Offshore Wind Energy in Germany Compared to Other European Areas — Challenges and Recent Developments

Abstract

Utilization of offshore wind energy in Europe is well in progress. A total capacity of about 1000 MW has already been installed. Eight wind farms with about 1300 MW are under construction and many more are planned. The existing wind farms are located relatively close to the shore in moderate water depths of up to 20 m. In contrast to this the site conditions in the planned wind farms in the German North and Baltic Sea are more demanding as these wind farms have to be built far off the shore. The present paper shows the current status of offshore wind energy in Europe and recent developments in Germany. Site conditions at various wind farm locations in the German North and Baltic Sea are illustrated and compared with the conditions in existing wind farms. Resulting consequences for foundation design and installation are discussed.