Revising Germany's Offshore Wind Targets: Navigating Challenges and Strategic Alliances

Germany's BWO

Germany faces the need to revise its ambitious offshore wind energy target of 70GW by 2045, according to the Bundesverband der Windparkbetreiber Offshore (BWO). The association highlights emerging challenges in the sector, particularly the "wake" effects that reduce turbine efficiency, prompting a rethink of the operational and strategic aspects of Germany's renewable energy goals.

Impact of Wake Effects on Turbine Efficiency

Stefan Thimm, managing director of BWO, raised concerns about the "wake" effects, where turbines slow down the wind and create swirling air behind the rotors, leading to a significant reduction in the operating hours of offshore turbines. This phenomenon was evident in the last German offshore wind tender, which saw minimal activity and lower-than-expected prices, indicating a potential oversaturation and diminishing returns from currently designated zones.

Exploring New Horizons: Collaboration with Denmark

Given the limited availability of suitable areas in German waters, Thimm suggests that Germany might expand its offshore wind capacity by building wind farms in Danish waters. He proposed a cooperation agreement with Denmark, whose power demand is just 5% of Germany's, to use Denmark's exclusive economic zone for future German wind projects. This strategic move could help Germany achieve its scaled-up renewable energy targets while mitigating spatial constraints.

Shifts in Tendering and Policy Approaches

The discussion also extends to how Germany's renewable energy tendering process could evolve. Ministers from Germany's North Sea states have proposed shifting the focus from capacity-based tenders to those based on actual electricity generation. This approach would address system stability and integrate excess photovoltaic power more effectively, according to Lower Saxony's economy minister Olaf Lies.

Furthermore, upcoming federal elections in February 2025 could lead to significant policy shifts. The CDU/CSU, potentially the next ruling party, has expressed skepticism about the current government's rigid climate targets and its interventionist renewable policies, suggesting that Germany's renewable strategy may see substantial revisions in the near future.