Greentech Lead Europe: Germany has installed 2,007 MW of
wind energy capacity in 2011, growing at 30 percent.
With this, the total capacity grew to 29 gigawatts. The
30 percent growth of new installations comes primarily from the onshore
segment. Offshore wind will account for a growing share in the coming years. In
2012, construction is expected to begin on six new offshore parks totaling
1,660 MW capacity along Germany’s North Sea and Baltic Sea coastlines.
“Germany’s decision to abandon nuclear power is
having profound effects on the wind energy industry. Growth rates in the
onshore segment were strong last year, the policy framework has been improved,
and the offshore market ready to take off,” said Anne Braeutigam, wind
energy expert at Berlin-based Germany Trade & Invest.
“There are still technical hurdles, and the biggest
challenge remains upgrading the energy grid. Given the current market
conditions and new financing and R&D programs, it’s an excellent time for
companies to invest in Germany to help resolve these remaining issues,”
Braeutigam added.
There is an ongoing influx of new players. Even Lego and
Blackstone are invested in Germany’s wind industry.
The Chinese subsidiary Jade Werke will start production
of steel fundaments for offshore wind parks in Germany as early as 2013. The
company is investing EUR 50 million in a production plant in Wilhelmshaven.
Germany Trade & Invest experts will share business
opportunities in Europe at this year’s EWEA on April 16-19 in Copenhagen.
Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and
inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The
organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business
activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to
German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.