Lower Saxony: Record growth in wind turbines - 91 new systems 2025!

Lower Saxony: Record growth in wind turbines - 91 new systems 2025!

In the green meadows of Lower Saxony, wind power blooms like never before. With proud 6,202 wind turbines, Lower Saxony leads the list of federal states in Germany. In the first half of 2025 alone, 91 new wind turbines were installed, which corresponds to a considerable increase of almost 70 % compared to the previous year. This development shows how Ernst Lower Saxony's government means by expanding renewable energies. According to NDR , the installed performance of 13,400 megawatt is an impressive result and strengthened top position among the federal states.

But not only Lower Saxony is actively showing itself in the field of wind power. Schleswig-Holstein follows in third place after 61 new systems were installed in the same period. This state has a total of 3,263 wind turbines and thus the highest density of wind turbines per area in Germany. Not all federal states are just as well positioned: In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, just ten new wind turbines were installed in the first half of the year, which only corresponds to 5.9 % compared to the overall German stock of 1,853 plants.

The approval procedures

When it comes to expanding wind power, the approval processes play a crucial role. In Lower Saxony, these last an average of 13.1 months, which turns out to be rather quick, while it is 15 months in Schleswig-Holstein. In contrast, applicants in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have to expect over 44 months-the longest waiting time in Germany. The storage of time is therefore an important factor in wind power expansion.

The efforts of the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Environment to regularly update the wind energy decree contribute to crossing the application. Among other things, the enactment describes the necessary requirements for the approval of wind turbines and was last revised in 2021. Significant changes in the BImSchG and in species protection law serve to reduce the requirements for permits to a certain degree and to ensure more growth. This is in accordance with the goals of receiving 80 % of electricity in Germany by 2030 from renewable sources.

challenges and future outlook

The wind energy industry is satisfied with the added figures, but there are challenges. The topics of citizen participation and regional acceptance not only discuss a lot, but also actively work on solutions. After all, acceptance among the population for the success of the wind power projects is of central importance. In addition, there are aspirations as to whether the distance regulations and the comprehensive environmental impact assessments that not only promote environmental protection, but also regulate the choice of location and the construction of the wind turbines.

With a look at the future of wind power in Germany, it should be noted that the current developments are pointing towards a more sustainable energy generation. While Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein are well positioned, other federal states have to be beaten in the wind power sector. Time is ripe for more green energy and Lower Saxony shows how to do it.