German economy minister proposes rent cap on wind turbine sites, sparking industry backlash

Federal Economy Minister Katherina Reiche is pushing a reform that would cap lease payments for plots hosting wind turbines funded under the Renewable Energy Act. She argues that high rents are indirectly subsidised by the state and that a ceiling would reduce the overall cost of the energy transition. The plan faces opposition from banks, the renewable energy sector, landowners and the Bundesrat, who fear it could stall new installations and add costly compliance requirements.

The draft also contains measures to limit solar roof subsidies, restrict the amount of renewable electricity fed into the grid, and modify compensation rules for forced turbine shutdowns. Expert hearings by the Bundestag’s economic committee are taking place this week, while negotiations between the governing coalition parties are expected to conclude before the final parliamentary vote.