Germany Creates Zones for Construction of Offshore Wind Farms

Germany has endorsed zoning changes that promote construction of offshore wind farms in the North Sea, opening up the potential for 25,000 megawatts of new energy capacity by 2030. As it looks to offshore wind as a major part of its goal of meeting 30 percent of its energy needs with renewable sources by 2020, Germany is designating offshore zones where wind farms can be built without threatening the environment or shipping. The contribution of wind energy alone could double from six percent to 12 percent by 2020, German officials say. The Nature and Biodiversity and Conservation Union, one of Germany’s major environmental groups, said more than 20 offshore wind projects are already under review in Germany. “This initiative comes at the right time as the big energy utilities prefer to bank on a lengthening of old nuclear plants rather than building new wind parks in the sea,” the organization said in a statement.