Today, the third Parliamentarian Breakfast on Airborne Wind Energy took place at the German Reichstag Building, providing a platform for key discussions around the future of AWE technology and its regulatory challenges. This time, the event was hosted by Mark Helfrich, a parliamentarian from the CDU party, to whom we express our sincere gratitude for dedicating his time and attention to our field. Within the Bundestag, he is also a Member of the Committee on Climate Protection and Energy and a Substitute Member of the Committee on European Union Affairs. On the other hand, since 2023 he is a Deputy Chairman of KlimaUnion e.V. as well.
The breakfast meeting centered on a crucial topic: airspace integration and the related permitting processes currently limiting AWE development in Germany. This issue is particularly pressing in the sector, as the current regulatory landscape has created significant obstacles and hurdles to advancing the technology. Unclear permitting procedures are not only causing costly delays in project timelines but have also led to the suspension of critical test activities. Addressing these regulatory bottlenecks is essential to ensure that AWE can contribute effectively to Germany’s renewable energy targets.
Leading AWE industry representatives and AWEU members presented updates and insights to guide the discussion. Among the speakers, were Stephan Wrage and Mark Hoppe from SkySails, who shared recent advancements and operational insights from their projects. Florian Breipohl and Nicole Allgaier from EnerKïte, outlined their current initiatives and emphasized the importance of streamlined permitting for continued innovation. Florian Stappenbeck from Kitekraft highlighted regulatory challenges, while Kristian Petrick, Secretary General of Airborne Wind Europe provided an overview of the sector’s growth potential and the role of policy in supporting it.
The discussions underscored the urgent need for clarity in the permitting processes, as well as for an enhanced dialogue between industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities. The group explored potential solutions, including dedicated regulatory frameworks tailored to Airborne Wind Energy and the possibility of setting up dedicated airspace for some 20 sites and working jointly on the development of AWE-specific airspace regulations.
To support the conversation, participants received an updated version of the position paper outlining the current priorities and recommendations from the AWE sector. This document will serve as a reference for future engagement with policymakers and other key stakeholders, as the sector continues to advocate for the regulatory clarity needed to unlock its full potential.
The Parliamentarian Breakfast series continues to be a valuable forum for advancing policy support and raising awareness of AWE´s contributions to Germany’s energy transition. We look forward to the ongoing collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders to overcome existing barriers and foster a regulatory environment that supports innovation in renewable energy.