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.
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)
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%
| 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%
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)
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)
| 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)
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.
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.
| 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 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.
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
Siemens Gamesa Builds Hornsea Blades, NEMS Invests in Perth
Weather Guard Lightning Tech

Siemens Gamesa Builds Hornsea Blades, NEMS Invests in Perth
Siemens Gamesa starts Hornsea 3 blade production in Hull, Germany approves an Offshore Wind Act amendment, and Nexxis buys BladeBUG.
The Uptime Wind Energy Podcast is brought to you by Weather Guard Lightning Tech, creators of the StrikeTape Ultra LPS retrofit. Subscribe to Uptime’s Substack newsletter. And check out Rosemary’s “Engineering with Rosie” Youtube channel. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us!
Episode Transcript
Uptime News Flash
September 7, 2026
Happy Monday, everyone. Well, let’s talk about the biggest wind farm on earth. It doesn’t exist yet, but its blades are being built right now. Over in Hull, England, Siemens Gamesa just started making blades for Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm. That’s two point nine gigawatts, one hundred and ninety-seven turbines. Each blade is longer than a football pitch. Fourteen hundred workers build blades in that factory, turning raw materials into finished product. When complete, Hornsea 3 will power more than three million British homes. It’s the single largest offshore wind farm in the world.
And if we slide over to Germany for a moment, the German cabinet just approved an amendment to the Offshore Wind Act, the WindSeeG. It’s headed to the Bundestag next. The goal? New rules by January first, twenty twenty-seven. But the Offshore Wind Energy Foundation says the draft does not go far enough. Sixteen gigawatts of awarded projects are still waiting on final investment decisions. Sixteen — that’s quite a few. The foundation wants a new way for developers to hand back sites they can’t build, so those sites can be re-tendered quickly under conditions that actually work. Sort of a use-it-or-lose-it approach. That’s the idea.
We’ll head a little further east to India. India ranks fourth in the world for installed wind power, but probably not for long. A government official said this week that India will overtake Germany and become the world’s third-largest wind energy nation by twenty thirty — one hundred seven gigawatts of installed capacity. India added a record six gigawatts last year alone, shattering their previous record of a little over four gigawatts. And twenty-eight more gigawatts are under construction right now. Impressive.
Let’s head down to Western Australia, because a company called National Electric Motor Services, NEMS for short, is building a one million dollar facility in Perth to test and repair wind turbine generators. Right now, Australian wind farm operators ship their broken generators overseas for repairs, and that takes months. NEMS is the only authorized service center for ELIN Motoren in all of Western Australia. This is the fifth project funded through Australia’s Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-investment program. Local repair, faster turnaround, and homegrown capability — that’s all good.
And staying in Australia, Perth-based Nexxis Technology just bought a British robotics company, BladeBUG. BladeBUG is a robot that uses suction cups to crawl across wind turbine blades. Nexxis already has a robot called Magneto that uses electromagnetic adhesion to climb steel structures. If you put the two together, you can inspect almost any surface on a turbine, or about anything else. Add AI and machine vision, and you have robots that can see what human eyes might miss, from places human hands shouldn’t have to reach. It’s safer, faster, and it’s going to be a lot smarter.
One more story before we finish today. Siemens Gamesa has now installed more than 300 recyclable blades in six countries. The secret is a new resin. Unlike conventional resins, this one lets you separate the blade components at end of life, so you can separate the fabric from the resin. Cool stuff. Jonas Pagh Jensen, head of sustainability at Siemens Gamesa, says the technology is ready for full-scale use. And Siemens Gamesa has already installed 36 GreenerTower units — steel towers with 63% lower carbon emissions. So although sustainability may have faded from the headlines, it’s still in tender documents, and it’s showing up more than ever. In Denmark, the Netherlands, and France, buyers are all asking about recyclability and decarbonization before they award contracts.
So what should you be watching this week? Recyclability is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s a must-have, and it’s showing up in tender scoring. If your blades can’t be recycled at end of life, you may not win the contract to begin with. And a lot of supply chains are going local. Australia doesn’t want to ship generators overseas anymore. India is building its own turbine factories. The countries buying wind power want it built at home. For professionals in the wind industry, the competitive edge is shifting — it’s not just who can build the best turbine, it’s who can build it locally, recycle it fully, and inspect it without putting a person in a harness.
Renewable Energy
Climate “Superfund” Will Require Legislation at the Federal Level
Eventually, we will have laws that force companies whose actions are ruining the planet to pay for the remediation that must happen to avert environmental collapse. In the meanwhile, we need to expect the fossil fuel industry to continue its ruthless legal attack such legislation.
Climate “Superfund” Will Require Legislation at the Federal Level
Renewable Energy
There Is No Single Act that Would Crash Trump’s Approval Rating
The idea expressed at left, i.e., that Trump’s arch–or any single action Trump has taken towards self-aggrandizement is causing is approval rate to plummet–is fallacious.
Sure, a great many of his similar efforts, e.g., putting his name on the Kennedy Center, or issuing coins with his image on them, rankled our souls as Americans.
But let’s face facts, Trump’s approval rating is hovering at just above 30%, meaning that about one-third of U.S. voters don’t care that he’s a petty, spoiled child, a convicted felon, and one of the most despicable people in the history of humankind.
There Is No Single Act that Would Crash Trump’s Approval Rating
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A judge has ruled that New York State’s climate “superfund,” modeled after laws that provide money to clean up toxic waste, runs counter to federal law and is therefore invalid.