The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency of Germany (BSH) has officially released the 2025 Site Development Plan, setting the trajectory for offshore wind expansion to 40 GW by 2034 and 70 GW by 2045. This strategic blueprint aims to strengthen Germany’s leadership in renewable energy and ensure compliance with its climate targets.

The plan designates new offshore wind energy zones with a total capacity of 40 gigawatts, which will be linked through 18 grid connections spanning approximately 2,221 kilometres within Germany’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Furthermore, additional zones with significant expansion potential have been identified for the post-2034 period.

Trilateral cooperation to enhance offshore wind expansion

A key component of the 2025 Site Development Plan is the trilateral collaboration between Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. This partnership has facilitated the identification of new offshore wind zones in Germany’s North Sea, maximising the country’s potential for wind energy generation.

“We have reached a major milestone with our 40-gigawatt expansion strategy for 2034. Additionally, we have secured the essential space to achieve the 70-gigawatt expansion target by 2045,” states BSH President Helge Heegewaldt.

The new planning approach introduces innovative solutions to optimise spatial efficiency and grid connections. Addressing offshore development, Dr Nico Nolte, head of the planning department at BSH, explains:

“For areas far from the coast, we aim to encourage discussions on how future offshore wind expansion should be designed. In the new plan, we are already implementing an optimisation approach for two designated areas, enabling us to reduce the costs of grid connection.”

Strategic environmental assessment and impact mitigation

The 2025 Site Development Plan was approved following a comprehensive strategic environmental assessment, evaluating the impact of offshore wind expansion on marine ecosystems.

“This plan is accompanied by extensive mitigation measures to protect marine resources during the construction, operation, and decommissioning of offshore wind farms,” emphasises Heegewaldt.

Public participation played a key role in the evaluation process. The plan incorporates stakeholder feedback, ensuring a balanced approach between renewable energy expansion and marine environmental protection.

From 30 January to 28 February 2025, the 2025 Site Development Plan and its environmental reports will be available for public consultation at the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency’s libraries in Hamburg and Rostock.

Long-term vision: 70 GW by 2045

Beyond the 40 GW milestone in 2034, Germany has already outlined the next phase of its offshore wind energy expansion, aiming for 70 GW by 2045. This ambitious target reflects Germany’s commitment to decarbonisation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while enhancing the country’s energy security and independence.

As part of this long-term vision, the BSH is set to initiate further updates to the offshore wind development framework, ensuring that grid infrastructure and spatial planning keep pace with technological advancements. The agency is also closely monitoring the implementation of the EU Renewable Energy Directive, which may further shape the regulatory landscape.

Optimising offshore wind farm locations and grid connections

One of the key innovations of the 2025 Site Development Plan is the introduction of optimised site allocations and grid connection designs.

The plan considers offshore areas further from the coastline, where wind speeds are higher, but where grid infrastructure development poses greater logistical and financial challenges. By integrating advanced modelling techniques, the plan minimises transmission losses and reduces the overall cost of offshore wind energy production.

Additionally, the BSH has aligned its strategy with Europe’s wider offshore energy goals, ensuring that Germany’s approach is compatible with cross-border electricity trading and grid balancing mechanisms.

Germany’s leadership in offshore wind energy

Germany has consistently ranked among the top global players in offshore wind energy, and with this new expansion plan, it further solidifies its position as a European leader in renewable energy.

The country’s offshore wind farms currently provide a reliable, large-scale renewable energy source, with continuous improvements in efficiency, technology, and environmental sustainability. The integration of offshore wind with green hydrogen production is also being explored as a means of storing excess energy and decarbonising industrial processes.

The 2025 Site Development Plan represents a strategic milestone in Germany’s renewable energy transition, focusing not only on expanding offshore wind capacity but also on optimising spatial planning, international collaboration, and environmental protection.

By working closely with Denmark and the Netherlands, and incorporating long-term grid infrastructure planning, Germany is setting the foundation for a sustainable, efficient, and high-capacity offshore wind sector that will play a pivotal role in Europe’s clean energy future.

Germany’s 2025 Site Development Plan: