BWO warns of planned G component: “Germany is losing its attractiveness for offshore wind investments”
Berlin, July 1, 2025 - The German Offshore Wind Energy Association (BWO) strongly criticizes the Federal Network Agency's proposed introduction of feed-in tariffs for offshore wind farms – the so-called "G component." The proposal jeopardizes the economic viability of new projects and sends a disastrous signal to investors.
"The offshore wind industry is already the only generation technology contributing to grid expansion," warns BWO Managing Director Stefan Thimm. "To now also demand feed-in tariffs is not only systematically wrong – it is a step backward in energy and industrial policy. Anyone who drives away investors is jeopardizing Germany's future viability as an energy location."
The introduction of the G component would undermine the federal government's central goals: security of supply, climate neutrality, and the development of a competitive green industry cannot be achieved without the legally mandated expansion of offshore wind energy. To achieve this, the federal government should strengthen predictability and investment security rather than increase uncertainty—with foreseeable consequences.
Double burden, increasing risks, declining investments
Offshore wind projects are already contributing to reducing grid expansion costs through the electricity cost reduction component. The G component would result in a double burden. Added to this are further regulatory interventions such as overplanting requirements. Recently, construction costs have risen, while regulatory risk is increasing.
The result: Project developers and investors are losing confidence. The results of the recent auctions speak volumes: participation is declining. Bids may not be received in the future. The result: the legally mandated expansion is in jeopardy, and the supply chain cannot deliver value creation and jobs as planned.
Only if the framework conditions are right can offshore wind energy make its contribution to industrial transformation and security of supply with affordable and future-proof electricity.
BWO statement on the discussion paper on the framework for the general grid tariff system for electricity
PDF version of this press release
About the BWO
The Federal Association for Offshore Wind Energy (BWO) is the political lobby for the offshore wind industry in Germany. We pool the technical expertise of companies along the entire value chain, from manufacturers to developers and operators to offshore wind energy service providers. For politicians and authorities at federal and state level, the BWO is the central contact for all questions relating to offshore wind energy.