With high ambitions for offshore wind development in coming years, German authorities have just opened its latest auction round for new projects, inviting developers to bid for three new areas. On offer is:

• N-9.1: 2000 MW, COD expected 2030/2031
• N-9.2: 2000 MW, COD expected 2031/2032
• N-9.3: 1500 MW, COD expected 2029/2030

Germany has in recent years adopted an ambitious plan for the development of offshore wind, with plans to have 30 GW of operational capacity within 2030, the second highest in Europe. The three projects are expected to be operational between 2029 and 2032, leaving developers a short timeline to plan and develop the projects. The three sites will be awarded based on qualitative award criteria.

This is the second offshore wind round launched by Germany this year, after a smaller round, offering 2500 MW was stated at the end of January. Combined, the two rounds will offer 8000 MW, a capacity equal to the total offshore wind capacity today installed in Germany.

The round will be open until August 1, with results expected shortly after.

Image Credit (Kaskasi): RWE