New German maritime spatial proposal leaves room for 60GW of offshore wind
Development plan valid through 2037 secures more than sufficient room for government target of 40GW of wind at sea by 2035
Germany’s federal maritime and hydrographic agency (BSH) as part of a proposal for the country’s latest maritime area development plan has reserved more than sufficient room for the government’s target to install 40GW of offshore wind by 2035.
The plan presented on Friday through 2037 actually secures installations of up to 60GW.
“The draft of the area development plan shows that offshore wind energy will continue to be an essential pillar in the transformation of the energy system in the long term,” climate and energy minister Robert Habeck said.
“With the plan, we are creating planning and investment security for all those involved and are making our contribution to the development of sustainable supply chains."
The new spatial planning builds up on a proposal by the government to put the EU’s new renewables directive into practice in the areas of offshore wind and electricity grids.
The site development plan for the first time includes 36GW of so-called acceleration areas for offshore wind turbines and infrastructure areas for grid infrastructure, which are part of an amendment to Germany’s Wind at See Act, which is currently still in the legislative process.
Acceleration areas are defined as being particularly suitable for offshore wind, and will be granted simplified approvals as part of a strategic environmental assessment to avoid conflicts with species and area protection.
“Acceleration areas are only defined in areas where no significant environmental impacts are expected,” the climate and economics ministry said, however.
The spatial plan also lays down the basis for a meshed offshore power grid with neighbouring countries, determining measures for the interconnection of converter platforms and shows cross-border cable routes.
After a period of public consultation, the BSH plans to publish an updated final version of the spatial plan by the end of this year.
Beyond 2035, Germany targets 70GW of wind at sea by 2045. The country also has a 20GW target by 2030.
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