Germany’s Federal Network Agency has launched another tender for offshore wind turbines. It comprises 1800MW on four centrally pre-examined areas in the North Sea.
Two of the sites with a total generation capacity of 900MW are in the so-called area N-3, approximately 35km north of Norderney. Two other areas with a planned generation capacity of 900MW are in N-6, 90km north-west of Borkum.
“The tenders are another important building block for the expansion of offshore wind energy,” said President of the Federal Network Agency Klaus Müller.
“The areas have already been pre-examined and can therefore supply electricity as early as 2028.”
The award will be based on a statutory points system. Up to 60 points are awarded for the bid value, which reflects the bidder’s willingness to pay.
In addition, qualitative criteria will also be used, which are to be tested for the first time in the offshore wind sector.
These will be the proportion of electricity from renewable energy sources in the manufacture of wind turbines, the proportion of trainees, the use of environmentally friendly foundation methods and the scope of long-term electricity supplies to third parties. A total of up to 35 points will be awarded for the qualitative criteria. 90% of the payments made by the successful bidder go towards reducing electricity costs, with 5% each towards marine conservation and the promotion of environmentally friendly fishing.
Bids will close on 1 August, 2023.
In addition to the bidding areas announced, the Federal Network Agency also tendered 7GW on sites that had not been centrally pre-examined on January 31.