Environment

Wind energy just had a record year in Germany — but the federal election could shake things up

Published

3 days ago

February 18, 2025

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Cars and trucks drive along a country road in stormy weather.

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2024 was a strong year for aeolian energy in Germany, with permit awards for onshore wind turbines accelerating, according to industry data — but the upcoming Feb. 23 election means the sector now faces uncertainty, amid vocal skepticism from the two parties leading in the polls.

Friedrich Merz, the leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which is polling in first place with around 30% of support alongside its affiliate party the CSU, has described wind power as a “transitional technology.” Speaking to public broadcaster ZDF late last year, he said he hoped “ugly” wind turbines could be dismantled eventually, “because they do not fit into the landscape.”

The far-right Alternative fuer Deutschland, which is second in national polls and expected to secure around 20% of votes, took the rhetoric even further. The party’s chancellor candidate Alice Weidel has threatened to tear down all wind turbines, which she reportedly labeled as “windmills of shame.” The AfD has called climate change into question and has frequently dismissed actions taken to tackle the environmental crisis.

Wind power, a form of renewable energy used to generate electricity, is considered important in the transition away from fossil fuels.

Wolf-Peter Schill, an energy economist at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), said some of the “wind power-bashing” during the election campaign has been “absurd” at times, particularly from the AfD.

“The AfD is, in many respects, a nightmare — also in terms of their wind power takes, but I think it is not super relevant as they will not be in power,” Schill told CNBC over video call.

Despite the AfD polling in second place, all other major parties in Germany have so far committed to not entering a coalition government with them, meaning they will likely form part of the opposition after the election.

“What the CDU, the conservative party, does is much more relevant, at least for the next government,” Schill noted.

Germany’s wind energy expansion

Schill cited a recent report from the German Wind Energy Association and engineering foundation VDMA Power Systems, which said the country achieved a historic milestone for onshore wind energy in 2024.

Europe’s largest economy licensed more than 2,400 onshore wind turbines last year, the report said, representing a combined capacity of more than 14 gigawatts. Contracts awarded for onshore wind turbines also rose to a record high, it added.

Dennis Rendschmidt, managing director of VDMA Power Systems, told CNBC that the record figures highlighted the effectiveness of legal changes and political measures implemented in recent years. They also signaled a new dynamic for the sector, he said.

“This momentum needs to be kept up by a new federal government,” Rendschmidt added, according to a CNBC translation of emailed comments. The expansion of wind energy must continue without restrictions, he said, as that would lead to lower energy costs, create jobs, secure energy supply and reduce dependence on energy imports.

DIW Berlin’s Schill sees few potential hurdles.

“All the conditions are really set for future growth,” he said, noting that the only obstacles could emerge if the incoming government slows down the pace of expansion, for either ideological reasons or a lack of understanding of the role wind power will have in energy systems.

Giles Dickson, CEO of industry trade group WindEurope, told CNBC that in the likely scenario of a CDU-led government, there should only be a little concern for the sector.

“If you’re looking at a CDU-led government, with either the [Social Democratic Party] or the Greens in coalition, or both, then that to us does not represent storm clouds at all,” he said.

The party is not neglectful when it comes to climate change and at least does not strongly oppose wind energy, Andreas Reuter, managing director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES), told CNBC when elaborating on the position of the likely leader of Germany’s new coalition, the CDU/CSU.

Although the CDU was previously critical of wind turbines, Reuter said the party would likely deem them “acceptable” for now, as they are broadly reliable and produce cheap energy.

Renewable energy challenges

While the change in government may not mean that trouble for German wind energy is imminent, the new ruling coalition will face challenges when it comes to renewables and wind power.

That includes updates to Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act, a German law designed to ensure the country can produce 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade, Dickson pointed out.

Solar and wind energy are key for these ambitions, as Germany’s efforts towards winning energy from nuclear fusion — which is widely deemed a highly sustainable power source — are still in the research and planning stage. Germany shut off its last remaining traditional nuclear power plants in 2023.

The new government will have to work on a new iteration of the law, he said, suggesting that industry bodies will need to keep a close eye on those developments and seek close dialogue with the government to shape changes.

The goals Germany currently has for growing its renewable energy production and usage are another area that will involve adjustments. Some of these targets are already “completely unrealistic,” IWES’ Reuter said.

That means the government will have to cut its targets or they would miss them each year, he said, noting that the current plans were “aggressive” — but that this was helpful in showing that renewables were a priority and to encourage people to think big and create a positive environment around the issue.

“On the other hand, we still have a gap, which is getting bigger and bigger the closer we get to 2030 and the question is, how do we want to fill the gap? When are we going to accept that we’re not going to meet these targets? And this will be again, interesting discussions for the next government,” he said.

Environment

Rivian is recalling over 17,000 R1S and R1T vehicles due to faulty headlights

Published

2 hours ago

February 21, 2025

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Rivian is recalling over 17,000 R1S and R1T vehicles due to faulty headlights

Rivian issued a recall for over 17,000 vehicles on Friday due to a headlight issue that only occurs in cold weather. The recall impacts certain 2025 R1S SUV and R1T electric pickup models. Luckily, it should be an easy fix.

Rivian issues a recall for 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles

In a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Rivian said it planned to recall 17,260 R1S and R1T vehicles.

The safety notice comes after the company found the headlights on certain 2025 models did not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

In cold weather, the headlight low beams might not illuminate once the vehicle is started. A message on the driver display will pop up, saying, “Low beam lights not working.” The issue only occurred in colder climates.

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Rivian said it’s unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to the recall. The 2025 R1S and R1T models were built with incorrectly figured parts from its supplier between April 29, 2024, and February 03, 2025.

For those impacted, Rivian will replace the headlight control module free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on March 28, 2025.

If you have questions, you can contact Rivian’s customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian’s recall number is FSAM-1612. You can also contact the NHTSA hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit NHTSA.gov for more information.

The recall comes after Rivian posted its first positive gross profit in the fourth quarter, a big milestone as the EV maker aims to hit its next growth stage.

Rivian delivered 51,579 vehicles in 2024, but as it prepares to introduce its mass-market R2 electric SUV, the company expects a slight dip in 2025, forecasting between 46,000 and 51,000. A big part of this is due to plans to retool its Normal, IL manufacturing plant to prepare for the R2, which will launch in the first half of 2026. The midsize electric SUV will start at around $45,000, or almost half the R1S ($77,700) and R1T ($71,700).

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Environment

Popular Super73 electric bikes recalled for brake failure

Published

4 hours ago

February 21, 2025

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Popular Super73 electric bikes recalled for brake failure

Super73, a leading e-bike manufacturer based in Irvine, California famous for its moped-style electric bikes, has issued a recall for two of its popular models.

The recall covers approximately 1,400 units of its model year 2024 Z Miami SE and Z Adventure Core electric bicycles. At the heart of the recall is an issue with the braking system.

Specifically, the retaining pin within the disc brake calipers may loosen and detach, potentially leading to brake failure and increasing the risk of crashes and injuries.

According to a recall notice posted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recall covers the Z Miami SE in Bandit Black (black seat), Palladium Gray (camel seat), and Astro Orange (black seat), as well as the Z Adventure Core in Sandstorm, featuring a black and brown frame.

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Super73 has confirmed that the affected e-bikes were sold between April 2024 and September 2024 at Super73’s Irvine store, various bicycle retailers nationwide, and online.

According to the company, Super73 has received 21 reports concerning loose retaining pins or associated brake failures, with one incident resulting in a minor injury.

Owners of the recalled models are advised to immediately cease using the e-bikes and contact Super73 for a complimentary repair kit. The company is providing a new retaining pin and will reimburse up to $50 for professional installation services. To obtain reimbursement, consumers should submit their installation receipts to Super73. The company is proactively reaching out to all known purchasers.

Customers seeking information on the recall can reach Super73 by phone at 888-841-3584 from Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, or by email safety@super73.com. They can also visit a recall-related web page set up by the company.

These types of recalls are not uncommon in the e-bike industry, as manufacturers continue to refine designs and address safety concerns. Additionally, because most bicycle components are not built by the electric bike makers themselves, issues in systems such as brakes and wheels are usually related to the subcomponent manufacturers and can affect many bicycle companies downstream in the supply chain.

Similar examples of recalls in the industry include Rad Power Bikes’ 2022 recall of nearly 30,000 RadWagon 4 cargo e-bikes due to the bike’s tires, and the 2023 recall of some 45,000 Lectric XP 3.0 e-bikes over brake failure risks linked to faulty calipers.

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Environment

Nissan turning to Tesla as potential investor after Honda deal fell through

Published

5 hours ago

February 21, 2025

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Nissan turning to Tesla as potential investor after Honda deal fell through

Japan reportedly plans to try to convince Tesla to invest in Nissan after the merger with Honda fell through.

Do you think it makes sense?

Shortly after being announced, Nissan and Honda’s planned merger quickly fell apart earlier this month.

The problem appears to be that Nissan expected a merger while Honda was looking for a takeover of its fellow Japanese automaker.

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Now, it looks like Nissan has exhausted its potential lifelines in Japan and it is starting to explore potential partners outside of the country.

The Financial Times has revealed that a group has been put together to approach Tesla for a potential investment in Nissan:

A high-level Japanese group that includes a former prime minister has drawn up plans for Elon Musk’s Tesla to invest in the struggling carmaker Nissan, following the collapse of its merger talks with rival Honda.

The group includes Hiro Mizuno, a former Tesla board member, and ex-premier Yoshihide Suga.

FT’s report claims that the group believes Tesla is interested in buying Nissan’s factories in the US:

The group is hopeful Tesla will become a strategic investor since they believe the world’s largest pure electric-vehicle maker is keen to acquire Nissan’s plants in the US, according to the people. The factories would help it boost domestic manufacturing in response to Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

Tesla has greatly slowed down its plans for new car factories over the last few years as sales have gone down and its current factories are not operating at full capacity.

Electrek’s Take

At this time, it’s unclear if this report should be taken seriously. Japan seems to be panicking a bit because it doesn’t want Nissan to fall into the ends of China as Foxconn has shown interest in taking a stake.

Tesla doesn’t need Nissan’s factories and it has made clear that it prefers to build its own than take over existing factory since its takeover of Fremon factory from Toyota and GM, and that was back in 2010.

I am sure Tesla will hear them out since Mizuno is involved, but I doubt this will go much further than that.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.

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