QAZAQ GREEN. Germany's offshore wind capacity exceeded 10.8 GW in the first half of 2026 after 84 new turbines with a combined capacity of 1,077 MW were connected to the grid, according to the German Offshore Wind Energy Association (BWO).

As of June 30, 1,764 offshore wind turbines were operating in the North and Baltic Seas. Another 22 turbines with a total capacity of 323 MW are currently under construction at the Borkum Riffgrund 3, He Dreiht, and North Sea Cluster A offshore wind farms.

Final investment decisions have already been made for projects totaling 2.6 GW, while an additional 17.5 GW has been awarded but is still awaiting investment approval. Germany remains on track to reach 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2032.

Despite the strong expansion, industry organizations warn that the current regulatory framework no longer reflects market realities. They argue that the absence of bids in the August 2025 auction highlighted the urgent need to amend the Offshore Wind Energy Act (WindSeeG).

The industry is calling for the introduction of two-sided, indexed Contracts for Difference (CfDs) to replace the current negative-bidding system. According to industry representatives, CfDs would reduce financing risks, improve project bankability, and help deliver competitive electricity prices for both industry and consumers.

The associations also advocate creating an effective hedging mechanism for long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), making them more attractive to banks and financially viable for small and medium-sized industrial companies.

Maintaining a stable project pipeline is another key priority. The industry argues that if previously awarded projects become unviable due to changing market conditions, the government should establish a legal buyback mechanism allowing those sites and grid connections to be reauctioned quickly. Such a system would help maintain supply chains, encourage new investment, and ensure continuous offshore wind deployment.

According to a study by wind:research, offshore wind already supports around 49,000 jobs in Germany. Industry groups stress that continued growth will require predictable regulation, fair competition, stronger protection of European manufacturers, and enhanced security for critical energy infrastructure and supply chains.