A Summary of the 2024 BWE Wind Industry Report
The wind energy sector in Germany concluded 2024 on a high note, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the transition to a sustainable energy future. The latest report from the Bundesverband WindEnergie (BWE) highlights a year of significant progress, with over 10,000 MW in new tender awards and 12,000 MW in new permits anticipated by year’s end. These numbers underscore the sector’s ability to deliver stability, drive innovation, and sustain growth across the supply chain—from ramped-up manufacturing to advancements in logistics.
As the demand for wind energy accelerates, the industry’s focus is shifting to scaling operations efficiently and ensuring long-term reliability, both onshore and offshore. At Cotes, we recognize the critical importance of keeping wind turbines running optimally. Our dry-air solutions play a vital role in protecting turbine components from the damaging effects of humidity and corrosion, enabling uninterrupted performance in even the most challenging conditions.
The strategic outlook in the BWE report highlights several key developments shaping the future of wind energy in Germany:
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Focus on Repowering:
Repowering, the process of replacing older turbines with modern, more efficient models, is gaining momentum. This strategy enhances energy capacity, reduces turbine numbers, and significantly increases energy output—an essential step for Germany’s aging infrastructure. Germany’s old turbines are being retired and for some operators, repowering could account for half of all new installations in the country in the future. This is an attractive prospect but could be delayed, particularly if the operator of the wind turbines changes.
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Legislative and Regulatory Landscape:
Germany’s recent legislative changes aim to speed up repowering by capping approval timelines at six months, extending construction deadlines to 48 months, and adjusting proximity rules for turbines. However, challenges remain, including delays in species protection assessments and outdated references in the Building Code (BauGB), which continue to slow progress despite efforts to streamline processes.
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Economic and Industrial Stability:
The wind sector continues to act as a "stability anchor" for the economy, driven by robust permit activity and a steady pipeline of new projects. This stability offers new opportunities for industries in transition, such as automotive suppliers.
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Technological and Grid Expansion:
Technological advancements and investments in grid infrastructure are central to meeting future demand. Collaboration with SMEs and the acceleration of energy integration solutions remain top priorities.
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Sustainability and Innovation:
The industry is advancing sustainability efforts through innovations like recycling old turbine materials, developing hybrid systems, battery storage, and digital monitoring.
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International Engagement:
Global events such as WindEnergy Hamburg highlight the wind sector’s collaborative spirit, fostering international partnerships and showcasing groundbreaking innovations.
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Workforce and Community Engagement:
Efforts to recruit skilled professionals and involve local communities remain crucial. Initiatives encouraging shared ownership and incentives for green energy adoption are gaining traction.
In Summary
The report paints a picture of a sector that is not only growing but thriving, ready to tackle the challenges of scaling up while remaining focused on innovation and sustainability.
It also reinforces the wind sector’s position as a leader in the global energy transition. From repowering aging turbines to adopting cutting-edge technologies, the industry is forging a strong path forward. Yet, as it scales to meet rising demand, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of turbines remains a pressing challenge—one that we at Cotes are uniquely positioned to address.
Cotes dry-air solutions (adsorption dehumidifiers) are designed to protect turbine components from humidity and corrosion, enabling consistent performance in any environment, whether onshore or offshore. By helping turbines operate efficiently and reducing downtime, we’re not just supporting the industry’s growth—we’re empowering it to lead the charge toward a sustainable energy future. Together, we’re keeping the wind industry not only on course but poised to reach even greater heights.
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Discover how Cotes’ dry-air solutions can protect your turbines, enhance efficiency, and reduce downtime—ensuring optimal performance onshore and offshore. Let’s work together to support the wind industry’s growth and drive the energy transition forward.