Germany’s onshore wind sector is experiencing a remarkable upswing in 2025, with record figures for new installations, project approvals, and tenders in the first half of the year. According to data published by the German Wind Energy Association (BWE) and VDMA Power Systems, 409 new wind turbines with a total capacity of 2.2 GW were commissioned — the highest volume since 2017.

The report also highlights the approval of 1,276 new wind farms, representing 7.8 GW of capacity — a historic first-half-year record. Additionally, projects totaling 7.5 GW were awarded, laying a solid foundation for continued growth in the coming years. This momentum reflects a positive trend that has been building since 2020, supported by a reduction in average approval times to 18 months — a 20% improvement compared to 2024.

Progress, but still short of EEG targets

Despite the progress, the current figures still fall short of the ambitious expansion goals set out in Germany’s Renewable Energy Act (EEG). According to Bärbel Heidebroek, President of the BWE, those targets are unlikely to be fully met before 2026. Nevertheless, the current progress is seen as a crucial step toward energy transformation, strengthening the electricity system, and boosting the country’s economic resilience.

Heidebroek emphasized the need to maintain this momentum, especially as energy demand continues to rise due to green hydrogen, heat pumps, electric vehicles, data centers, and the electrification of industry. In this context, she noted that “wind energy is regaining momentum” and urged the full implementation of expansion targets to solidify progress.

Urgent need to modernize the grid

Both the BWE and VDMA Power Systems warn that the current pace of expansion requires a smarter, more flexible, and modern power grid. They are calling on the federal government to accelerate planning and approval processes at all levels and to promote sector coupling technologies that support key infrastructure investments.

“The industry is ready to deliver,” said Dr. Dennis Rendschmidt, Managing Director of VDMA Power Systems. However, he stressed that long-term success depends on a stable political and economic framework that fosters industrial investment confidence. “Wind energy is a cost-competitive technology that can be scaled up significantly and quickly,” he added.

Political action needed: Ensuring investment and security

While the current figures are encouraging, industry leaders caution that expansion still falls short of what's needed to meet national and EU decarbonization targets. As such, BWE and VDMA are urging the new federal government to reinforce this momentum with strong, clear policy action.

They also point out that wind turbines are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure and must be protected throughout their entire lifecycle. In this regard, they insist all European suppliers comply with binding security standards and call for the effective implementation of the EU’s NIS 2 Directive and Cyber Resilience Act, both of which are key to safeguarding the energy system’s digital infrastructure.

Speeding up implementation: Key pacts and investment funds

The associations further emphasize the importance of accelerating the rollout of already-awarded capacities. To achieve this, it’s essential to deliver on the commitments made in the planning and permitting pact. This includes facilitating the repowering of existing wind farms, streamlining permits for heavy transport, and prioritizing the establishment of an energy infrastructure investment fund — a promise made in the current coalition government’s agreement.

This fund, composed of private capital backed by public guarantees, should also support the broader expansion of infrastructure and renewable energy.

2025 outlook

If the current pace is maintained, Germany is projected to add between 4.8 and 5.3 GW of new onshore wind capacity by the end of 2025. This growth would mark another step toward establishing wind energy as a cornerstone of a secure, competitive, and decarbonized energy system.