High Winds Boost Germany’s Offshore Wind Production

Offshore wind in Germany produced 12 billion kWh in the first half of 2019, which is a 30% increase compared to 9.2 billion kWh in the first half of 2018, according to preliminary calculations.

The research is being conducted by the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW).

In the first half of the year, renewable sources provided 44% of the electricity supply in Germany, which is 5% more than in the first six months of 2018.

The numbers are said to be due to good weather conditions as March had record wind conditions and other months also saw above-average winds.

Although the statistics sound good, Germany requires more development of renewable energy to achieve the 2030 climate and energy framework, and in order to do this, policies need to be adapted, Frithjof Staiß, ZSW Managing Director, said.

Last year, several German offshore wind organizations issued a joint press release urging the government to improve its offshore wind energy game if it wants to achieve the goal of covering 65% of power generation with renewables by 2030, emphasizing that at least 30GW of offshore wind capacity must be installed.