In fact, only Germany has sufficiently adjusted its permitting procedures to the latest EU climate goals. This is evident from the annual report by the industry organization WindEurope, published this week.
The European Union aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half compared to 1990 levels within seven years. Additionally, wind and solar energy must make up at least 45 percent of total energy consumption. Wind energy plays a key role, but according to WindEurope, its deployment is significantly lagging behind. The same applies to new investments in European wind energy.
The Netherlands intends to double its wind energy capacity in the coming years. To this end, three new areas have been designated in the North Sea where hundreds of new wind turbines can be installed. Furthermore, the previous designation of two other areas has been confirmed. This clears the way for wind farms with a total capacity of 10.7 gigawatts, enough to supply millions of households with green electricity.
The wind farms will be built over the next eight years. Tender procedures will be held in which companies can indicate under what conditions they wish to carry out the projects. Different procedures apply for these offshore parks than for the regional RES transitions involving provincial and municipal governments.
Europe currently has 255 gigawatts of wind energy capacity. Approximately 20 gigawatts is added annually. However, to meet the targets, an average of 31 gigawatts must be added each year. Germany is leading the way; its permitting process has been cut in half to two years. Other governments must follow this example, as permits remain the bottleneck for the European wind energy sector, according to the wind energy umbrella organization.