German ministries of environment and economy helped set up a group, which will also include regulators and industry officials, to discuss and resolve the issues delaying the offshore wind expansion.
Economy Minister Philip Roesler said: “The expansion of offshore wind energy is the key component to our energy policy if we are to achieve our ambitious targets. For the expansion of renewable energy, we must consider that the available offshore potential is developed. This will succeed only if efficient and on-time connections for offshore wind farms can be ensured.”
In a discussion concerning particular economic conditions such as liability issues in case of failure of offshore grid connections and possible delays in the connection of offshore wind farms, Minister Roesler took the opportunity to support the industry in search for appropriate and balanced solutions.
Roesler added: “We are aware of the technological difficulties and it is important that all parties work together towards the reconstruction of the energy supply. I agree that we want to improve the investment conditions for the further network expansion. We are currently working on the reasonable system of liability.”
[mappress]
Offshore WIND staff, January 16, 2012; Image: it-gipfel