The Evolution of Offshore Wind Energy in Germany

Fifteen years ago, Germany marked a significant milestone in renewable energy with the launch of its first offshore wind farm, Alpha-Ventus. Since then, the offshore wind sector has undergone considerable transformation and expansion, contributing increasingly to the country's energy mix.

Recent reports indicate that offshore wind farms in the North and Baltic Seas generated a total of 25.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2024, a notable increase from 23.5 TWh in 2023. This uptick signifies a growing reliance on wind energy, with offshore sources accounting for approximately 5.9% of Germany's total electricity production last year.

Government Commitment to Renewable Energy

The German government has established ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for 80% of the nation's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. As of now, renewables contribute about 55% to the energy mix.

Future Goals and Challenges

Despite the progress, challenges remain. The industry is expected to fall short of the legally mandated goal of achieving at least 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by the end of the decade, with projections now indicating that this milestone will be reached in 2031 due to delays in grid expansions. Conversely, the target of 40 GW by 2035 may be met a year ahead of schedule.

As of the end of 2024, Germany had 1,639 offshore wind turbines operational, delivering a combined output of approximately 9.2 GW. Meanwhile, onshore wind installations totaled around 63.5 GW, and solar energy capacity reached about 99 GW.

The Need for Reliable Policy Frameworks

Industry leaders emphasize the necessity of stable regulatory frameworks to facilitate ongoing growth in the offshore wind sector. They urge policymakers to proactively address potential bottlenecks, particularly in the development of German ports, which could become critical points of failure if funding decisions are delayed.

As the wind energy sector approaches a peak in expansion towards the end of the 2020s and early 2030s, stakeholders call for consistent and reliable policies to encourage significant investments. There is a pressing need to strengthen European supply chains in light of competition from major manufacturers in China.

Protection of Maritime Infrastructure

The increasing importance of offshore wind energy for national energy security necessitates enhanced protection for the maritime infrastructure associated with wind farms. Industry representatives have called on the government to implement measures ensuring the physical security of offshore installations and their connections to the grid.

Global Market Dynamics

The shift in political landscapes, particularly with the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, could pose challenges for wind energy projects. Historically, Trump's administration favored fossil fuels over renewable energy and halted many wind project approvals upon taking office.

In contrast, Vestas, the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, reported a sixfold increase in profits in 2024, attributing this growth to a surge in orders for offshore wind installations both in Europe and emerging markets like Japan and South Korea.

As the offshore wind sector looks ahead, the balancing act between regulatory frameworks, investment needs, and global market dynamics will be crucial in shaping its future.