European offshore wind turbine operators struggle to keep up with dynamic permitting processes
Wind Energy Update researchers are currently surveying European operators, interviewing over 30 offshore professionals and analysing national energy targets, regulations, permitting processes and markets.
The research will result in a practical guide for companies seeking to install offshore wind turbines in Europe.
Preliminary findings suggest drastically different approaches across European states, despite Government intentions to work collectively.
Take Germany, for example. Opportunities abound with the German government planning to install 10,000 MW by 2020 and 20,000-25,000 MW by 2025/30.
However, any company that has considered the German market will know that permitting processes in Germany are unique, and currently vary from state to state.
The coastal states are responsible for licensing projects within 12 nautical miles from the shore, while the federal government – through the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency in Hamburg (Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie - BSH) -- licences projects in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) beyond.
Given environmental restrictions off the coast in Germany, the majority of German wind parks - both now and in the future – will be constructed in the EEZ, making the BSH the main agency for permitting. But German states still have an input in the consenting process for the permitting of transmission cables.
Despite streamlining, delays can still occur, according to Alexander Sewohl, spokesperson for the German Wind Energy Association, “Because of a lack of manpower at the agency the permitting process sometimes takes too long”.
The European Offshore Wind Standards, Permitting and Markets report will be published in September. There is still time for wind energy professionals to contribute by voicing their opinions about the future of offshore wind energy standards and permitting processes.
Interested wind professionals can contact Emma Clarke, Lead Researcher at emma@windenergyupdate.com or respond to a very short, anonymous survey here.
Survey respondents will receive free exclusive findings from the report.
Contact:
Pamela Muckosy
Head of Research
Wind Energy Update
pam@windenergyupdate.com
+44(0) 207 375 7554
www.windenergyupdate.com/standards