As of 30 June 2025, Germany had 1,639 offshore wind turbines connected to the grid with 9.2 GW of capacity. A further 1.9 GW is under construction, 3.6 GW has reached final investment decision, and 17.5 GW has been awarded but not yet contracted. The long-term national target of 70 GW by 2045 must remain a priority, according to organisations including BWE, BWO, VDMA Power Systems, WAB, WindEnergy Network, and the Offshore Wind Energy Foundation.
Key demands include:
- Revenue model reform: Support mechanisms such as Contracts for Difference (CfDs) are needed to improve investment security while maintaining compatibility with power purchase agreements (PPAs).
- Deadline extension: The current six-month deadline to prove technical readiness after grid connection should be extended to twelve months to reflect project complexity.
- Flexible overplanting: A new rule requiring 10–20% overplanting needs more flexibility, with developers determining optimal levels based on site conditions.
- Auction redesign: The June 2025 auction raised only €180 million and drew just two bidders. Industry groups are calling for urgent reform of the auction system to reduce risk and ensure fair competition.
At the European level, the sector calls for harmonised regulation through the Net Zero Industry Act and stronger support for European supply chains. The industry also stresses the need to treat offshore wind as critical infrastructure, calling for swift implementation of EU cybersecurity and physical protection directives.
