Accelerating the expansion of wind energy in Baden-Wuerttemberg: obstacles and proposed solutions

The German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg has set itself the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 and of achieving net greenhouse gas neutrality by 2040. Above all, this requires a consistent phase-out of the combustion of fossil fuels, such as the use of hard coal or natural gas to generate electricity. However, a strong expansion of wind energy and photovoltaic systems is necessary to replace the decarbonisation of fossil-fuelled electricity generation.

Two different trends can be observed in the expansion of wind and solar power. While the annual expansion of photovoltaics has risen continuously in recent years and has exceeded the expansion targets, the expansion of wind energy has stagnated over the last five years.

The aim of this study is to analyse the reasons for the slow expansion of wind energy in Baden-Wuerttemberg and to identify starting points for mitigating or overcoming the identified obstacles. To this end, a data and literature analysis is carried out and interviews are conducted with nine project developers for wind turbines in Baden-Wuerttemberg.