GERMANY

The "Electricity Feed-in" law (Stromeinspeisungsgesetz) was the progenitor of German wind power development in the early 1990’s: installed capacity almost doubled each year during the period (1991-1994) after the law was passed.

From 1 211 turbines and an installed capacity of 167 MW in 1992, German wind capacity had grown to 7 879 turbines and 4 445 MW by end-1999, making it the world leader in wind energy. Following annual increases in excess of 80%, growth in the second half of the 1990’s slowed to 35%-55%, but even with lower growth 1999 saw a record-breaking 1 500 MW of capacity being added. Furthermore, it is reported that by the end of 2000 capacity had increased to just over 6 000 MW. The years between 1992 and 1999 saw the average size of turbine grow from under 200 kW to over 900 kW.

Wind turbines are installed throughout the German Länder: at end-1999 approximately 58% of the wind power was located in the coastal states (Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania), about 25% in the north German lowland states and 17% in the low mountain states.

With typical wind conditions, German turbines presently produce approximately 2% of total electricity production, but the continuing dynamism of the industry is inextricably linked with two political actions. The Stromeinspeisungsgesetz obliges utilities to accept all electricity produced with renewable energies. The price paid for wind power is 90% of the average electricity tariffs for all customers (excluding tax). Due to liberalisation, electricity prices have decreased and an amendment to the law will serve to uncouple the reimbursement paid to wind farmers from the average electricity price. Additionally, the Renewable Energy Act, a new law aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy to 10% of electricity production, will clarify the position of wind energy within the renewables scene. However, the rate of growth seen in recent years is likely to decrease rapidly, partly due to land constraints. Future projects will depend on offshore wind resources being utilised and/or further legislative action being taken to promote greater onshore development.

COUNTRY NOTES (WIND ENERGY)

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