A study conducted by Fraunhofer IWES has concluded that Germany’s true offshore wind potential could be significantly higher than the German government target of 70 GW by 2045
The study, conducted by Fraunhofer IWES on behalf of the Federal Association of Wind Farm Operators Offshore (BWO) and Federal Association of Energy and Water Management (BDEW), modelled future offshore wind potential in Germany’s exclusive economic zone and found that more around 82 GW of offshore wind is possible in the same timeframe.
The study took into account the use of new areas not yet designated for offshore wind, more efficient use of existing areas, and the use of new technology, including new-generation, larger wind turbines and floating windfarms.
The study suggests that making use of new areas in the German sector of the North Sea and the Baltic could help the country generate much more offshore wind, if strategies are implemented that make the best possible use of the available space and resolve potential conflicts with other users of the sea and nature conservation.
BWO managing director Stefan Thimm said, “When designating new areas, you have to proceed with a sense of proportion. We were particularly pleased to see that all users of the North Sea and Baltic recognize the importance of offshore wind and have signalled their willingness to compromise with regard to the shared use of areas. Our goal is a situation in which no-one emerges as a loser. A clever combination of developing new areas and increasing the efficiency of areas already used for offshore wind is therefore important.”
BDEW chief executive Kerstin Andreae said, “More installed capacity does not automatically mean significantly more energy yield. In parallel with the development of new areas, we must also keep an eye on area efficiency – that is, yield per square kilometre. The study clearly shows that.” She noted that upgrading the turbines used in some areas could significantly increase the yield from existing areas.
“It is clear that the new expansion goals set by the government are realistic and feasible. This should also be reflected in co-use scenarios in the area development plan,” she said.
Fraunhofer IWES said that, in the future, the use of larger, more powerful offshore wind turbines will have a positive effect on yield and efficiency and that this applies to new areas and to areas already used for offshore wind. It also suggested that in the future, Germany should also make use of floating offshore windfarms in order to maximise efficiency and yield.
