Offshore wind sector warns of massive job losses without stronger funding support
The offshore wind industry in Germany says insufficient subsidies could eliminate thousands of jobs and cut future revenue dramatically.
Germany’s offshore wind industry, represented by the Bundesverband Windenergie Offshore (BWO), fears a sharp decline in employment if the upcoming WindSeeG amendment does not secure more funding. Currently about 49,000 people work in the sector, but the BWO’s commissioned study predicts a severe reduction in jobs and a drop in projected revenue from €57 billion to €4 billion by 2045 without adequate support. The report calls for the introduction of bilateral contracts for difference that would guarantee fixed payments for generated electricity, with excess market earnings returned to the state.
It also seeks a robust indexation of tariffs to cover cost increases between tender award and investment decisions. BWO further asks that unused offshore sites from the 2023-2025 auctions be returned to the Bundesnetzagentur for re-tendering under more sustainable conditions.
Why it matters
The outcome will shape thousands of jobs and billions of euros in future German economic activity.
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