Germany Doubles Wind, Solar Installations by 2023

Germany's renewable energy sector is experiencing a significant surge, with new wind and solar installations nearly doubling from 9.7 gigawatts to 18.6 gigawatts between 2022 and 2023. The shift is largely attributed to streamlined permitting processes and a focus on reducing dependence on Russian gas amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The German government has classified clean energy projects as a matter of national interest, facilitating quicker approvals and mandating the allocation of land for wind turbines. While Germany leads Europe in renewable installations, it faces challenges such as logistical delays and high energy prices. In contrast, environmentalists in Italy have raised concerns about the government's handling of renewable energy regulations, claiming it favors speculative projects over community-focused initiatives. Meanwhile, Montenegro has adopted a new Renewable Energy Law that aligns with EU directives, introducing an auction system and promoting local renewable energy communities, signaling a commitment to expanding its renewable energy framework.