A Blueprint for U.S. Offshore Wind: Learning from Germany's Experience

By Katharine Kollins, President of the Southeastern Wind Coalition

The offshore wind industry is truly global. Even as a regional organization, we know how important it is to understand best practices and lessons learned for offshore wind development around the world. This fall, two members of the SEWC team had the opportunity to visit Germany for a week of first-hand learning from offshore wind experts. While our team knows this industry well, we picked up some important lessons talking with German policymakers, industry experts, and supply chain executives. By examining Germany's experience, the U.S., and the Southeast, can accelerate its offshore wind initiatives, driving economic development along with a clean and resilient energy future.

Left to right: Jenny Netherton (Southeastern Wind Coalition), Cameron Poole (Greater New Orleans, Inc), James Martin (Gulf Wind Technology), Katharine Kollins (Southeastern Wind Coalition), Joe Tirone (Jones Walker) visit the RelyOn Nutec training facility in Bremerhaven. 

The German Offshore Wind Landscape

Germany's offshore wind journey began in the early 2000s, and its first offshore wind farm, "Alpha Ventus," became operational in 2010. Since then, the country has made remarkable strides, establishing itself as a global frontrunner in offshore wind capacity. As of 2023, Germany has over 7,700 megawatts (MW) of installed offshore wind capacity, and ambitious plans are in place to reach 30,000 MW by 2030. This doesn't mean the country hasn't had to weather political changes and the uncertainty that brings, but a dedicated offshore wind industry has enjoyed durable support.

The visitors test out an escape capsule.

Key Lessons for the United States

1. Strong Policy Framework: One of the cornerstones of Germany's success is its robust policy framework. The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) provides long-term pricing stability through feed-in tariffs and auctions, creating an attractive investment environment. The U.S. can draw inspiration from this model by implementing supportive policies that encourage investment and reduce uncertainty for developers. It is important to note that while this policy framework was critical in the early years, the industry has had a chance to scale and now operates without price support or feed-in tariffs.  

2. Public and Private Collaboration: Germany's offshore wind sector thrives on collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions. Public-private partnerships have been crucial in driving innovation, reducing costs, and addressing regulatory challenges. The U.S. can foster similar collaborations, leveraging its diverse expertise and resources to streamline the development process.

3. Infrastructure Development: Germany has invested significantly in port facilities and supply chain infrastructure to support offshore wind projects. Adequate infrastructure is essential for transporting large turbines and components efficiently. The U.S. must prioritize investments in its ports and manufacturing capabilities to facilitate the growth of its offshore wind industry.

4. Community Engagement: Engaging local communities has been vital in Germany's offshore wind development. Through transparent communication and community benefits programs, Germany has built public support for wind projects. The U.S. should prioritize outreach efforts, addressing concerns and emphasizing the local economic benefits of offshore wind.

5. Environmental Considerations: Germany has demonstrated the importance of balancing environmental concerns with development goals. Like in the U.S., comprehensive environmental assessments and adaptive management strategies have been implemented to minimize impacts on marine ecosystems.

Jenny Netherton and Katharine Kollins at the Port of Hamburg.

The U.S. has a diverse coastline and regional differences in infrastructure, wind regimes, and community needs that must be considered. Even so, Germany's experience in offshore wind provides valuable insights for the U.S. as we seek to expand this critical energy resource. For SEWC, the trip was an inspiring experience that provided hands-on learning from Germany's successes and challenges. The more we learn from others, the easier it will be to create a sustainable offshore wind industry that not only meets its energy needs but also drives economic growth and protects the environment.