Germany's expansion of wind energy is slowing down,with only 250 onshore wind turbines totaling 1.3 gigawatts(GW)constructed in the first half(H1)2024.This marks a 19-percent decline compared to the same period last year,according to an industry analysis published on Thursday.

At the same time,new approvals for future construction projects saw a significant increase of 32 percent.The German Wind Energy Association(BWE)and VDMA Power System attribute this rise to government measures aimed at easing wind energy expansion,which are now beginning to show results.

The BWE noted that processing times for applications by German authorities have decreased for the first time in years.However,overall expansion still falls short of the country's target of reaching 115 GW by 2030.

"To achieve necessary expansion,approvals must be turned into realized projects,"the associations said,urging political support.

Germany,Europe's largest economy,aims for an 80-percent share of renewable energies in gross electricity consumption by 2030.In the first quarter(Q1)of 2024,the country achieved a record 58.4 percent share of renewables,with wind power alone contributing 38.5 percent to Germany's electricity generation,according to the Federal Statistical Office(Destatis).

"Wind power remains the most important energy source and records strong growth compared to the same quarter of the previous year,"Destatis said.

（Picture: Veer）