The potential for creating value from wind energy in Germany.

This study by DIW Econ shows that innovative technology could create thousands of jobs and contribute to the energy transition.

The study, commissioned by Airborne Wind Europe, shows that airborne wind energy (AWE) offers significant economic opportunities for Germany. It has the potential to accelerate the energy transition, provide new industrial impetus, and generate high-quality employment opportunities.

Flying wind turbines (FWTs) generate electricity using blades or kites attached to cables. These turbines harness stronger and more consistent winds at altitudes of 400 to 800 metres. Using significantly less material than conventional wind turbines, FWEs can also be used in locations that were previously unsuitable for wind power. In Germany alone, the potential has been estimated at around 20 gigawatts.

This study suggests that establishing a domestic FWE industry could generate around 13,300 jobs and €1.3 billion in gross value added per gigawatt of installed capacity. Depending on the development path, the cumulative value added potential over the next ten years is estimated to be between €3.1 billion and €10.5 billion. Multiplier effects along the supply chains could generate an additional 30,600 to 104,300 working years.

In addition to the economic advantages, FWE can contribute to system stability and security of supply. Thanks to its high capacity factors and flexible operation, FWE can complement existing renewable energies, such as wind and solar energy, and reduce the need for costly storage.

From an industrial policy perspective, the technology also opens up new opportunities: it combines expertise from the aerospace, mechanical engineering, electronics, textile technology and IT sectors, and could strengthen Germany’s industrial competitiveness in strategic future fields.

In order to realise this potential, however, a clear regulatory framework, research funding and targeted investment incentives are required. Coordinated industrial, energy and innovation policies could pave the way for a robust domestic wind energy industry and secure Germany a leading role in this emerging technology.

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