Germany has connected 36 offshore wind turbines, boasting a combined capacity of 377MW, to its power grid in the first half of 2024, alongside the installation of 73 additional foundations, data from industry associations and the non-profit foundation Offshore-Windenergie revealed.
Currently, Germany hosts 29 operational offshore wind projects with a total installed capacity of 8858MW and 1602 turbines. Two additional projects are under construction, according to findings compiled by Deutsche WindGuard, a consulting firm.
Industry groups including BWE, BWO, VDMA Power Systems, WAB, WindEnergy Network, and Offshore-Windenergie highlighted the results of Germany's recent offshore wind tender, indicating robust investor interest but suggesting a need for tender design reforms.
“The bid sum of approximately €3bn will further intensify cost pressures across the industrial value chain and potentially delay necessary investments,” the groups remarked, advocating for tender criteria that prioritize project implementation efficiency and stability.
They emphasized the importance of diversifying stakeholders and minimizing implementation risks through revised tender frameworks. Additionally, they called for a significant portion of tender revenues to support capacity ramp-ups crucial for expanding offshore wind energy.
“The ‘transformation component' mandated by the Federal government should be earmarked to support these goals,” the organizations argued, underscoring the need for ongoing infrastructure investments in ports and logistics to facilitate project timelines.
Critical to sustaining innovation and technology leadership, they emphasized the necessity for investments in specialized ships and converter platforms essential for offshore wind project deployment.
