Use some of Germany’s ‘special fund’ to invest in offshore wind ports, BWO tells Bundestag

The new German government, expected to be led by Friedrich Merz as the country’s next chancellor, is planning to raise hundreds of billions of Euros to fund spending on defence and infrastructure. Mr Merz leads the conservative CDU party and has agreed an outline deal with the SPD party to govern the country.

The BWO is appealing to the members of the German Bundestag to use some of the €500Bn (US$543Bn) in a targeted manner to fund urgently needed port expansion in Germany.

The incoming government expected to be led by Mr Merz is planning investment in energy infrastructure and transport, both of which are essential elements for the expansion of offshore wind energy.

BWO managing director Stefan Thim said, “Ports play a central role in the energy transition and security policy. They can be used for the expansion of offshore wind as well as for military purposes, but such facilities are too scarce in Germany. 

“An expansion of port capacity would improve the conditions for the German offshore wind industry and at the same time contribute to strengthening security policy.”

The BWO said the Port of Esbjerg in Denmark can serve as a model for the kind of expansion it would like to see at German ports. At Esbjerg, offshore wind and military capacity is being expanded using targeted investment, and the European Investment Bank recently provided €115M to optimise dual use infrastructure at the port.

“A similar strategic approach is also necessary for Germany,” said Mr Thimm. “I welcome the fact that the CDU/CSU and SPD have agreed to use the potential of renewables, but targets already set by law for the expansion of offshore wind require more efficient port infrastructure, that will enable the transport and installation of new turbines. 

“At the same time, military actors also benefit from more robust port facilities. The port expansion thus fits perfectly into the investment priorities sought by the parliamentarians to strengthen the strategic resilience of Germany and Europe.”

The BWO said apart from the money coming in the special fund, funds from the proceeds of offshore wind auctions could also be used to drive port development. 

“Without a clear strategy to provide sufficient funds, the future federal government would jeopardise the timely expansion of offshore wind energy and miss an opportunity for jobs and value creation along the German coast.”