Germany’s total capacity is now 27,214MW, from 21,697 turbines. The drop of 19% compared to 2009 puts German wind energy growth back to 1999 levels.
BWE attributed the slump to the financial crisis and uncertainties in power requirements for wind turbines.
However, there were a number of positive factors in the report. 2010 saw an increase in the number of old turbines replaced with newer models while offshore wind broke the 100MW threshold. A further 300MW of offshore capacity is likely to be installed of the German coast in 2011.
Despite a high level of installation in 2009, wind conditions were weaker. Generation amounted to 37.5TWh, down 8% on the previous year.
