Giles Dickson
2020 – Standstill with effect: What the German thread break meant for Europe
In 2020 and 2021, the expansion of offshore wind energy in Germany was almost completely to a standstill – with far-reaching consequences for value creation, trust and employment. Giles Dickson, CEO of wind Europe, describes how this thread break from Brussels perspective, what risks such a development entails for the whole of Europe – and why continuity, coordination and an industrial rethink are now required.
Mr Dickson, the expansion of offshore wind energy in Germany almost came to a halt in 2020. Standstill, complete in 2021. How did you experience this phase and how was it handled in Brussels? perceived?
"Germany is the most important wind energy market and the second-largest offshore wind energy market in Europe. Many manufacturers and suppliers are based here. These companies deliver their products to Europe and the rest of the world. They are therefore diversified. Nevertheless Their success depends on the strong German domestic market. Offshore Wind Energy in 2020 and 2021, which will be accompanied by weak growth in German onshore-wind sector, has led to major disruptions in Germany Thousands of jobs have been lost. The effects were and are felt throughout Europe."
In your opinion, what impact did this phase have on the European Offshore value chain?
"The EU wants to significantly accelerate offshore wind expansion – this requires more Factories, ships, ports and skilled workers. The German thread break has affected the European It is all the more encouraging that many German Companies have persevered and are now optimistic on rising Tenders and the Peak additions in 2029-2031. Investments such as those from Meyer Werft, Smulders or Steelwind are just a few current examples."
What is needed for European member states to work together to create a stable industrial Can we build a basis for offshore wind – and how important is continuity in this?
"Continuity and clearly defined CFDPipelines are essential for investments. Offshore projects have long lead times – uncertain volumes and political zigzag courses are poison for Planning and Industry. It is therefore right that the Federal Government should move away from negative bids wants to convert to contracts for difference. CfDs are European standard and create reliability – also for the supplier industry. The uncertainty regarding implementation and order situation has Investments in new capacities are blocked. A better European Coordination – in manufacturing, installation and network planning. It is good that the new The Federal Government is actively pursuing the project of cross-border offshore projects. The EU should also work more closely with the United Kingdom in this regard."
What was also important in 2020:
- Europe added 2020 GW of offshore capacity in 2,9. This corresponds to 356 new offshore wind turbines coming online in nine wind farms.
- Europe now has a total installed offshore wind capacity of 25 GW. This corresponds to 5.402 grid-connected wind turbines in 12 countries.
- In Germany, 2020 MW will be newly connected to the grid in 312: 200 MW Trianel Windpark Borkum II, 112 MW Albatros.
- Amendment to the Offshore Wind Energy Act: The Offshore Wind Energy Act 2020 comes into force and increases the expansion target for 2030 from 15 to 20 GW. It also introduces a target of 40 GW by 2040.