EEG 2024 for Wind Energy

The EEG 2024 is the central reform for the Energiewende — and the game-changer for wind energy. Two key elements: § 2 EEG as the legal acceleration of permits, and the adjusted market premium with higher compensation in southern Germany.

§ 2 EEG — the key provision

The new § 2 EEG states:

"Die Errichtung und der Betrieb von Anlagen sowie die dazu erforderlichen Nebenanlagen liegen im überragenden öffentlichen Interesse und dienen der öffentlichen Sicherheit. Bis die Stromerzeugung im Bundesgebiet nahezu treibhausgasneutral ist, sollen die erneuerbaren Energien als vorrangiger Belang in die jeweils durchzuführenden Schutzgüter- und Rechtsgüterabwägungen eingebracht werden."

In translation: "The construction and operation of installations and the necessary auxiliary installations are in the overriding public interest and serve public safety. Until electricity generation is nearly greenhouse-gas neutral, renewables shall be given priority in all relevant assessments of protected interests and legal interests."

Concrete effects:

• Priority in balancing vs. other interests (except absolute protections)
• Facilitated derogation procedure under § 34 BNatSchG (FFH) and § 45 BNatSchG (species protection)
• Strengthened litigation position of applicants against municipal obstruction

BNetzA auction procedure

Support is available only through successful participation in the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) auctions for onshore wind energy. 2026 auction dates:

Volumes are illustrative; BNetzA adjusts annually. Maximum value was raised significantly from 6.00 ct/kWh (2022).

Reference value + market premium

A successful bid establishes the reference value (anzulegender Wert) for 20 years. The market premium is the difference to the monthly market value:

• Reference value (example): 7.20 ct/kWh
• Monthly market value for wind (example): 4.50 ct/kWh
• Market premium: 2.70 ct/kWh (paid by the transmission system operator)

At negative electricity prices (4 hours or longer): the market premium is suspended for the corresponding period.

South bonus

Locations in southern federal states (BW, BY, HE, RP, SL) receive a surcharge to promote regional distribution of wind energy. Currently approx. +0.30 ct/kWh on the reference value.

Low-wind bonus

Turbines at particularly low-wind sites (site quality factor < 70 % of reference site) receive a site correction factor that raises compensation above the northern German standard. This makes southern sites with weak wind resources economically viable.

Repowering support

• New turbine counts fully in the auction like a new build
• No additional repowering bonus (abolished in 2017)
• Faster procedure through WaLG facilitations for existing sites
• Better economics through modern turbines with higher full-load hours

EEG support mechanism — from auction through award to market premium

Award to commissioning — deadlines

• Maximum 30 months from award to commissioning
• If exceeded: penalty of EUR 10/kW
• If not commissioned after 30 months: forfeiture of award + penalty
• 6-month extension possible with proven unattributable supply shortages

Common Questions

What if the bid exceeds the maximum value?

Such bids are invalid — participation in the next auction date is possible. Since 2023, award values have frequently been near the maximum value, indicating high competition.

Can I build without EEG support?

Yes — via PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) directly with industrial customers or as self-supply. Without subsidy, a marketing partner with a long-term contract is needed.

What about community wind participation?

The EEG has no mandatory participation requirement, but individual federal states (MV, BB, NRW since 2025) do. There, typically a 20 % participation offer to residents + host municipality is required. This improves acceptance but reduces the owner share.

What happens after the 20-year EEG period expires?

The market premium ends. The turbine continues as a post-EEG installation — either via PPA, direct marketing at market price, or repowering with a new turbine.