When many people think of German, they think of a large oil based industrial nation. In truth, Germany is a leader in wind energy. Here is a guide to wind energy in Germany.
When looking at countries that use wind energy, Germany tops them all. The world's largest wind energy producing country, Germany has pioneered the use of wind to produce much of their electricity needs. While the countryside and area of Germany that can be used for wind energy production may seem small compared to the size of some other countries, such as the United States and Canada, Germany has managed to make the most of the area they have, incorporating wind farms into their rural areas as well as in off-shore locations.
With wind energy, Germany is able to produce 3.5 percent of their electricity needs for the country. While this may not seem like much, compared to other countries that only produce a fraction of a percent of their electricity with wind – Germany is definitely on the right track. The country also predicts that they will be producing more and more electricity through wind energy in the years to come. For instance, in the year 2001, Germany accounted for half of the world's production of wind turbines.
Germany is also being heralded as a forefather of the wind energy revolution, because of their plan to add 5,000 wind turbines to a wind farm located off the north coast of the country. Some of the wind turbines would be located up to 45 miles out at sea, a feat never before tried by a wind energy consuming country. The wind at sea is more powerful as well, therefore Germany sees the potential to produce even more electricity by using off-shore wind farms.
The turbines being developed for use in this sea-based wind farm are much larger than conventional wind turbines, so that they will be able to fully use the wind energy that is found in the water. Germany expanded their wind powered electricity production by 44% in the time between 2001-2002, with more and more turbines being added constantly. Germany already has about 11,000 wind turbines in use. The cost of wind electricity can be as low as $.03 per KW hour, which is less than half that of the next cheapest electricity producing energy source.
While it's first in wind energy, Germany has no plans to stop there. The country plans to continue expanding their wind farms and use of renewable energy sources, which will both benefit the environment and cost less for the consumer. Other countries in Europe are starting to take notice as well, with estimates that over 50 million consumers could be receiving wind powered electricity in the next 10 years.
Travel To Germany
By: TJ Tierney
Germany is located in central Europe and stretches from the Alps in the south up to the North Sea in the North. It is bordered by Austria and Switzerland in the south; Poland and the Czech Republic in the east; France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands in the west; and Denmark in the North.
With some of the largest cities in Europe, Germany offers all travellers a unique experience.
The south of Germany is ideal for the outdoor and adventure type. Within Germany’s border lies a portion of the Alps’ Mountain range; two of Europe’s largest rivers: the Rhine and the Danube; and the scenic Black Forest.
In any of Germany‘s cities a relaxing holiday can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Their large cities are ideal for shoppers. Weekly markets are held in all towns and the Christmas markets usually start at the end of November.
The currency of Germany is the Euro, and visitors from outside the EU zone are entitled to a VAT refund on any non-edible goods that are bought in German shops.
The German people are known for their efficiency, and this is reflected right through their transport system. Their rail system is first class and makes travelling from city to city a true pleasure. Most of the large German cities have an underground rail system with a frequent snappy service.
The climate of Germany differs - in the east the summers are very warm and the winter months are very cold. In the north the weather is very cool during the summer and the winters stay mild.
Autumn is the most popular time to travel to Germany. Most German cities hold culture festivals during September and October. If you travel to Germany during the month of October make sure you visit the city of Munich - here you can experience the largest beer festival in the world and sample some of the best beers that are brewed in Germany.
Music festivals are normally held during the summer and autumn months. Special music festivals are held yearly for famous composers. For Beethoven the festival is normally held in Bonn and in the state of Thuringia a festival is normally held for Bach.
Winter holidays are extremely enjoyable in Bavaria, the largest of Germany’s 16 states, where you can enjoy a skiing break in the Alps and the Black Forest.
With over 2000 museums, Germany has a rich culture in art and literature. Eight Germans have won the Nobel Prize for literature. The month of October also holds another large festival - in the second week of October, Frankfurt holds the largest book fair in the world which attracts writers and publishers from all parts of the globe.
So if you are travelling to Germany you have 14 international airports to choose from - where connecting flights can be made to most German cities.