Wind Energy

New Offshore Wind Farm Projects Boost German Wind Power Industry

Germany’s wind turbines industry supply chain is the most extensive worldwide. With an export ratio of 75 percent, Germany supplies growing wind markets in Europe, Asia and America. Germany’s foothold in this industry is attracting international investors, according to Germany Trade & Invest. The federal agency will be present at this year’s European Wind Energy Association Annual Event in Brussels to share business opportunities in Germany’s wind industry.

"Wind energy manufacturers and suppliers from all over the world look to Germany. The network of expertise here covers the entire industry spectrum, from R&D to installations and repairs," states Anne Bräutigam, Manager for the Wind Energy Industry at Germany Trade & Invest in Berlin.

Germany confirmed its position as the European wind leader in 2010. With cumulative installations of 27,214 MW in December, no other European country produces more energy from wind. Only China and the USA can claim more installed capacity. New installations in Germany totaled 1,551 MW in 2010, of which the largest share went to new onshore capacity.

Offshore wind farm installations and repowering are expected to account for a growing share of the future market. In the offshore segment, wind farms alpha ventus and EnBW Baltic 1 are standing and new projects are underway. The BARD Offshore 1 wind farm, for example, is already providing electricity although the entire wind farm is not completed.

Repowering has created a growing market segment, as several thousand turbines will be upgradeable in the coming years. Alongside ongoing new land made available for installations, repowering can triple the energy generation capacity of current installations using the same land area.

R&D for the wind energy industry received a boost for 2011. The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety is spending EUR 128 million on renewable energy research, including a large portion for offshore wind power technology and significant sums for energy storage and smart grid research.

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.

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