German offshore wind industry demands ports expansion - report

Jul 29, 2013 - Germany's offshore wind power industry is calling for an expansion of some of the country's northern ports.

Investments of around EUR 1 billion (USD 1.3bn) are needed for the expansion of some ports on the North Sea and Baltic Sea, news agency DPA reported, citing a statement of Andreas Wellbrock, board member of the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS).

There is a need for three additional wind power terminals on the North Sea and another one on the Baltic Sea.

The ports in Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven and Sassnitz have already poured a total of around EUR 150 million in upgrading their infrastructures.

A study, carried out by the Offshore-Windenergie foundation, came to the conclusion that even if offshore wind energy is being expanded at a slow pace, current port capacities are too low.

Germany has set a target to reach at least 20 GW of wind power installed capacity by 2030. There are currently only 2.3 GW.

(EUR 1.0 = USD 1.328)

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