REM: Germany plans 50 GW of offshore wind by 2035

An agreement has been reached in Germany for a higher goal of 50 GW of offshore wind installations by 2035. The goal had been 40 GW.

The agreement has been reached between the German federal government, the northern German states and the transmission system operators (TSOs) responsible for offshore wind grid connections.

The amendment to the Wind Energy at Sea Act had set minimum expansion targets of 30 GW by 2030, 40 GW by 2035 and 70 GW by 2045. But under the new agreement, annual tenders are to be increased to 4 GW from 2027, enabling 50 GW to be achieved by 2035.

The 50 GW would be situated in the North and Baltic Seas.

An offshore wind trade group has cautioned, however, that Germany must resolve issues with spatial planning and permitting in order to attain this goal.

Planning certainty is a must, said The Network for Wind Energy trade group, WAB eV, which also advocates for green hydrogen paired with offshore wind.

"We are pleased that the German government recognises the great economic opportunities associated with the expansion of offshore wind energy and its combination with green hydrogen," said Jens Assheuer, chairman of the group’s board of directors.