Latest Publication

The German Wind Energy Industry

This fact sheet provides a brief overview of current developments in the wind energy sector for quick and easy market orientation.

• More

• Fact Sheet: German Wind Energy Industry Players
• Fact Sheet: German Wind Energy Project Developers
• Fact Sheet: German Wind Energy Operators
• Fact Sheet: German Wind Energy Service, Maintenance and Repair Provider

Industry & Market Numbers

• Nº 1 wind energy market in Europe - 11% of globally installed capacity in 2012 (Source: GWEC 2013)
• One of the largest wind industries worldwide with around 20% of the global wind industry employment (Source: BMU/GWEC 2011)
• Market and technology leader in the production of on- and offshore turbines with 5 MW and higher capacity (Source: PWC/wab 2012)
• Over 101,100 employees (Source: BMU 2012)
• 31,331 MW total installed capacity by the end of 2012 (Source: Deutsche Windguard 2013)
• 20% increase in terms of newly installed capacity from 2011 to 2012 (Source: Deutsche Windguard 2013)
• 45 TWh production by the end of 2012 (Source: Arbeitsgruppe Energiebilanzen)
• Wind energy accounted for a 8% share of Germany's gross electrical energy consumption in 2012 (Source: BDEW 2013)

Testimonial | Tilman Schwencke, Mainstream Renewable Power

“Germany is the technological leader in the offshore wind energy sector, with excellent infrastructure and an innovative value chain. We also see great potential for new businesses in this dynamic industry.”
Tilman Schwencke, General Manager, Germany, Mainstream Renewable Power

Market | Industrial Infrastructure

MARKET - Market studies show that international companies consider Germany to be one of the current and - alongside China and the USA - future most important wind energy markets worldwide – with enormous offshore wind potential. The increasing number of offshore related industrial settlements reflects the unparalleled location economies of Germany’s coastline for the European offshore market. To add to the value chain, most of the major international turbine manufacturers are also represented with production facilities in Germany. As well as these top-selling manufacturers, the supplier industry settled in Germany makes a significant contribution to wind market turnover. The year 2012 brought another huge leap forward in terms of global capacity with a new record of 44.7 GW installed. Significantly high export levels allow above-average industry participation in global turnover. (Source: WWEA 2012).

INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE - Members of the world's strongest wind energy industry profit from the immediate proximity to leading wind energy companies along the whole value chain, which offer excellent opportunities for partnering.

Testimonial | Anna Hilden | StormGeo AS

„Being located in Hamburg strengthens our ties to the whole offshore wind industry in Germany. We are able to service new and existing customers much better and enjoy close communication with partners right across the region. Demand for our services will grow in 2013-14 as more and more projects enter the construction phase.”

Anna Hilden, Country Manager Germany, StormGeo AS

Personnel | R&D

PERSONNEL - Our renowned educational system supplies a large pool of experienced, world-class employees with essential engineering know-how. In addition, several new degree programs educating specialized wind energy engineers have been created all over Germany to cater to the industry's needs.  Stable wages, high productivity, and local manufacturing provides for faster time to market and the "Made in Germany" quality guarantee.

R&D - Germany is home to a number of engineering companies recognized as being the brains behind the latest wind power generation developments - however they might be branded. Close cooperation between Germany's R&D institutes and equipment manufacturers helps maintain an internationally unparalleled competitive edge. They continuously work on optimizing existing technology and finding solutions for technical challenges. Industry and research initiatives such as the newly developed test stands for nacelles, rotor blades, supporting structures and foundations are just some examples of their various fields of activity.

Germany's 21st Century Energy Road Map

Germany's Energy Concept provides a road map to a truly genuine "renewable age."

• More

Incentives | Legal & Political Framework

INCENTIVES - In Germany, investment projects can receive financial assistance through a number of different instruments. These instruments may come from private sources or consist of public incentives programs available to all companies - regardless of country of provenance. They fit the needs of diverse economic activities at different stages of the investment process. R&D project funding is made available through a number of different incentives programs targeted at reducing the operating costs of R&D projects. Acknowledging the importance of wind energy in Germany’s future energy mix, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety has introduced a specific funding program for research in this renewable field.

LEGAL AND POLITICAL FRAMEWORK - Germany is world renowned for its highly developed economic, legal and political frameworks which provide investors - in all industry sectors - with the necessary security for their business investments. This is also reflected in the financial sector's position regarding German wind energy projects in the recent financial downturn. Last but not least, "The Renewable Energy Source Act (EEG)", with its fixed feed-in tariffs, and grid priority for renewable energies has helped avert the sorts of financial restraints felt in other sectors of industry.

• Renewable Energy Source Act (EEG)

Physical Infrastructure | Stable Investment Environment

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE - Germany's infrastructure excellence is confirmed by a number of recent studies including the Swiss IMD's World Competitiveness Yearbook and various investor surveys by AmCham and Ernst & Young. The 2011-2012 Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked Germany first in Europe and second worldwide for infrastructure; singling out Germany's extensive and efficient infrastructure for highly efficient transportation of goods and passengers for special praise. In terms of the offshore wind industry's unique logistic requirements, Germany offers attractive and purposefully developed quayside or quayside near sites at competitive prices - ready to serve the demands of the northern European offshore markets.

STABLE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT - Social, economic, and political stability provide a solid base for your corporate projects. Our judiciary and civil services are highly professional. Contractual agreements are secure, and intellectual property is strictly protected in Germany.

Downloads & More

Download or order one of our publications for further information, read the latest press releases or simply follow the links we have put together for you.

• More