Berlin wind energy talks to focus on fast expansion of turbines

Berlin (dpa) - A high-level meeting of industry representatives and government experts hosted by German Economy Minister Robert Habeck in Berlin on Wednesday is focussing on speeding up the expansion of wind power generation.

The energy industry is hoping that the summit will indicate how the centre-left government's planned expansion of wind power will be implemented by the individual states and local authorities.

"It's their turn now," said Wolfram Axthelm, managing director of the Federal Wind Energy Association.

He warned that expansion targets are in danger of being missed.

"The goals must now become concrete orders for the industry." Above all, the focus ought to be on accelerating planning and approval procedures, Axthelm said.

Germany is aiming to more than double its wind energy output by 2030, and by that date have 80% of the national energy consumption coming from renewables.

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