Germany Blows By The Competition With Wind Power

Through shifting air currents and weather patterns, Earth provides a constant supply of wind power and Germany is no stranger to utilizing this renewable energy source. Germany is second worldwide only to the United States in electricity produced from wind power, and held the top spot until 2007. With over 19,000 wind turbines already installed across the country, Germany is a forerunner in the industry and plans to continue the expansion of wind farms nationwide.

Germany passed the Renewable Energy Sources Act in 2000, with primitive versions of these laws in existence as early as 1991. The act provides grid connection and distribution priority to electricity produced from renewable energy. Companies that operate the grid are required to use this electricity and purchase it at the minimum price in their locality. Wind power tariffs are in place under the Renewable Energy Sources Act, with a lifespan of 5 to 20 years. Locations that yield a higher amount of wind-powered electricity carry the tariff for a shorter time than those that do not yield as much.
There is concern, however, about the effect wind farms will have on the landscape, in turn affecting the tourist industry. Offshore turbines are ideal for capturing the renewable energy of wind power and they also offer a higher electricity yield than those on land. Wind is more consistent offshore and the speed is 70 to 100% faster than terrestrial wind. Though the technology required to install turbines in the water is more expensive, new developments have made construction cheaper.

On July 15th, 2009, construction finished on the first of twelve wind turbines in the Alpha Ventus wind farm located in the North Sea. Operating 45 km off of the coast, there is no conflict with the tourist industry and the beautiful German landscape is untouched. Not only does Alpha Ventus alleviate any problems associated with turbines dotting the land, it provides a test by which to detect any problems that may be encountered with wind power that far out to sea. The North Sea is known for its harsh wind conditions, thus providing a challenge for the construction and operation of the Alpha Ventus wind farm, but also providing incredible electricity production potential.
Germany has set 2020 as the target year in which at least 25% of the electricity produced in the country will be by means of wind power. At the current rate of turbine installation, this is a distinct possibility.