Wind Energy Expansion in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Faces Hurdles Despite Renewed Momentum
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a state in northeastern Germany, is striving to be a leader in renewable energy, particularly wind power. However, the ambitious goals face significant challenges, primarily due to lengthy approval processes and local resistance to onshore wind farm development. Despite a recent increase in permits granted for new wind parks, investors are intensifying pressure on authorities, resorting to legal action to expedite the process.
Environmental Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) revealed a rising trend of "Untätigkeitsklagen" (inactivity lawsuits) filed by wind energy companies against permitting agencies. These lawsuits are a direct response to the prolonged and often multi-year review procedures that projects face. The companies argue that these delays hinder the state’s transition to renewable energy and impede investment.
Backhaus reported that in 2024, permits were issued for 198 onshore wind turbines. While this represents progress, the backlog remains substantial. As of early 2025, 291 pending applications for 1,157 wind turbines were still under review. Furthermore, only 36 wind turbines were approved in the first quarter of the year, highlighting the ongoing slow pace of approval.
The state government has taken steps to address the bottlenecks. According to Backhaus, 122 additional personnel positions have been created across the Environment Ministry, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and subordinate agencies to accelerate the approval processes. Despite these efforts, the average processing time remains between three and four years. The minister acknowledged that many older applications have been pending for considerably longer.
One of the key issues contributing to the delays is the lack of comprehensive regional planning, particularly in West Mecklenburg. Backhaus criticized the "Wildwuchs" (uncontrolled growth) of individual applications outside designated priority areas. He argued that this uncoordinated approach is not conducive to an orderly and widely accepted energy transition. Numerous municipalities in West Mecklenburg are advocating for measures to curb the uncontrolled expansion of wind power.
The responsibility for spatial planning and the designation of wind suitability areas rests with four regional planning associations. However, these associations have faced significant obstacles, including strong local opposition and uncertainties surrounding grid expansion, which have repeatedly delayed the planning process.
Backhaus emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating, "We want to shape the energy transition, not be overwhelmed by it. And that means: more speed, yes – but also more transparency, more participation, more value creation locally." He reiterated Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s commitment to remaining a pioneer in the development of renewable energies. However, he also stressed the importance of respecting diverse perspectives alongside determination. He made these remarks ahead of the "Wind & Maritim" future conference of the WindEnergy Network in Rostock.
Despite the increased permitting activity, the actual deployment of new wind turbines in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern lags behind other states. According to data from the Fachagentur Wind und Solar, commissioned by the German Wind Energy Association (BWE) and the VDMA Power Systems, only 16 new wind turbines with a capacity of 89.3 megawatts were commissioned in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in 2024. This placed the state near the bottom of the national ranking. Currently, approximately 1,840 wind turbines generate electricity in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, compared to 3,238 in neighboring Schleswig-Holstein.
In contrast to the challenges faced by onshore wind energy projects, the development of offshore wind energy in the Baltic Sea is progressing more smoothly. According to Minister Backhaus, Iberdrola, a Spanish energy company, is developing the Wikinger, Baltic Eagle, and Windanker offshore wind farms off the coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. These projects are expected to create a total capacity of over 1.1 gigawatts by 2026. Iberdrola has been active in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern since 2018.
Backhaus also highlighted the Gennaker project, a significant offshore wind project located approximately 15 kilometers north of the Darß peninsula. The authorities are expected to begin participation in the project shortly, and the approval for the second amendment procedure is anticipated in November. However, the construction of more than 60 wind turbines off the coast of Darß faces criticism from tourism and environmental associations. They raise concerns about the potential impact on the region’s natural beauty and tourism industry.
In conclusion, while Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is committed to expanding wind energy and becoming a leader in renewable energy, the state faces significant challenges. Lengthy permitting processes, regional planning deficiencies, and local resistance to onshore wind farms are hindering progress. The government is taking steps to address these issues, but a more coordinated and transparent approach is needed to ensure a successful and sustainable energy transition. The future success of wind energy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will depend on striking a balance between accelerating development and addressing local concerns, while also leveraging the potential of offshore wind resources.
