PRESS STATEMENT Wind power needs a vision

Wolfgang Lemb: “The German government’s planned 1,000-meter distance requirement between wind turbines and residential buildings will prevent us from meeting our climate goals. To increase the share of renewable energy in gross electricity consumption to 65 percent by 2030, as intended by policymakers, onshore wind power must be expanded. This requires that sufficient land be available. However, the planned minimum distance will remove between 20 and 50 percent of the potential land area from wind energy use. This threatens the very existence of the wind industry. The bankruptcy of Senvion and the crisis at Enercon underscore the need for action. It’s five minutes to midnight. To address the acute crisis, we need a structural fund to finance short-term aid for the regional supply industry. To retain employees at these companies and avoid layoffs, short-time work benefits should be paid for a longer period and combined with training programs.”

Further information and press photos of Wolfgang Lemb