Germany’s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has initiated a second amendment procedure for the 2025 Offshore Site Development Plan (FEP), suggesting changes to offshore wind areas, auction schedules, and grid connection strategies in the North Sea.
The draft amendment, published on 19 June, outlines new planning options for offshore wind sites N-10.1 and N-10.2, which received no bids in the 2025 tender, and adjustments to auction timelines and commissioning dates for multiple areas. It also proposes changes to the boundaries of sites N-12.5 and N-12.6, along with modifications to the NOR-10-1 offshore grid connection route.
The proposed adjustments impact sites N-12.4 and N-12.5, whose auctions were suspended, as well as N-6.8 and N-12.6 and their grid connection systems.
BSH states the amendment procedure is confined to specified changes and follows a streamlined process under Germany’s Offshore Wind Energy Act (WindSeeG). A draft amendment and environmental screening document have been published, with a consultation open until 20 July.
BSH’s preliminary assessment indicates no additional Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is needed beyond what was conducted for the 2025 Site Development Plan.
The German Offshore Wind Energy Association (BWO) supports the move, noting the changes address industry calls to optimize offshore wind site design and enhance project economics.
According to the association, the amendments emphasize electricity yield through reduced capacity densities and revised site layouts to minimize wake effects.
“The fact that the BSH wants to align site planning more closely with actual electricity generation is an important signal,” stated BWO Managing Director Stefan Thimm.
BSH’s changes include three alternative configurations for sites N-10.1 and N-10.2 to boost commercial viability ahead of a planned re-tender in 2027.
The draft amendment envisions 4 GW of offshore wind capacity for auction in 2027, including 2.5 GW at N-10.1 and N-10.2, and 1.5 GW at N-13.1 and N-13.2.
However, the BWO noted the draft lacks a new auction date for sites N-12.4 and N-12.5, suspended in 2026. BSH stated that future auction timing for these areas will be determined later.
The industry association reiterated its call for reforms to Germany’s Offshore Wind Energy Act.
“Policymakers must further develop the Offshore Wind Energy Act constructively. This includes an indexed, two-sided CfD-only model and a legally regulated mechanism for voluntarily withdrawing and re-tendering economically unviable projects from 2023 to 2025,” said Stefan Thimm.
“This approach ensures a reliable project pipeline and planning certainty for investment.”
BSH is expected to finalize the amendment following the consultation process and coordination with the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) and other authorities.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz