Press release: Making offshore wind more efficient: BWO calls for focus on yield and investment security
Berlin, September 15, 2025 – The monitoring report "Energy Transition. Efficient. Make It Happen" by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) highlights the challenges and opportunities for offshore wind energy. The German Offshore Wind Energy Association (BWO) welcomes Minister Reiche's analysis, which focuses more on efficiency potential, and calls for the political framework to be aligned to ensure reliable and predictable investments in offshore wind energy.
Increase efficiency, make better use of space
"Now it's important to prioritize offshore wind farm revenue targets over pure performance targets. Only if offshore wind farms can be operated efficiently and profitably can they make a stable contribution to security of supply and enable further investments," explains BWO Managing Director Stefan Thimm.
The monitoring report shows that the efficiency of offshore wind farms can be increased if sites are optimally planned and shadowing effects are reduced. Increasing full-load hours is a crucial factor for reliably integrating offshore wind into the system – especially during periods of low wind onshore and weaker solar energy production during the winter months. International cooperation, as already announced in the coalition agreement with Denmark and the Netherlands, can help to further exploit existing potential.
Introduce contracts for difference, reduce electricity generation costs
Another crucial factor for the economic viability of offshore wind farms is the auction design. The failed tender made it clear that the current system is not sustainable. The Federal Office for Wind Energy (BWO) welcomes the minister's announcement to introduce contracts for difference (CfDs) and calls for them to be applied for the upcoming auctions in 2026. "Along with long-term power supply agreements, CfDs are a crucial tool for enabling investments in offshore wind. They can reduce power generation costs by up to 30 percent and are thus the basis for competitive electricity prices," emphasizes Stefan Thimm.
Realistically estimate electricity requirements
The report confirms the BWO's assessment: The target of 30 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030 is unattainable and will not be reached until 2032. This is primarily due to delays in grid connection. The minister's clear statement of this now is an important step towards greater transparency. At the same time, the demand forecast of 600 to 700 TWh of electricity by 2030 demonstrates an important assessment of the current situation. However, this assessment must not act as a brake. With regard to the electrification of transport, heating, and industry, increasing demand is to be expected in the medium term – due to e-mobility, data centers, electrolyzers, and heat supply. Policymakers must be prepared for this.
The 1.639 offshore wind turbines already secure supply when onshore sun and wind are weak. Offshore wind thus remains the backbone of the energy transition. The offshore wind industry is ready to contribute to an efficient and reliable energy transition. This requires a focus on yield rather than just power, efficient site planning, international cooperation, and a marketable auction design. The BWO expects the industry to be closely involved in developing the conclusions of the monitoring report in the coming weeks and months.
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.