The German government plans to hold discussions with developers and industry stakeholders after its latest offshore wind auction failed to attract any bids, leaving 2,500 megawatts (MW) of capacity in the North Sea unallocated.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK) said the outcome of the tender is currently under review and that it would engage with market participants to understand the underlying issues. “The reasons for the current tender outcome are currently being evaluated,” the ministry told reNEWS. “In this context, we will also engage in discussions with stakeholders.”
The failed tender has prompted renewed scrutiny of Germany’s auction model. Developers, including utility EnBW, attributed the lack of participation to uncapped negative bidding and the absence of subsidies, which they said made it difficult to structure projects that are financially viable under current conditions.
Industry association Bundesverband Windenergie Offshore (BWO) has called for immediate reforms, including the adoption of two-sided Contracts for Difference (CfDs), arguing such measures would lower financing costs and improve investor confidence.
WindEurope, a leading European wind energy lobby group, echoed those concerns, saying the tender outcome signals a need for regulatory changes. “It is time to amend the model,” the group said, warning that without adjustments, Germany risks falling short of its offshore wind targets and weakening its industrial competitiveness.
The government is aiming to significantly expand offshore wind capacity as part of its broader clean energy strategy, which includes a 70GW target by 2045.
