Red tape and reluctant locals cloud Germany’s solar power rush

(EurActiv, 28 Jul 2022) Two German renewable companies hope to build one of the country’s biggest solar parks among rolling hills in the eastern district of Barnim to improve energy security in the face of an unprecedented supply crisis.

But the project faces dozens of hurdles, even as Russia, on which Germany has relied for decades, reduces gas supplies, raising fears of a total cut-off.

Although the renewable companies Notus and Boreas this month overcame objections from the municipality that had stalled it for 18 months, they need approval from some 30 public bodies that can each send reservations on the plan, which would then have to be adjusted.

Industry insiders say federal action is needed to remove local barriers to investment in solar, in much the same way as has happened for wind energy, and smooth the path to achieving a more ambitious goal on photovoltaic (PV) energy agreed by Germany’s parliament this month.

The overall aim is that Germany should cover 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, up from a previous goal of 65% and a 41% share in 2021.

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EurActiv, 28 Jul 2022: Red tape and reluctant locals cloud Germany’s solar power rush