German onshore wind power – output, business and perspectives

Wind power is Germany's most important renewable electricity source. It is projected to become the backbone of the country's entire energy system in its shift away from fossil fuels. The country boasts one of the largest onshore wind power capacities in the world, which has driven efficiency gains and cost reductions in the technology for years. Yet, although the technology takes a pivotal role in the country's ambitious energy transition plans, the wind power industry has grappled with falling expansion volumes, plant closures and persistent bureaucratic hurdles – before recently regaining optimism thanks to a surge in new projects. This factsheet explores the state of the German wind power industry, the state of funding and support in an energy system increasingly geared towards renewables.