Germany’s onshore wind power sector is experiencing a resurgence, with the first half of 2025 marking its most substantial growth since 2017. This uptick, while promising, still falls short of the targets set by the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), as the country aims to source 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The German government’s ambition has gained urgency following the reduction of fossil fuel imports from Russia due to the Ukraine conflict.
In the first six months of 2025, 409 new turbines with a combined capacity of 2.2 gigawatts (GW) were commissioned, a 67% increase from the previous year. Wind power lobby BWE reported a record 7.8GW of wind power projects approved during this period, a 55% rise compared to the first half of 2024. The average time required to permit new wind projects has also decreased by more than 20% to 18 months, according to data from the Wind and Solar Energy Agency.
Despite this progress, the pace of expansion still does not meet the EEG’s objective to achieve 115GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030. Germany’s Economy Minister Katherina Reiche acknowledged that the previous government might have prioritised climate protection “almost too much” and announced a review of electricity demand, energy security, and the progress of grid and renewable energy expansions.
The BWE has urged the federal government to ensure investment certainty, expedite grid and infrastructure improvements, and implement reforms to facilitate repowering and permits for large and heavy transport. However, Germany has seen a decline in clean energy production, with less than 80 terawatt-hours (TWh) generated in the first four months of 2025, a 16% decrease from the same period in 2024 and the lowest since at least 2015.
To compensate for this shortfall, German power companies have increased fossil fuel power output by 10% from the previous year, resulting in the highest share of fossil fuels in the domestic power mix since 2018. This trend raises questions about the balance between immediate energy needs and long-term sustainability goals.
The current situation presents a complex challenge for Germany. While the resurgence in onshore wind power is a positive sign, the country must accelerate its renewable energy efforts to meet its ambitious 2030 target. The government’s review of energy policies and the BWE’s calls for action highlight the need for a strategic approach that balances energy security, economic considerations, and environmental commitments. The coming years will be crucial in shaping Germany’s energy landscape and its role as a leader in the global transition to renewable energy.