Airborne Wind Europe – the association of the European airborne wind energy sector – is delighted to welcome the inclusion of airborne wind energy (AWE) in the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). The industry across Europe has been waiting for this moment: The world’s first remuneration specific for airborne wind energy has become reality. On the one hand, this will significantly reduce the market risk for investments in German and European high-tech companies. Secondly, this key milestone has created a decisive precondition for airborne wind energy to make an important contribution to the energy transition. It shows that the technology´s relevance is now truly recognized by policy makers.
Brussels / Berlin, 26 April 2024
Germany aims to become climate-neutral by 2045. The share of renewable energies is therefore set to almost double by 2030 – starting from 2021. To achieve this, the rate of expansion must triple. Airborne wind energy systems (AWES) can make an important contribution to this as an innovative renewable energy technology. These systems generate electricity by using automated flying devices or kites which are attached by a tether or cable to a ground station. They tap into the strong winds at altitudes of 400-800 metres with very little material input. Airborne wind energy systems can make locations available for using wind power where turbine cannot be installed. In Germany alone a potential of around 20 gigawatts has been identified; world-wide the potential is in the thousands of gigawatts.
The latest EEG amendment (so-called “solar package”) has now implemented the political support for airborne wind energy that the association and its members have long been calling for a various years; it is a groundbreaking signal which recognises the potential and relevance of the technology. The specific remuneration that has now been agreed offers banks and investors in particular greater certainty, thus enabling them to provide sufficient capital to airborne wind energy companies. Airborne wind energy technology can therefore not only create jobs but also open up new growth markets and provide impetus for Germany and Europe as industrial location.
In addition, the technology will experience increased visibility in the area of R&D topic selection and funding – both at national and EU level. Next to the companies, this will also strengthen the academic research landscape: Europe’s most renowned technical universities are already active in the field, such as TU Munich, Politecnico Milano, TU Delft and RWTH Aachen, which also educate future specialists in the field of renewable energies.
Kristian Petrick, Secretary General of Airborne Wind Europe on the inclusion of airborne wind energy in the EEG: “The German EEG is often cited as a reference worldwide when it comes to promoting renewable energies. The inclusion of airborne wind energy in the EEG is therefore a key milestone for the sector and the European energy transition. Recognising AWE as an independent technology with a high potential, it will encourage international governments to create the legal and regulatory frameworks to establish suitable conditions for airborne wind energy in their own countries.”
Mark Hoppe, Board Member of Airborne Wind Europe and Head of Public Affairs & Business Development at SkySails Power adds: “I welcome the fact that German politicians have recognised the immense potential of airborne wind energy. These systems are particularly resource-efficient in production and logistics, strengthen the resilience of EU supply chains and offer considerable ecological advantages. Airborne wind energy is the missing puzzle piece in the field of renewable energies that is set to become a global game changer. Its integration into the EEG is a decisive step towards unleashing the full potential of the technology. This puts Germany once again at the forefront of innovation. However, decisive political action is still needed at all levels, particularly with regards to authorisation, airspace integration and financing.”
About Airborne Wind Europe
Airborne Wind Europe was founded in 2018 as association of the European airborne wind energy industry with the aim of creating the political and regulatory framework for airborne wind energy in the member states. The association represents all European airborne wind energy system manufacturers. In addition, more than 50 institutions along the supply chain are active world-wide. If you would like to find out more about airborne wind energy, please contact Airborne Wind Europe or its members. www.airbornewindeurope.org
Press contact Brussels
Jesús Carballo
jesus.carballo@airbornewindeurope.org
Press contact Berlin
Stefanie Thoms
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