Bremerhaven in focus: wind power conference calls for planning security!

Bremerhaven in focus: wind power conference calls for planning security!

Wind power is very popular in Germany and everyone who has an ear for developments in the industry is currently hearing a very clear signal: we need more planning security for offshore wind farms. At the current Windforce conference in Bremerhaven, which is considered the central industry meeting of wind power in Germany, around 270 experts are discussing the urgently needed expansion of offshore wind energy. Bremerhaven has established itself as a central location, which is predestined by its deep-sea connection over the Weser for building new systems.

Jens Assheuer, CEO of the wind energy and hydrogen association, sums it up: "Offshore wind energy plays a crucial role in the energy transition". Another essential message is that not only the expansion of wind power has to be promoted, but also the infrastructure. In particular, additional port areas appear to be necessary to realize the ambitious plans of the federal government, which would like to double the capacity of offshore wind power by 2030.

The contribution to energy security

With the planned energy port in Bremerhaven, an important building block for Germany's energy safety is created. The offshore wind power already has a share of around nine percent in total electricity generation and can currently supply around eight million households with electricity. Currently, 27 wind farms in the North and Baltic Sea stand for a total output of around 8.6 gigawatts, and there are ambitious plans to align them to climate-neutral goals by 2045.

The advantages of offshore wind energy are obvious: stable and higher wind speeds ensure efficient generation of power. In 2023, around 18 million tons of CO2 equivalents were saved thanks to this technology. However, the rapid expansion of offshore wind energy is not without challenges. High construction costs, inadequate port capacities and the need for a comprehensive network infrastructure make life difficult for the project.

Special features of the Windforce Conference

The Windforce Conference is not only supported by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, but also by numerous sponsors, including industry greats such as RWE Offshore GmbH, Deutsche Windguard and Iberdrola, who work together on the further development of wind energy use. Partnerland of the conference are the Netherlands, which also make an important contribution to offshore wind power.
Every year, many actors attracted many actors from the industry and offers a platform for exchange about the latest technologies, operating experiences and strategies to improve efficiency in wind energy.

All eyes look excitedly at the developments, especially from the point of view that the expansion of offshore wind energy has been stagnated in the past five years. The numbers speak volumes: In 2024, only 742 megawatts were added, while in 2015 550 new systems could be installed. It is all the more clear that journey must finally be taken when Germany wants to achieve its climate target.

The view goes ahead: Bremerhaven could play an important role in the fight against climate change in the coming years. With the right framework and fair investments, the course for a successful, sustainable future could be set here. Because what's the name of? Anyone who uses the wind power has already had the half of the path to the goal - and time is pushing!