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Last year, Germany produced 161 billion kWh from renewable sources, or about 27% of electricity consumption. This year, thanks to rapid growth in solar and wind power, the country is on track to produce 193 billion kWh from renewable sources, or about 33% of total electricity consumption. That's grow of about 22% in just a year!
Though this is a preliminary estimate, on 31 October 2015 wind energy had already supplied 47% more electricity (63 billion kWh) that during the same time period in 2014.
Though the late autumn weather tends to be unpredictable, Germany's solar sector has already provided as much electricity during that 10 month period (35 billion kWh) as the whole of 2014.
Energy independence has real geopolitical implications for Germany vis-a-vis Russia.
(Score: 2) by soylentsandor on Tuesday November 10 2015, @05:29PM
I would think they might replace blades and motor (not sure if that's what it's called) plus some electronics without removing the tower part, as it would be the most economical option I wager.
I wonder. The trend thus far has been for ever taller towers and ever longer blades. Obviously, this has to end at some point but until that time, replacing the entire thing altogether might be the most economical option. Also, there is a quite significant market for second-hand wind turbines that may help to ease the decision for replacement of the whole thing.