Germany's Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has released an updated site development plan aimed at expanding offshore wind capacity in the North and Baltic Seas. The new plan targets an increase in installed capacity to 40GW by 2034, with long-term projections aiming for 70GW by 2045.
The updated plan includes the designation of additional wind energy areas, primarily in the German North Sea, with a total capacity of 40GW. The development is part of Germany's broader strategy to boost renewable energy and reduce its carbon footprint.
Stefan Thimm, Managing Director of trade group BWO, welcomed the division of larger zones, noting that the lower power density in certain areas would help mitigate the impact of wake effects on wind energy production. However, he voiced concerns about the reduction in available capacity for this year's tender by 1GW. Thimm emphasized the need for greater planning security, stating, “The industry needs more planning security here. The medium-term outlook is also a step backwards in terms of planning security.”
Thimm also criticized the updated plan's reduction of the 2037 target from 60GW to 40GW, pointing out that this shift delays the expansion timeline by several years. “This is a problem for the much-needed supply chain ramp-up and complicates investment decisions,” Thimm said. “This worsens the chances of more value creation and jobs in Germany and Europe.”
The offshore wind farms in the updated plan will be connected via 18 grid connections, spanning a total of approximately 2,221 kilometers in Germany's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Further areas with significant potential for expansion will also be identified for development post-2034.
BSH President Helge Heegewaldt highlighted the strategic environmental assessments that accompany the plan, including mitigation measures designed to protect marine ecosystems during the construction, operation, and decommissioning of the wind farms. “This is based on a comprehensive strategic environmental assessment and is accompanied by far-reaching mitigation measures to protect marine nature,” Heegewaldt noted.
Dr. Nico Nolte, Head of the BSH department responsible for offshore wind, mentioned that discussions will be initiated regarding the future design of wind energy expansion in more remote areas, further emphasizing the importance of optimizing infrastructure to minimize grid connection costs. “We are already implementing the proposed optimization approach for two areas in the new plan and can thus save on a grid connection system,” Nolte added.
The BSH intends to initiate the next update procedure this year by publishing a preliminary draft. The agency will also address the definition of acceleration and infrastructure areas, in alignment with the EU Directive on Renewable Energies, which will be integrated into German law.
