The approval of wind turbines in Germany is progressing steadily—but not without challenges. According to a report commissioned by the German Wind Energy Association (BWE) and VDMA Power Systems, more than 2,400 new onshore turbines were approved in 2024, totalling 14 GW of potential capacity if constructed.

This figure marks an 85% increase over the previous year, an unprecedented milestone that highlights the country’s commitment to renewable energy expansion.

Regional disparities: a system of multiple speeds

Approval speeds vary significantly across federal states. Differences in administrative timelines, regulatory interpretation and land availability lead to wide performance gaps. While some states approve projects in under a year, others take three to four years to complete the process.

A recent analysis by Fachagentur Wind und Solar reveals that, since 2013, average approval durations have exceeded 24 months in many states. Bavaria leads with an average of 42 months, while Brandenburg completes the process in under 18 months. States like Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein show intermediate performance, ranging between 22 and 28 months.

This fragmented landscape directly impacts how fast new capacity can actually reach the grid—even in a record-breaking year like 2024.

Source: Fachagentur Wind und Solar

Key national reforms reshape the legal framework

The BWE report notes that this permitting momentum is occurring amidst substantial legal reforms. The “Solar Package I”, passed in May 2024, introduced key measures such as the obligation to allow cable laying on public land, new remuneration models for innovative technologies like kite turbines (Flugwindanlagen), extended grace periods and penalty structures for delayed wind projects.

Additionally, the amendment to the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG), in effect since July 2024, revised environmental permitting for wind installations. It simplifies repowering procedures, relaxes site change conditions, and allows project execution up to 48 months after dismantling existing turbines.

“Administrative barriers for new projects and repowering are being clearly reduced,” the BWE notes in the technical document.

Offshore expansion: larger turbines and ambitious targets

Germany is also advancing in offshore wind, though with different challenges. According to the Deutsche WindGuard report, by the end of 2024, 1,639 offshore turbines were in operation, delivering 9.2 GW of capacity.

Over the year, 73 new turbines with 742 MW of capacity were connected, and another 81 were installed but not yet grid-linked.

“New offshore installations now average 10.2 MW per turbine, with rotor diameters reaching 182 metres,” the report highlights, underscoring the technological leap. Turbines with up to 15 MW capacity are expected to be operational as early as 2025.

Germany aims to reach 30 GW of offshore capacity by 2031—one year later than initially planned—and 50 GW by 2035, provided that tendering and construction remain on schedule.

According to WindGuard, offshore wind generated 25.7 TWh in 2024, up from the previous year, despite a 17% drop in average market prices—from 8.19 ct/kWh in 2023 to 6.78 ct/kWh in 2024. The figures reflect increased output and improved efficiency, even in a less favourable pricing environment.

Political breakdown delays key legislation

The collapse of the federal coalition on 6 November 2024 put several critical legislative packages on hold. Among them was the domestic implementation of the RED III directive, intended to accelerate renewable project planning and approval.

Nonetheless, other processes are still advancing, such as the EnWG/EEG amendment, which aims to ease grid connection through flexible access contracts and digital standardisation of the connection process.

“The future electricity market design must embed greater flexibility and predictability for renewable integration,” the BWE states in its comments on the legislation.

Europe speeds up: legal certainty and industrial resilience

At the EU level, regulations are also providing momentum. The extension of the Emergency Regulation (EU-Notfallverordnung) until July 2025 and the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), in force since June 2024, strengthen legal certainty, industrial resilience, and strategic autonomy in key sectors such as wind power.

So how long does it really take to approve a turbine?

The central question remains: How long does it actually take to approve a wind turbine in Germany? The answer continues to be “it depends”. Legal reforms have reduced timelines, but territorial fragmentation and procedural complexity remain key bottlenecks.

Still, the progress made in 2024 positions Germany as one of the most dynamic wind markets globally—onshore and offshore alike.

“The challenge is not just approving more megawatts, but connecting them faster and with fewer frictions,” the BWE analysis concludes.