4 - Wind Landscapes in the German Milieu

Abstract

This chapter discusses the wind landscapes in the German milieu. The growth of wind energy in Germany has far outpaced that in any other country, with 1700MW added in 2000 alone, bringing the total generating capacity to nearly 6000 MW. The density of wind turbines on the landscape of Germany's most northern state is almost twice that in nearby Denmark. The chapter presents several case studies to consider the proper reaction to turbines within the context of Germany's aesthetic consciousness, political realities, and legal mandates. It explains how is electricity generated, how should it be generated in the future, how much electricity is really needed, and why. The wind plant is a local enterprise. A successful wind plant requires more than good wind resources and a good wind turbine design. A successful project requires a political framework with government-supported programs and inclusion in building statutes, local decision-making, and interested and involved people in the project locale.