Wind power generation at wind farms escalates by 20%. - Expansion in Wind Energy: Anticipated Amplification of Wind Farm Potential by 20%
Offshore wind farms in the German North and Baltic Seas are set to churn out 20% more electricity by the end of the year, according to a forecast from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) in Hamburg. This anticipates a capacity of 10.4 gigawatts in the German exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
At present, the capacity in the EEZ, which stretches about 22 kilometers off the coast, totals 8.6 gigawatts. Including the coastal sea, the area off the coast, it reaches around 9.2 gigawatts. Germany is aiming for offshore wind energy to hit at least a capacity of 30 gigawatts by 2030, as stipulated in the Wind Energy at Sea Act.
The BSH's prediction is part of a 15-year balance sheet for offshore wind energy. Offshore wind farms consist of wind turbines that generate electricity.
Germany ranks third worldwide in the capacity of its 27 offshore wind farms, with more than 1,500 wind turbines in total, according to BSH President Helge Heegewaldt, who referred to it as a "success story."
The BSH's figures are compared to those of the international industry organization Global Wind Energy Council, headquartered in Lisbon. According to the organization, Germany's share of the world's installed offshore wind energy capacity was 11%, while the United Kingdom held a 19% share, and China accounted for half of the capacity.
Nine converter platforms are being operated by companies in the German EEZ, with three more under construction. Converter platforms are costly facilities installed near wind farms, needed to convert the alternating current generated by wind farms to direct current to transport it with minimal loss.
Almost 70% of the planned power cables have already been laid, and a total length of over 2,700 kilometers of cables is planned.
Europe's Offshore Wind ambitions
Europe is likely to maintain its leadership in offshore wind, with a projected growth in capacity. For instance, Europe could install over 10 GW of new offshore wind capacity in 2025, according to GWEC projections. By 2030, Europe's offshore wind capacity is projected to more than double from 37 GW to 84 GW.
Germany's Renewable Energy Goals and Challenges
Germany is eyeing a significant increase in its renewable energy production to meet its 2030 climate goals. While specific capacity targets for the North and Baltic Seas are not clearly defined, Germany's focus on expanding offshore wind capacity aligns with Europe's broader growth projections.
As wind farms age, decommissioning and repowering become essential. WindEurope anticipates only 33 MW of offshore turbines will be repowered by 2030 due to issues concerning foundational and leasing matters.
The Future of Renewable Energy in Germany
While challenges, such as securing extended leases for seabed installations and decommissioning older turbines, remain, advancements in technology have made offshore turbines more efficient. Additionally, the supportive European market could further bolster Germany's renewable energy aspirations.
In the end, while specific projections for the German North and Baltic Seas aren't detailed, the anticipated growth in offshore wind capacity and Germany's renewable energy goals indicate a critical increase in wind power is on the horizon. Meeting these ambitious objectives is essential for Germany's long-term goal of a sustainable energy future.
- The Community policy on renewable energy should account for the growth of offshore wind power, considering Germany's aim to reach at least a capacity of 30 gigawatts by 2030, as stipulated in the Wind Energy at Sea Act.
- As part of Germany's focus on revitalizing its environmental-science sector, the employment policy could be updated to address the increasing need for professionals in the renewable-energy industry, especially in the offshore wind sector.
- With the rise of offshore wind energy in the North and Baltic Seas, finance policies should consider incentives for the industry, attracting investments in renewable energy and supporting job creation in the sector.
