Stephen Thimm
2021 – New goals, new dynamics: Offshore wind in the traffic light coalition agreement
The coalition agreement of the "traffic light" government will underpin the expansion of offshore wind with significantly higher expansion targets in 2021. At least 30 GW by 2030, 40 GW by 2035, and 70 GW by 2045 are a strong signal to the industry. Stefan Thimm, Managing Director of the Federal Association of Wind Energy (BWO), puts this moment into context.
Mr. Thimm, the 2021 coalition agreement has opened a new chapter for the offshore wind industry. Do you remember how you experienced that moment?
"Absolutely. That was a real turning point. For the first time, we had binding political goals with a clear perspective—not just for the next project, but for the entire industry. This gave us a boost as an association, but also the responsibility to actively shape their implementation."
The expansion targets sounded ambitious – at least 30 GW by 2030, 70 GW by 2045. What was the decisive aspect of this coalition agreement in your view?
"Not only were goals formulated, but a clear industrial policy stance was also behind them. Offshore wind was recognized as a strategic building block of the energy transition. And it was understood: The industry had previously gone through a grueling phase of uncertainty and stagnation. To emerge from this, two things were needed: a long-term perspective – and rapid, large-scale tenders in the short term. Both were put on the table after the 2021 coalition agreement."
What was the mood in the industry at the time – was there more euphoria or skepticism as to whether this could really become reality?
"Both. The goals electrified many – finally, ambition, and short-, medium-, and long-term political clarity! But it was also clear: A coalition agreement alone won't build wind farms. We knew we still had a huge amount of homework ahead of us in terms of permits, coordination, and infrastructure. This excitement remains with us to this day."
What are you taking away from 2021 – also for your work today?
"For me, 2021 remains, above all, proof of how crucial planning security is. The coalition agreement gave us the prospect of a reliable expansion path – that was the moment when investors, manufacturers, and project developers were able to think long-term again. This reliability was long overdue – and to this day remains the foundation for us as an industry to pick up the pace. Even if there are still some hiccups in some areas, such as financing the supply chain ramp-up or port expansion."
What was also important in 2021:
- In Europe, 3,4 GW of offshore wind was completed.
- For the first time since 2010, no new offshore wind farm will be connected to the grid in Germany.
- First auction in the "central model": The contracts for N-3.7 (225 MW) and O-1.3 (300 MW) are initially awarded to RWE after zero-cent bids by lottery, and for N-3.8 (433 MW) to EDF Offshore. Subsequently, Iberdrola and the RWE/Northland consortium exercise their entry rights: O-1.3 goes to Iberdrola, N-3.8 to RWE/Northland.
