Germany added 1,077MW of offshore wind capacity in the first six months of 2026, bringing its total installed offshore wind capacity to 10.8GW, industry data released on Tuesday showed.
Figures compiled by Deutsche WindGuard on behalf of several industry associations showed that 84 offshore wind turbines were commissioned between January and June.
Another 22 turbines with a combined capacity of 323MW are under construction at Borkum Riffgrund 3, He Dreiht and North Sea Cluster A. The turbines have not yet entered commercial operation.
Offshore wind projects totalling 2.6GW have reached final investment decision, while a further 17.5GW has been awarded but has not yet secured FID. Based on current project schedules, Germany is expected to have around 30GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2032.
BWE, BWO, VDMA, WAB e.V., WindEnergy Network e.V. and Stiftung Offshore-Windenergie said the current regulatory framework was undermining future investment despite the recent increase in capacity. The associations referred to Germany’s August 2025 offshore wind auction, which received no bids.
The groups called on the German government to amend its offshore wind legislation during the summer. They proposed replacing the existing negative bidding system with two-sided, index-linked Contracts for Difference.
According to the associations, the proposed CfDs would reduce financing risks, improve project bankability and help keep electricity costs competitive. Additional hedging mechanisms could also support long-term power purchase agreements.
The industry groups also requested a mechanism allowing developers to return awarded sites that are no longer commercially viable because of changing market conditions, regulatory changes and increased risks. The sites could then be re-tendered without delay.
The associations said a continuous offshore wind deployment pipeline was needed to provide investment certainty for manufacturers, suppliers and ports, while supporting industrial activity and employment in Germany and other parts of Europe.
