Grid operators say Berlin should cut offshore expansion target - report

Oct 10, 2013 - Grid operators want the German government to bring its offshore power expansion targets to a more "realistic" level, Reuters news agency reported.

Tennet and 50Hertz, which have been drawing criticism for the slow pace at which they connect offshore installations to the mainland grid, have called on the government to cut its 2023 expansion targets to 8.5 GW from currently 14 GW, according to a three point plan obtained by the news agency.

The operators also demand an extension of the duration of the subsidy scheme for offshore wind parks until 2023 from currently 2017.

In addition, the grid operators insist on being obligated to finalise offshore projects only if at least 70% of the capacity of the existing cables to the mainland grid is utilised. This would prevent them from investing in infrastructure that will be underused in the future.

50Hertz is owned by Belgian Elia (EBR:ELI) and Australian fund IFM. Tennet is a former subsidiary of Germany's E.on (ETR:EOAN).

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