Germany is harnessing the power of wind energy

Germany’s wind energy sector continues to lead Europe’s transition to renewables, with remarkable developments in both onshore and offshore segments. As the largest wind power market in Europe, Germany’s robust growth is set to underpin the country’s drive toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Installed capacity and growth

• New installations: In 2024, Germany added approximately 3.3 GW of new onshore wind capacity alongside 730 MW of offshore wind capacity, bringing the total new installations to around 4.0 GW.

• Cumulative capacity: Germany now boasts a total installed wind power capacity of roughly 72.7 GW, with onshore installations dominating the mix. This positions Germany as the frontrunner in wind energy across Europe.

• Technology advancements: New onshore wind turbines installed in 2024 have an average power rating of about 4.6 MW, while offshore turbines average around 10.1 MW—demonstrating the industry’s continuous push for higher performance and efficiency.

Government ambitions and policy initiatives

• Energy mix target: Wind energy already accounts for approximately 30% of Germany’s electricity consumption. The government is committed to expanding this share further, aligning with broader national and EU renewable energy targets.

• Modernization and repowering: A key element of Germany’s strategy is to repower aging wind farms. In 2024, repowering projects contributed roughly 1.1 GW of new capacity—enabling higher energy yields and a more efficient use of existing sites.

• Support mechanisms: Recent auctions have seen significant support through feed-in premium schemes, with strike prices averaging around €73/MWh. These initiatives are designed to lower financial barriers and accelerate the deployment of new wind projects.

Current and upcoming projects

• Major installations: Several large-scale projects are in various stages of development, reinforcing Germany’s leadership in onshore wind installations. Additionally, offshore wind projects continue to grow, supported by streamlined permitting processes and enhanced grid connectivity plans.

• Grid and infrastructure: To sustain this rapid expansion, investments in grid modernization are critical. Upgrades and expansions in transmission capacity will be key to accommodating the increasing wind power generation and integrating it seamlessly into the national grid.

Recent developments

Recent years have seen Germany overcoming challenges such as permitting delays and grid bottlenecks, with innovative auction designs (including negative bidding) fostering a competitive market environment. These measures, coupled with technological improvements in turbine design and capacity factors, are expected to drive further growth in the coming years.

These dynamic developments underscore Germany’s determination to harness wind power as a cornerstone of its renewable energy strategy—supporting its ambitious climate targets and contributing significantly to Europe’s overall energy transformation.

This information is updated in March 2025

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