The expansion of renewable energy capacity is the key to a successful energy transition and thus also central to climate change mitigation. For the first time in 2016, more electricity was generated from renewable energy sources in Schleswig-Holstein than was consumed here, giving Schleswig-Holstein a clear lead in the state rankings in terms of the share of gross electricity consumption attributable to electricity generation. The geographical location on the coasts of the North Sea and Baltic Sea and the comparatively low population density provide particularly good conditions for the use of wind turbines, although solar energy and biomass also make a significant contribution to the energy supply.

In line with the Energy Transition and Climate Change Act, which came into force at the end of March 2017 and was amended in 2021, Schleswig-Holstein has been set the target of generating at least 37 terawatt-hours of electricity from renewable energy sources (including offshore wind with grid connection in Schleswig-Holstein) by 2025. The 2022 coalition agreement envisages annual generation of 40–45 terawatt-hours of electricity from onshore renewable energy sources by 2030.

Due to its geographical location and the continuing expansion of onshore and offshore wind energy, Schleswig-Holstein is increasingly serving as an ‘energy hub’ between Germany and the Scandinavian countries. The region is thus steadily evolving into a centre of activity for the energy transition. This special role is simultaneously viewed as a challenge that the state government is happy to take on, not least because Schleswig-Holstein is already benefiting in many ways from the expansion of renewable energy capacity. It forms the basis for making a cost-effective contribution to the future energy supply in a manner that conserves resources.

Find out more