Dresden – Saxony is considering a temporary freeze on permits for new wind turbines located outside designated wind energy zones. The measure could remain in effect until the end of 2027, by which time regional planning associations are expected to have finalized their new wind energy areas. This move is prompted by the large number of ongoing permitting processes occurring while future priority zones have not yet been definitively established. The state government aims to prevent new turbines from preempting regional planning decisions; however, under current law, a blanket halt to all wind power projects is not readily feasible.
Image: Shutterstock
Saxony aims to steer wind power development toward designated areas
Infrastructure Minister Regina Kraushaar justifies this move by citing the ongoing regional planning process. Individual projects should not create facts outside the future wind energy areas before these areas have been legally defined. Consequently, the state government is examining the legal options for imposing temporary restrictions.
The number of new projects has risen sharply of late. Between July 2025 and June 2026, authorities approved 80 wind turbines with a combined capacity of approximately 541 megawatts. In addition, applications were submitted for another 161 turbines with a capacity exceeding 1,000 megawatts. Saxony is thus seeing a significantly higher volume of permitting procedures than it did just a few years ago.
Federal Law Sets Limits on a Halt to Approvals
However, the state government cannot refuse permits solely for political reasons. Wind turbines are subject to the Federal Immission Control Act and other federal regulations. If a project meets all statutory requirements, there is generally an entitlement to a decision based on applicable law. Therefore, any special regulation implemented by Saxony must be legally robust.
In addition, there are binding land-use targets for the expansion of wind power. Saxony is required to designate at least 1.3 percent of its total land area for wind energy by the end of 2027. By the end of 2032, this mandatory share rises to two percent. Regional planning associations are consequently currently working on new land-allocation plans designed to meet these requirements.
Citizens’ initiative calls for a more far-reaching moratorium
Alongside the government, the state parliament is also examining the political debate regarding a halt to expansion. A motion to stop new wind turbines was already on the agenda there in September. Furthermore, opponents of further expansion have launched a citizens’ initiative calling for a moratorium. Consequently, the discussion now extends far beyond individual permitting procedures.
The crucial factor now is whether the government can find a legal basis for the planned restriction. Until then, the responsible authorities must continue to process ongoing applications in accordance with current law. An announced freeze on permits does not, therefore, amount to an actual halt to construction. For Saxony, this marks the beginning of a legal and political review process, the outcome of which could determine the fate of numerous planned wind turbines.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: MDR (29.09.26) – Bild (29.09.26) – Sächsische Zeitung (28.09.26)