Germany Expects Grid Breakthrough

Last week an initial breakthrough was made to further accelerate Germany’s shift to renewable energy. The country’s four major grid operators provided the German government with a new plan for a major grid expansion.

The government is reviewing the plan and has recently intensified high-level meetings among national and state-level players. Germany Trade & Invest experts will attend this year’s AWEA Windpower from June 3-6 in Atlanta to share the latest business opportunities in the German industry.

 “Germany has one of the most extensive wind energy industries in the world. Efforts to remove obstacles underscore the political and public support for renewable energy in Germany. This will allow the expansion of wind energy to continue to grow, leading to excellent business opportunities,” stated Esther Frey, wind energy expert at Germany Trade & Invest in Berlin.

Over 20 percent of all electricity in Germany comes from renewable energy. Of this, wind makes up the largest share. With Germany’s decision to abandon nuclear energy completely, wind energy – especially from offshore wind farms – is set to play an increasingly important role.

 “Despite ongoing issues with offshore grid connections, it is an excellent time to invest in Germany. Problems are being addressed and the long-term strategy is taking shape. At the same time, companies are embarking into uncharted territory with new innovations,” continued Frey.

Just last month, German energy giant RWE christened a new ship used to install offshore wind turbines in deep water.

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.

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Offshore WIND staff, June 04, 2012; Image: britned