Businessland Schleswig-Holstein - Business, science and technology in Schleswig-Holstein

: Germany's energy turnaround and its business potential

Fukushima triggered off a political earthquake in Germany. The government's energy turnaround – the decision to phase out nuclear power by 2022 – foresees an energy economy based on renewable energies. In the "brave new world" of Germany's future energy supplies wind energy will play a decisive role. A recent study published by the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology showed its potential: the electricity generated by onshore wind turbines alone could meet up to 65% of Germany's power requirements.

All these developments will boost the industry in Schleswig-Holstein. As the editorial in the latest windcomm newsletter points out, "this energy turnaround is inconceivable without innovative companies because transforming a centralised energy system with nuclear power into a decentralised system based on renewables requires very many efficient products and services …"

What makes Schleswig-Holstein attractive for wind energy investors? Six factors stand out:

1. The industry is well established here, e.g. Vestas has production facilities in Husum and Lübeck; NOBISKRUG builds foundations and transformer platforms for offshore wind parks; and MENCK is a world leader in offshore pile-driving solutions. Just three examples of the state's broadly based wind industry.
2. The recently opened heavy-duty harbour on the Kiel Canal at Osterrönfeld near Rendsburg and Brunsbüttel Harbour on the Elbe offer ideal facilities for transporting wind turbine components.
3. €9 bn is to be invested in seven wind parks off the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein by 2015.
4. The expansion of the overland power line network is one of the state's high...

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