Offshore Wind in Germany; Status Quo and Prospects
Keywords: Offshore Wind, Germany, National Energy Targets | Study published: November 2022
Offshore wind plays an important role in Germany to achieve its climate and energy goals, reduce volatility in a renewable-dominated power grid, lower electricity costs, increase grid flexibility through international grid connections, and potentially produce green hydrogen in the future. Germany’s offshore wind capacity deployment targets were increased strongly to at least 30 GW by 2030, 40 GW by 2035, and 70 GW by 2045. To reach those targets, larger tender rounds for the next years are planned, new auction designs were introduced, and new offshore wind areas for approximately 60 GW installed capacity were specified. The study gives an overview over the status quo of offshore wind energy in Germany, including the regulatory framework, grid infrastructure, and domestic supply chain. Building on this, lessons for a successful policy framework are drawn before outlining prospects and challenges for the development of the German offshore wind sector at the end.
Most of the additionally planned deployment until 2030 will have to happen in the last years of this decade due to long lead times for planning and construction.
Importance of continuity and stable regulatory framework: predictability and reliability are key for ensuring continuous engagement of investors and other stakeholders.
Need for reduction of bureaucracy: planning and permitting procedures need to be as streamlined and transparent as possible.
Public acceptance of grid reinforcement and grid extension is important
Suitable tender design and intensive dialogue with industry are vital to achieve targets efficiently
