Wind power: Saxony-Anhalt is significantly further ahead than Saxony in wind power

According to the energy company VSB, wind power expansion is progressing significantly better in Saxony-Anhalt than in neighboring Saxony – primarily due to political decisions. "I believe politics has an extremely strong influence," VSB Managing Director Thomas Winkler told the German Press Agency. While around five times as many new turbines have been built in Saxony-Anhalt as in Saxony, the necessary framework conditions are lacking there.

"There are many good locations that would be ideal, but politicians aren't designating the areas," criticized Winkler. The so-called two percent target—which calls for two percent of the state's area to be designated for wind energy by the end of 2032—isn't being implemented. In Saxony-Anhalt , however, the political course is "much more progressive," and cooperation with the authorities there is also much more straightforward.

Saxony's Green Party also warns of a regression in energy policy. CDU Infrastructure Minister Regina Kraushaar ( CDU ) recently questioned the area target, citing public concerns. Former Energy Minister Wolfram Günther (Green Party) responded by calling for a "lack of planning in industrial policy" and calling for a consistent expansion of renewable energies.

In addition to political support, the local mood is also crucial, Winkler said. In Saxony, one encounters significantly more resistance when planning new projects. "I don't want to deny the Saxons anything, but I think Saxons in general—change isn't their thing." In Saxony-Anhalt, on the other hand, local acceptance is higher. "People here are much more open and unbiased."

VSB, headquartered in Dresden, operates in both federal states. The company is currently implementing one of Europe's largest repowering projects in the Wittenberg district of Saxony-Anhalt. Fifty older turbines were replaced with 16 new, more powerful wind turbines. Two more are scheduled to follow by the end of 2025. According to the company, the farm's total capacity will increase from 30 to 105 megawatts.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:250615-930-670913/1