Translation:

Germany will be able to erect more wind turbines in the North and Baltic Seas over the next ten years than originally planned. Instead of the legally stipulated 40 gigawatts of capacity, areas for 50 gigawatts will be available by 2035, as the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on Friday. The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has identified these areas in its new area development plan. By 2037, there will be space for 60 gigawatts.

“The draft of the area development plan shows that offshore wind energy is also a key pillar in the transformation of the energy system in the long term,” said Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck (Greens). According to the plan, there is even space for 60 gigawatts by 2037. Around more than half of these are so-called acceleration areas. These are particularly favourable locations for construction, the wind turbines have a comparatively low environmental impact and can be erected with faster approval procedures.

The 60 gigawatts would bring us close to Germany’s long-term target of 70 gigawatts, which is to be achieved by 2045. By then, Germany wants to produce no more CO2 at all, which requires corresponding energy capacities from renewables.