In a joint statement ahead of the German federal elections, the German Wind Energy Association (BWE) and the IG Metall trade union have urged the next government to continue the expansion of wind energy. Industry leaders are stressing the need for the federal government to back the ongoing growth of wind energy projects in the coming years.

“We need a fast and sustained expansion,” said Bärbel Heidebroek, president of the BWE. She also cautioned against making hasty changes to the framework conditions for wind energy development.

BWE and IG Metall, together with representatives from the Nordex Group and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, emphasized the importance of continuing the successful wind energy expansion. They called for the next German government to ensure long-term industry production, job security, and technological leadership, through a sustainable growth strategy involving industry associations, trade unions, and stakeholders.

Bärbel Heidebroek added, “After several years of decline, 2024 became a record year for wind energy thanks to numerous reforms by the outgoing government. In order to maintain this momentum and achieve the expansion targets of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), the next government faces several tasks – from a smooth electricity market reform and implementing a flexibility strategy in the first 100 days to strengthening cybersecurity. The industry is ready to contribute.”

Heiko Messerschmidt, industry representative for shipbuilding and wind energy at IG Metall Küste, emphasized that the future government must maintain the course and not jeopardize the expansion of onshore and offshore wind energy. “We need ambitious and reliable framework conditions to ensure long-term industrial production and jobs in Germany and Europe. Some statements during the election campaign raise concerns, recalling past political mistakes that were detrimental to the industry. The energy transition has become a job engine, creating thousands of jobs and apprenticeships along the entire value chain.”

Karsten Brüggemann, Vice President of Nordex Group for Central Europe, pointed out that the German market has always been crucial for the company as both a research and sales market. “Planning security is crucial for us. Clear and reliable framework conditions are essential. A dynamic market, like the current resurgence of wind energy expansion in Germany, is vital. Our technology delivers and ensures significant parts of the electricity supply. We are ready to support the necessary expansion with our turbines.”

Horst Hakelberg, Chairman of the Works Council at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, underlined the importance of resilience in the debate over wind energy. “Germany and Europe must become independent in energy supply. In times of growing geopolitical tensions, expanding strategically important industrial capacities in wind energy is indispensable. We expect the swift implementation of the European Net-Zero-Industry Act to protect domestic jobs and value creation from the new government.”