Germany’s offshore wind sector is calling for clearer political commitments and a binding roadmap to support future expansion.
The German Offshore Wind Energy Association, BWO, issued the appeal ahead of the National Maritime Conference, held from 29 to 30 April in Emden. The association said offshore wind growth depends on efficient ports, reliable offshore rescue infrastructure and a coherent security framework for critical maritime assets.
BWO Managing Director Stefan Thimm said the conference was an opportunity to set clear commitments and define a binding roadmap for key industrial policy decisions.
The association is seeking faster amendments to the Offshore Wind Energy Act to improve investment certainty. Its requests include an auction framework using two-sided contracts for differences and a firm commitment to Germany’s offshore wind target of at least 70 GW by 2045.
The appeal follows a failed auction last year and a suspended tender in 2026, which BWO said have increased investor uncertainty. Earlier this year, BWO and other industry groups also urged the federal government to reform the tendering system, saying the failed auction and slow grid connections in 2025 showed Germany would miss its 2030 offshore wind target.
Port infrastructure is another focus. On 28 April, BWO said larger turbines and rising logistics requirements are moving beyond Germany’s current port capacity. Ports including Esbjerg, Rønne and Eemshaven are increasingly handling offshore wind activity. BWO is calling for a binding funding agreement between federal and state governments, supported by targeted investment in port expansion.
The association also wants a dedicated security framework for offshore wind farms, offshore substations and grid connections. It also called for a centralized offshore rescue system with a clear financing mechanism by the end of 2026.
