The German government has published a draft Bill that sets 2030 and 2040 offshore wind targets of 20GW and 40GW, respectively.
The amendments to the Offshore Wind Act (WindSeeG) covering the North and Baltic Seas were circulated to industry this week.
The 2030 goal contains a flexible element, which means capacity may exceed the 20GW, according to industry group WAB.
Industry has been calling for the publication of legislation since the German government last year committed to increasing the target for this decade from 15GW.
WAB and fellow trade group BWO welcomed publication but said the legislation outlines a tendering design that could slow down the expansion of offshore wind.
Both have advocated Contracts for Difference-style auctions.
“We welcome the fact that the Federal Ministry of Economics has recognised the importance of long-term planning for the offshore wind industry,” said WAB managing director Heike Winkler.
“The 40GW target for 2040 contained in the draft bill would bring back investment security and give the domestic wind industry a fresh start with its experience background.”
BWO managing director Stefan Thimm also welcomed the draft laws.
However, he warned that “hurdles are created in other important points, which make reaching the expansion goals considerably more difficult and artificially more expensive”.