After a few slow years, 2013 looks set to become a turning point for German offshore wind power, with nearly 1.5GW due for installation over the next couple of years. The excitement in the industry is palpable, with ports gearing up to provide the services required. And yet the road ahead is not clear. With general elections due in the autumn, politicians are threatening sweeping cuts to renewable-energy subsidies. Good progress has been made on the electricity transmission front, however, and new rules on grid connection liability should allow developers and investors to approach the sector with confidence.
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Election fever harms offshore wind prospects
With federal elections due in September, Germany's conservative/liberal coalition government has been adopting a wavering approach to renewables policy. Recent proposals to cut the cost of green energy growth have raised fears they will stall renewables expansion
Cabling standards hold key to cutting costs
The offshore wind sector is under significant pressure to reduce costs. One of the sectors where large savings could be made is the offshore electricity transmission network. We assess the contribution the German offshore network plan will make
Clearer path ahead under new grid connection rules
Legal uncertainty has played as big a role as technical and financial challenges in holding back the development of offshore wind energy in Germany. We take a close look at the new rules on grid connection liability
More change to come
Reform of support system for renewables under discussion
Planning big to grow with offshore wind
Within a decade, the port city of Bremerhaven has become the North Sea's major hub for offshore wind. We examine the challenges the port had to face and how it is preparing to seize the new opportunities the sector can offer
