Germany’s wind energy sector facing delays due to transport backlogs

Germany’s wind power expansion is facing significant delays due to a backlog of more than 15,000 applications for permits to transport heavy wind turbine components on the country’s roads. Wind power companies say that these delays are costing them thousands of euros per day and could add an extra €115 million in costs by the end of the year.

The delays in securing permits are threatening Germany’s goal to obtain 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with 115 gigawatts expected to come from onshore wind. The cost of permits has also risen significantly, causing further financial strain on companies.

Transport permits are required to move heavy loads over bridges and highways. In some cases, structures and road signs need to be dismantled, and police escorts are required for certain loads, while others can only be transported at night. The complexity and rigidity of the permit system, as well as the lack of a single governing law, have contributed to the delays.

Germany’s wind power industry is calling for a standardized and largely automated permit process, similar to those in countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, where permits can be obtained in a matter of days or weeks.

The current system, which relies on outdated software and guidelines, has been unable to keep up with the growing demand for wind turbine transportation permits.

The German government has recently announced plans to reduce bureaucracy and speed up approval processes for construction projects, including wind farms.

However, these changes are not expected to take effect until the end of 2023, leaving wind power companies to contend with ongoing delays in the meantime.

Elevate your business with QU4TRO PRO!

Gain access to comprehensive analysis, in-depth reports and market trends.

Interested in learning more?

Sign up for Top Insights Today

Top Insights Today delivers the latest insights straight to your inbox.

You will get daily industry insights on

Oil & Gas, Rare Earths & Commodities, Mining & Metals, EVs & Battery Technology, ESG & Renewable Energy, AI & Semiconductors, Aerospace & Defense, Sanctions & Regulation, Business & Politics.

By clicking subscribe you agree to our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions of use.

Read more insights

U.S. expanding import ban on Xinjiang-made goods to EV batteries

The enforcement of a U.S. law banning imports of goods made in Xinjiang, China, due to concerns over forced labor is expanding to include electric-vehicle (EV) batteries and other car parts, as seen in a document obtained by Reuters. While the enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) has been primarily focused on products like solar panels, tomatoes, and cotton apparel, it’s now extending to products such as lithium-ion batteries, tires, aluminum, and steel, which are essential for the automotive industry.

EU pledges €1.8 billion to secure battery raw materials for EV industry

The European Commission has unveiled plans to allocate €1.8 billion to establish a secure and competitive supply chain for battery raw materials, a move designed to strengthen the European automotive industry, according to European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

This announcement is part of the broader automotive sector action plan, which was approved by the Commission’s College and follows President Ursula von der Leyen’s earlier hints at direct support for EU battery producers.

Chilean lithium major SQM set to buy Australia’s Azure Minerals for $1 billion

SQM, a major lithium mining company, has secured the backing of Australian firm Azure Minerals Ltd. for its improved cash offer of A$1.6 billion ($1 billion). The binding offer represents a 52% increase, amounting to A$3.52 per share, which is a 44% premium over Azure’s…

Stay informed

error: Content is protected !!