“From the BWO's point of view, when expanding offshore wind energy, not only the capacity to be installed in gigawatts should be taken into account, but also, in the overall view, the amount of climate-friendly electricity that can be achieved. Particularly given the impending supply bottlenecks and raw material shortages, a cost- and resource-saving approach to the development of new offshore wind areas is important. The aim of area planning should therefore be to achieve the highest possible electricity yield through few shading effects in the overall balance and at the same time to ensure that each wind turbine is used optimally. The BWO therefore continues to advocate for development with the highest possible full-load hours. In the specific case of areas N-9.4 and N-9.5, this not only suggests reconsidering the order of tendering, but also for building on these two areas with one gigawatt of output each. In principle, the consideration of the possible income would have spoken in favor of the middle development on Shipping Route 10, which is favored by the industry. However, today it became clear that this solution is no longer being considered due to international agreements. Rather, narrow development is also planned on the Dutch side, which will further increase the shading in areas 9, 10, 6, 11 and 12. 

Another important topic that we still see as not being addressed enough is rescue infrastructure. The concerns of occupational safety and rescue should definitely be taken into account when planning the area. For the first time, N-14.1 defines an area outside the 60-minute operational radius of the coast-based HEMS rescue helicopters. The BWO presented the “Vision Offshore Rescue 2030+” back in September. Federal, state and offshore wind farm operators must now define responsibilities as quickly as possible to ensure rescue on the high seas in the future.”

(Stefan Thimm, BWO Managing Director)

Background:

The BSH hearing on the update of the area development plan took place yesterday, Thursday. The BWO had already issued a statement on this in advance. The document stands available for download on the BWO homepage ready.