In the previous chapter, the malleability of Danish energy policy was highlighted as a key factor behind the successful diffusion of wind power in Denmark. This chapter examines wind power diffusion in Germany, and in the process highlights a different, though equally successful policy ideology. Compared to policy of its Nordic neighbor, wind power development policy in Germany has been far more structured and invariable. In fact, the success of Germany’s wind power development strategy often serves as an exemplar for proponents of consistent feed-in tariff regimes, which is considered by some to be the most effective strategy for driving wind power development. As this chapter will demonstrate, fostering wind power development in Germany is, like in other nations, a complex challenge involving dynamic interactions between government and nongovernment actors. As German wind power capacity expanded, there has been social dissent and utility opposition. Nevertheless, the German government has remained committed to aggressive wind power diffusion policies and has responded to emergent challenges in a remarkably unified manner wherein state, regional, and local government actors have formed integrated problem-solving networks. This chapter also highlights the seamless web of nation-specific STEP factors influencing wind power development that is apparent in Germany. As one pair of researchers observed, wind power development in Germany has been marked by “close interplay between the actors within the political system, technical and economic development, as well as social factors.” As has been the case in most industrialized nations, forces in support of wind power development began to amass during the two energy crises of the 1970s. As the government began to evaluate its alternative energy technology options, nuclear power and wind power emerged as the two most viable utility-scale options. In the 1970s, nuclear power in Germany enjoyed a modicum of developmental success. The nation’s first commercial nuclear power plant commenced operation in 1969. By 2010, nuclear power contributed approximately 22% to Germany’s electricity supply. However, nuclear power development has been contentious. Although there has been industrial support, there has also been strident public opposition, especially since Chernobyl.
Wind Power Development and Landscape – Social Participation, Opportunities and Challenges
