Saxony-Anhalt Takes the Lead in Wind Turbine Trades - Proposal to Be Drafted for Worker Radiation Safety Directive Following Commission Request
Saxony-Anhalt, a region in eastern Germany, is making significant strides in the renewable energy sector, particularly in wind energy. The region is leading the country in wind turbine replacement and modernization, with a focus on hybrid renewable energy projects.
The total capacity of wind energy in Saxony-Anhalt stands at 5,631 megawatts, all of which has been achieved through repowering measures. This makes Saxony-Anhalt the fifth-largest wind energy producer in Germany, accounting for approximately 8.6 percent of the nation's total wind energy capacity.
One of the key drivers of Saxony-Anhalt's success is the hybrid renewable energy initiative in the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district. This project includes a 21.6 MW wind farm and a 19 MWp photovoltaic installation, set to begin construction in August 2025. This strategic focus on modernizing and expanding renewable capacity with advanced, hybrid solutions sets Saxony-Anhalt apart.
In contrast, Lower Saxony, another prominent wind energy producer, is focusing on large-scale repowering projects that involve replacing older turbines with fewer but more powerful ones. For instance, old Vestas V80 turbines are being replaced by ten new Nordex 170 class turbines with 6.8 MW capacity each in Lower Saxony. These turbines are capable of supplying green electricity to around 43,000 households.
However, when it comes to North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), there is no specific data available regarding current wind turbine replacement or expansion projects, making a direct comparison challenging.
Here's a summary of the differences in approach between the three regions:
| Aspect | Saxony-Anhalt | Lower Saxony | North Rhine-Westphalia | |--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Wind turbine replacement focus | Leading in repowering with hybrid wind + PV projects (21.6 MW + 19 MWp) in Anhalt-Bitterfeld[2] | Large-scale repowering with high-capacity turbines (10x 6.8 MW replacing older turbines) mainly at established wind farms[1] | No specific current repowering data available from search results | | Expansion type | Hybrid renewable (wind+solar) | Concentrated wind turbine replacement | Not specified |
Saxony-Anhalt's approach, which emphasizes hybrid renewable energy and diversified renewables, may accelerate the region's renewable energy transition. By combining multiple clean technologies, Saxony-Anhalt is better equipped to meet future energy demands more flexibly.
In the first half of the year, 24 wind power plants with a capacity of around 147 megawatts were installed in Saxony-Anhalt through repowering measures. No new wind energy plants were installed outside of these measures in the region during this period. Saxony-Anhalt accounted for 6.7 percent of the nationwide newly installed wind energy capacity in the first half of the year.
In light of its focus on hybrid renewable energy projects, Saxony-Anhalt's community policy prioritizes vocational training in renewable-energy industry, environmental-science, and finance, to cultivate a workforce capable of managing and maintaining complex, advanced energy systems. This (vocational training) is essential in supporting Saxony-Anhalt's expansion and modernization of wind energy capacity, which is the key to its success in the renewable-energy sector.
To further stimulate the region's economic growth and environmental sustainability, Saxony-Anhalt could explore partnerships with universities and research institutions for collaborative projects in science, particularly in the field of energy, to develop innovative solutions for renewable-energy storage and energy management.
As Saxony-Anhalt continues to lead in the renewable-energy sector, it is crucial to monitor and evaluate the environmental impact of its initiatives. By implementing rigorous assessments, the region can ensure that its strategy aligns with its commitment to minimizing carbon emissions and promoting a sustainable environment.
