German transport min enforces security rules for offshore wind energy

Jun 10, 2014 - Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) said on Friday it has launched a security framework for the development of offshore wind energy in order to ensure the safe construction and operation of wind farms.

The framework is aimed at balancing the use of offshore wind energy with the safety and efficiency of shipping and air transport, protection of the environment, fishery, minerals extraction and national defense, in order to minimise potential risks.

BMVI has implemented all existing safety concepts from the area of ​​transport for the construction and operation of offshore wind farms. The rules will apply only to Germany's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the German North Sea and Baltic Sea.

According to the ministry, offshore wind energy is of key significance for Germany's goal to increase the share of renewable energy in power production to 80% by 2050. Currently, some 116 wind turbines with a total capacity of 520 MW are operational in the EEZ and another nine wind farms totalling 2.4 GW are under construction, BMVI added.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!