, baseload power.
Germany's Latest Renewable Energy Projects



Latest Germany Wind Energy Projects 

Onshore:

  • Dalkendorf Wind Farm:

    • Location: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
    • Capacity: 40 MW (7 x 5.7 MW turbines)
    • Status: Approval granted, construction begins 2024, commissioning 2026
    • Developer: Qualitas Energy
  • Waldow Wind Farm:

    • Location: Brandenburg
    • Capacity: 25 MW (5 x 5 MW turbines)
    • Status: Approval granted, construction begins 2024, commissioning 2025
    • Developer: Qualitas Energy
  • Recent Onshore Wind Auction:

    • Capacity awarded: 1.4 GW
    • Projects: Distributed across various locations in Germany
    • Status: Early development stages
    • Significance: Represents continued momentum in onshore wind expansion

Offshore:

  • Borkum Riffgrund 3:

    • Location: North Sea, off Borkum island
    • Capacity: 900 MW (83 turbines)
    • Status: Under construction, commissioning expected 2025
    • Developer: Ørsted
  • Kaskasi:

    • Location: North Sea, off Heligoland island
    • Capacity: 342 MW (38 turbines)
    • Status: Under construction, commissioning expected 2024
    • Developer: RWE, Ørsted
  • Baltic Sea Tenders (March 2021):

    • Location: Baltic Sea, divided into three zones
    • Capacity: 958 MW
    • Status: Tender awarded, projects in early development stages
    • Significance: Represents significant expansion in Baltic Sea offshore wind

Additional Statistics:

  • New onshore wind installations in Germany (H1 2023): 1.6 GW
  • German government’s onshore wind target: 10 GW per year from 2025 onwards
  • Total installed wind energy capacity in Germany (2022): 63.1 GW (onshore: 56.2 GW, offshore: 6.9 GW)

Latest Germany Wind Energy Projects with Specific Statistics Table

Project Location Capacity (MW) Turbine Type & Count Status Developer Additional Info
Onshore:
Dalkendorf Wind Farm Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 40 (7 x 5.7) N/A Approval granted, construction 2024, commissioning 2026 Qualitas Energy Expected annual energy production: 136 GWh
Waldow Wind Farm Brandenburg 25 (5 x 5) N/A Approval granted, construction 2024, commissioning 2025 Qualitas Energy Expected annual energy production: 87.5 GWh
Recent Onshore Wind Auction (Oct 2023) Various 1,400 N/A Early development stages N/A Includes diverse developers and project locations
Offshore:
Borkum Riffgrund 3 North Sea, Borkum island 900 (83) Siemens Gamesa SWT-8.0-167 Under construction, commissioning 2025 Ørsted World’s largest offshore wind farm at completion
Kaskasi North Sea, Heligoland island 342 (38) Siemens Gamesa SWT-8.8-170 Under construction, commissioning 2024 RWE, Ørsted First wind farm to use 170m rotor diameter turbines in Germany
Baltic Sea Tenders (March 2021) Baltic Sea (3 zones) 958 N/A Early development stages N/A Tenders awarded to various developers, projects underway

Additional Statistics:

  • New onshore wind installations in Germany (H1 2023): 1.6 GW
  • German government’s onshore wind target: 10 GW per year from 2025 onwards
  • Total installed wind energy capacity in Germany (2022): 63.1 GW (onshore: 56.2 GW, offshore: 6.9 GW)
  • Expected share of wind energy in German electricity mix by 2030: 65%

Germany's Latest Renewable Energy Projects

Latest Germany Solar Energy Projects 

Germany remains a leader in solar energy, and new projects continue to emerge. Here’s a look at some of the latest initiatives, categorized by rooftop and utility-scale:

Rooftop Solar:

  • “Million Roofs Program”:

    • Goal: Install 1 million new rooftop solar systems by 2025.
    • Progress: Over 2.7 million rooftop systems installed in Germany as of 2023.
    • Funding: Supported by government grants and subsidies.
    • Significance: Aims to significantly increase residential solar adoption.
  • “Solar Offensive”:

    • Goal: Promote solar installations on public buildings in Bavaria.
    • Progress: Over 1,000 public buildings equipped with solar panels as of 2023.
    • Funding: Allocated €100 million for project development.
    • Significance: Expands solar utilization in the public sector.
  • IKEA Germany Solar Panel Partnership:

    • Initiative: Collaboration with Sonnenbatterie to offer home battery systems with IKEA solar panels.
    • Progress: Launched in October 2023, initial sales promising.
    • Significance: Simplifies access to solar and storage solutions for homeowners.

Utility-Scale Solar:

  • “Solarpark Picher”:

    • Location: Saxony-Anhalt
    • Capacity: 180 MW (expected)
    • Status: Under construction, commissioning planned for 2025.
    • Developer: EnBW
    • Significance: One of the largest solar parks currently under construction in Germany.
  • “Solar Cluster Westküste”:

    • Location: Schleswig-Holstein
    • Capacity: 147 MW (combined)
    • Status: Various stages of development, some operational.
    • Developer: Multiple developers
    • Significance: Showcase project for interconnected solar farms maximizing land use.
  • “agrivoltaic” Projects:

    • Concept: Combining solar panels with agricultural production.
    • Examples: Several pilot projects ongoing across Germany.
    • Status: Early stages, research and development focused.
    • Significance: Exploring potential for dual land use and agricultural benefits.

Additional Statistics:

  • New installed solar capacity in Germany (2022): 5.3 GW
  • German government’s solar target: 10 GW per year from 2025 onwards
  • Total installed solar capacity in Germany (2022): 59.2 GW (rooftop: 54.4 GW, utility-scale: 4.8 GW)

Table of Latest Germany Solar Energy Projects


Project Location Capacity (MW) Type Status Developer Additional Info
Rooftop Solar:
Million Roofs Program Nationwide N/A Rooftop Ongoing Various Aims for 1 million new systems by 2025
Solar Offensive – Bavaria Bavaria N/A Public buildings Ongoing Bavarian government Over 1,000 buildings equipped
IKEA Germany Solar Panel Partnership Nationwide N/A Rooftop + storage Launched Oct 2023 IKEA & Sonnenbatterie Simplifies access for homeowners
Utility-Scale Solar:
Solarpark Picher Saxony-Anhalt 180 Ground-mounted Under construction EnBW Commissioning planned for 2025
Solar Cluster Westküste Schleswig-Holstein 147 (combined) Ground-mounted Various stages Multiple developers Interconnected solar farms
Agrivoltaic Projects Various N/A Dual-use (agri + solar) Pilot stage Various developers Research & development focused

Additional Statistics:

  • New installed solar capacity in Germany (2022): 5.3 GW
  • German government’s solar target: 10 GW per year from 2025 onwards
  • Total installed solar capacity in Germany (2022): 59.2 GW (rooftop: 54.4 GW, utility-scale: 4.8 GW)

Germany's Latest Renewable Energy Projects

Latest Hydrogen and Geothermal Energy Projects in Germany 

Hydrogen:

  • Bavaria’s €500 million investment: Announced in February 2024, Bavaria is investing €500 million in hydrogen and green energy projects. While specific details are yet to be released, this significant investment highlights Germany’s continued commitment to hydrogen development.

  • H2Global’s salt cavern storage project: Announced in January 2024, German energy company H2Global plans to store at least 250 GWh of hydrogen in salt caverns by 2030. This project, once completed, would represent a major step forward in hydrogen storage capacity in Germany.

  • Hydrogen push in German industry: Several German companies and research institutions are involved in projects exploring the use of hydrogen in various industries, including steel production, chemicals, and transportation.

Specific statistics for these projects are currently unavailable due to their recent announcement and ongoing development.

Geothermal:

  • Government exploration campaign: Launched in 2023, the German government’s geothermal exploration campaign aims to identify regions with favorable conditions for geothermal energy development. This initiative aims to identify and explore 100 new geothermal projects by 2030.

  • Geothermal Energy Upper Rhine Valley: This ongoing project by Geothermal Energy aims to generate up to 30 MW of electricity from geothermal resources in the Upper Rhine Valley region. While specific electricity generation data is not readily available, the project marks a significant step in utilizing geothermal energy for electricity generation in Germany.

  • Heat pump utilization: Germany already utilizes surface geothermal energy through widespread heat pump deployment. However, the potential for medium and deep geothermal heat is largely untapped. The government’s campaign aims to increase the share of geothermal heat in heating networks by tenfold by 2030.

Specific heat generation and capacity data for individual geothermal projects is limited due to the nascent stage of the government’s exploration campaign and the scattered nature of existing projects.

Table of Hydrogen and Geothermal Energy Projects in Germany (February 2024)

Project Name Location Objective Status Key Partners Notes
Hydrogen:
Bavaria’s €500 million investment Bavaria Develop hydrogen & green energy projects Announced February 2024 Ongoing planning, details to be released.
H2Global salt cavern storage Northern Germany Store 250+ GWh of hydrogen by 2030 Announced January 2024 H2Global Early development stage, location specifics not confirmed.
Hydrogen in industry projects Various Explore hydrogen use in steel, chemicals, transportation Ongoing Various companies & research institutions Multiple projects at different stages, specifics vary.
Geothermal:
Government exploration campaign Nationwide Identify 100 geothermal projects by 2030 Launched 2023 Federal government + research institutions Ongoing exploration, specific project details not available.
Geothermal Energy Upper Rhine Valley Upper Rhine Valley Generate up to 30 MW electricity Construction Geothermal Energy Project details limited, specific generation data unavailable.
Heat pump utilization Nationwide Increase geothermal heat in heating networks Ongoing Government, utilities, individual projects Scattered existing projects, data on total heat generation lacking.

Please note: This table presents a brief overview based on publicly available information as of February 13, 2024. Specific project details and statistics are limited or unavailable at this stage.

Germany's Latest Renewable Energy Projects

Germany’s Latest Renewable Energy Technology

Germany’s dedication to renewable energy has yielded impressive results, making it a global leader in clean energy innovation. Here’s a glimpse into some recent advancements:

Solar Energy:

  • Perovskite Solar Cells: Researchers at HZB shattered records with a 29.5% efficiency in perovskite cells, offering a cheaper and easier-to-produce alternative to silicon.

  • Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Seamlessly integrating solar panels into building design, BIPV is gaining traction with its dual benefit of energy efficiency and aesthetics.

  • Floating Solar Farms: Capitalizing on limited land resources, Germany explores floating solar farms on water bodies, maximizing potential without compromising land use.


Wind Energy:

  • Next-Generation Wind Turbines: German companies are designing larger, more efficient, and reliable turbines to reduce wind energy costs and enhance competitiveness.

  • Offshore Wind Farms: Leading in offshore wind, Germany expands its North and Baltic Sea wind farms, contributing significantly to their clean energy portfolio.

  • Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs): Exploring lower wind speed operation and reduced noise, Germany invests in VAWT development for both onshore and offshore applications.


Other Renewable Technologies:

  • Hydrogen: Hydrogen, seen as a key decarbonization tool, receives heavy investment in Germany for electricity generation, heating, and powering vehicles.

  • Geothermal Energy: While in its early stages, Germany explores geothermal energy’s potential for electricity and heating, harnessing the Earth’s internal heat.

  • Biomass: Already a leader in biomass energy, Germany utilizes it for heat, electricity, and transportation fuels, highlighting its commitment to diverse renewable sources.

This snapshot showcases Germany’s continuous push for renewable energy advancements. By investing in these innovative technologies, they aim to achieve their ambitious climate goals and pave the way for a greener future.

https://www.exaputra.com/2024/02/germanys-latest-renewable-energy.html

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

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ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:

“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.

“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action. 

“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”

###

ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org

The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/

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Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

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Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff. 

Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes! 

These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems. 

Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.  

But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia? 

Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.  

There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective. 

In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.

Why You Need Battery Storage Now?

According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.  

Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage. 

Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.  

Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day. 

Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.  

Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar. 

Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint 

But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there! 

The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.  

A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.

Why You Need Battery Storage Now

Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery: 

  1. Energy Independence 
  2. Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the  Australian energy market. 

  3. Maximized Savings  
  4. Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability. 

  5. Better Return on Investment ROI 
  6. Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates 

    Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.  

  7. Lower Carbon Footprint 
  8. Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%. 

    These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.  

  9. Peace of Mind 
  10. Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.  

    Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind. 

What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?

While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone. 

Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.  

Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question. 

With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.  

So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things: 

  1. Your Daily Energy Usage

Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day. 

  1. Your Solar System Output

How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting. 

  1. Your Nighttime Power Usage

A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid. 

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies! 

  • For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable. 
  • For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough. 
  • Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system. 
  • For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh. 

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!  

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies! 

  • For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable. 
  • For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough. 
  • Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system. 
  • For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh. 

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help! 

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.  

However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here. 

Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system. 

Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.  

These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage. 

Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance

It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.  

So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process. 

Benefits of Solar Battery Storage 

  • Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining. 
  • You don’t have to care about power outages anymore 
  • In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source 
  • Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak 
  • During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun. 
  • Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source. 

Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system: 

  • Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.  
  • Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk. 

Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage 

  • One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents. 
  • Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments. 
  • Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime. 
  • While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time. 
  • Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.   

Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!

You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.  

First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.  

A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.  

Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.  

Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.  

Takeaway Thoughts

Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.  

With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most. 

By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030 

It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia. 

Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?  

Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!  

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

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Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

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Wine Grapes and Climate Change

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I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.

From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

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