North Rhine-Westphalia Faces 20% Drop in Solar Energy Installations

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the solar energy sector has experienced a significant slowdown, with a 20% reduction in newly installed solar capacity during the first half of the year compared to the previous year. This decline translates to a loss of approximately 940 MW of solar power.

The North Rhine-Westphalia Renewable Energy Association attributes this downturn primarily to inadequate expansion on open land. To combat this trend, the association urges the state government to enhance support for municipalities, particularly concerning approval and planning processes.

Meanwhile, the wind energy sector in Saxony faces its own challenges, as it lags in development and remains heavily reliant on lignite. The state aims to improve local participation in wind energy revenues while seeking to double its wind energy production.