Is wind energy really enough? A deeper dive behind the headlines

The debate around wind energy

Headlines often oversimplify the issue: “Wind energy isn’t enough.” But statements like these ignore an important fact: wind farms in Germany frequently produce more electricity than the grid can currently handle. The real problem isn’t generation—it’s distribution. Many people are surprised to learn that, in theory, wind energy could already cover a significant portion of our energy needs. The catch? Our grids aren’t up to the task. Outdated cables, a lack of storage technologies, and slow grid expansion are preventing us from unlocking the full potential of wind energy. 🧐 The takeaway: The turbines are spinning—it’s up to us to get the energy where it’s needed!

The challenges of wind energy

Wind energy has immense potential but also faces natural and technical limitations. From inconsistent wind conditions to the lack of energy storage solutions, these challenges show that it’s not just about the turbines—it’s about the entire energy system.

• Fluctuations and “dark doldrums”: Wind is a variable energy source. There are times when low wind means less electricity production (a phenomenon known as a “dark doldrum”) and other times when strong winds generate more energy than the grid can handle. These fluctuations place unique demands on the energy system.
• Energy storage as the key: Storage technologies like batteries, pumped storage plants, or hydrogen facilities are the perfect partners for wind energy. They make it possible to save surplus energy from windy days for calmer ones. However, these solutions are often expensive and not yet widely available.
• Flexible grid management: An intelligent power grid is essential for directing energy to where it’s needed most. Unfortunately, we’re still in the early stages—many power lines are neither digitally connected nor designed to handle renewable energy efficiently.

🔄 Pro tip: Storage solutions and smart grids aren’t just important for wind energy—they’re the foundation of a stable, sustainable energy future!

The real weakness: The infrastructure

One often-overlooked issue with wind energy is the infrastructure. Offshore wind farms generate massive amounts of electricity, but much of it can’t be fed into the grid because the mainland power lines lack sufficient capacity. Another challenge is geographic distribution: wind farms are often located in northern Germany, while the highest energy demand is in the south. Without efficient power lines, a significant amount of energy is wasted along the way. This highlights the critical importance of grid expansion. New cables with higher transmission capacity and optimized insulation can reduce energy losses and prevent bottlenecks. 📉 The takeaway: The problem isn’t the wind—it’s the cables that need to keep up!

Cables: The backbone of the energy transition

Cables are the unsung heroes of energy supply. Without them, no wind farm would ever connect to the grid. Our cables, such as the NA2XS(F)2Y and NAYY, are designed specifically to meet these challenges.

• NA2XS(F)2Y: A state-of-the-art medium-voltage cable that ensures reliable, low-loss energy transport even over long distances. Perfect for connecting wind farms to substations.
• NAYY and NAYY-J: True all-rounders. These cables are primarily used in medium- and low-voltage applications, such as feeding energy into regional grids.
• Why quality matters: Low-quality cables can lead to energy losses and put additional strain on the grid. High-quality cables, on the other hand, enhance the efficiency and reliability of the entire energy infrastructure.

🔌 In summary: The energy transition starts with the details—and the details are in the cables!

Sustainable solutions in infrastructure

A green future isn’t just about producing energy sustainably—it’s also about distributing it in a sustainable way. That’s why we focus on recycling and innovative approaches:

• Conserving resources: Old cables and materials are reused to reduce environmental impact.
• Cable drum return system: Customers can return cable drums free of charge. These are repaired and reused, cutting down on waste and saving resources.
• Eco-friendly logistics: We minimize transport distances and prioritize efficient supply chains to lower CO₂ emissions.

🌱 A valuable insight: Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it starts with every detail of the infrastructure.

A mix of solutions: wind energy in the system

Wind energy alone isn’t the answer to all energy challenges—nor has it ever claimed to be. The key to a stable, sustainable energy supply lies in a carefully balanced mix of renewable sources. Wind farms generate significant electricity when the wind blows, while solar power shines on sunny days. Combined with biomass and hydropower, this creates a system that balances the fluctuations of individual energy sources.

The interplay of storage and grids

Even the best energy mix can only perform if storage technologies and grids deliver energy to where it’s needed. Pumped-storage plants, batteries, and hydrogen storage capture surpluses from windy or sunny days and release them as required. At the same time, grids must be flexible and robust enough to distribute power—regionally and internationally.

The critical role of KLZ

This is where we come in. With our high-performance cables and deep understanding of modern energy infrastructure, we help make these solutions a reality.

• Our NA2XS(F)2Y medium-voltage cables enable low-loss energy transport over long distances, such as from wind farms to substations.
• With NAYY and NAYY-J cables, we ensure reliable energy transmission into medium- and low-voltage networks.
• Additionally, we prioritize sustainable logistics and recycling to minimize the environmental footprint of the energy transition.

Our expertise and offerings make it possible to efficiently connect the different elements of the energy mix. After all, only with the right infrastructure can wind, solar, and other renewable sources reach their full potential. ⚡ The takeaway: The energy mix can only succeed if all components—from generation to distribution—work seamlessly together. With the right cables and solutions, we’re building the connections for a green future!

Conclusion: The key lies in the details

Wind energy is often criticized unfairly. As a Stanford analysis shows, it could theoretically meet multiple times the global electricity demand by 2030—provided the infrastructure keeps up. The key lies in efficient distribution and in the details, such as high-performance cables and innovative solutions. Windenergy already generates enough electricity to power millions of households—if it’s properly integrated into the grid. Expanding infrastructure and using cables like NA2XS(F)2Y and NAYY is the crucial step to unlocking its full potential. With modern technology, sustainable solutions, and innovative ideas, we have what it takes to drive the energy transition forward. 🏗️ A thought for the future: Wind energy can carry us—if we build the right paths for it!