The German Wind Energy Offshore Association (BWO) is urging the government to allocate a portion of the €500 billion special fund for the expansion of ports, highlighting their critical role in supporting both the energy transition and national security.
The BWO has called for port expansion to be prioritized in upcoming negotiations over the fund, which includes investments in energy and transport infrastructure. These sectors are deemed essential for the continued development of offshore wind energy in Germany.
“Ports play a central role in the energy transition and security policy in equal measure. Their heavy-duty areas can be used for the expansion of offshore wind energy as well as for military purposes,” said Stefan Thimm, Managing Director of the BWO. “Unfortunately, such areas are still too scarce in Germany.”
Thimm pointed to the Port of Esbjerg in Denmark as an example, where targeted investments have increased its capacity for both offshore wind development and military use. The European Investment Bank recently provided €115 million to enhance the infrastructure at the Danish port for dual use.
He added, “Without a clear strategy to provide sufficient funds, the future federal government would jeopardize the timely expansion of offshore wind energy and carelessly miss the opportunity for jobs and value creation along the German coasts.”
The BWO’s call for greater investment in port infrastructure follows support from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, which advocated for a significant increase in the port burden equalisation fund, from €38 million to at least €400 million per year.
Thimm concluded, “I am pleased that last year the CDU/CSU parliamentary group supported the demand of the port industry and the states to increase the port burden equalisation from the current 38 million euros to at least 400 million euros per year.”
