BWO statement: Draft of the electricity network development plan 2037/2045 (Version 2025)

 

“In this statement on the consultation of the first draft of the Network Development Plan 2037/2045 (2025), the German Offshore Wind Energy Association (BWO) addresses in particular the optimization measures from chapter “5.2 Offshore Optimization”.

The BWO generally welcomes the discussion and application of offshore optimization measures. These points were also elaborated upon in the BWO's statement on the 2025 consultation regarding the "Offshore Wind Energy Act". However, from the BWO's perspective, the draft grid development plan places an incorrect and, in some cases, overly one-sided emphasis on optimization measures.

Our demands:

  • Offshore optimization measures need to be considered holistically. From the BWO's perspective, the focus of the current initial draft of the NEP (National Energy Plan) on overdevelopment and peak shaving must be emphasized, as this is only one of many optimization measures. Other measures [including reducing power densities to below 10 MW/km²; radially connecting areas in Denmark or the Netherlands] to increase full-load hours should be discussed, evaluated, and implemented on an equal footing.

  • One-sided network cost optimization should not be the sole focus of cost-efficient expansion planning.

  • Focus on eliminating onshore grid bottlenecks to reduce grid costs and to fully utilize the potential of offshore connection systems.

  • Examining and implementing radial connections of offshore wind farms in neighboring countries. From the BWO's perspective, offshore wind farms in the Danish or Dutch EEZ, which are directly connected to the German grid, could be credited towards the national expansion target, thus opening up particularly productive areas with high full-load hours.

  • "Offshore electrolysis should not be lost sight of as a long-term option."

Draft of the Electricity Network Development Plan 2037/2045 (Version 2025)