The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWE) presented the “Roadmap for Resilience,” in whose development the German Wind Energy Association played a key role. Its objective is to reduce the import dependence of permanent magnets and strengthen the resilience of the German and European wind energy industry.

The wind energy industry in Germany and Europe is one of the pillars of the energy sector. It strengthens the country’s economic power, generates local value, and is a major employer. Reliable supply chains and the consistent availability of key components are essential prerequisites for the industry’s success and its increasing contribution to a secure energy supply.

To reduce the critical import dependence and strengthen domestic and European industry, the BMWE, together with the BWE (Federal Association of German Engineers) and other associations, manufacturers, and suppliers, has developed the “Roadmap for Resilience.” For the first time, it sets a concrete target: by 2030, 30% of permanent magnets will come from alternative supplier countries, and this proportion will increase to 50% by 2035.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as recent export restrictions imposed by the Chinese government, highlight the vulnerability of the energy supply. Currently, a very high proportion of the permanent magnets and rare earths required for the wind industry come from China. It is important to reduce unilateral dependencies to make our energy system more secure. The Resilience Roadmap contributes to this goal by establishing a roadmap for supply chain diversification, said Bärbel Heidebroek, President of BWE.

Given the industry’s strong commitment, BWE considers it crucial to maintain planning security and clear framework conditions so that planned transitions can be gradually implemented. With sufficient advance notice, wind turbine manufacturers can adapt and diversify their complex supply chains. It is critical to ensure that the initial increase in procurement costs for diversified supply chains is factored into the tendering system.

The federal government has a responsibility to support industry efforts by establishing new partnerships. The BWE welcomes the BMWE’s intention to increase support for foreign investment promotion, raw material funding, and energy research, among others. The association also welcomes the planned integration of roadmap agreements into the ongoing implementation of the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA).