German cabinet approves offshore wind law amendment

Offshore wind developers and operators in the North Sea and Baltic Sea are affected: the amendment to the Offshore Wind Energy Act provides for annual tenders of between 2,000 and 4,800 MW, two-sided contracts for difference to hedge against low power prices, and a standard operating life of 35 instead of 25 years. Industry associations (BWO, BEE) criticise that the CfD only applies in a second stage, with operators initially bearing the full marketing risk.

Cabinet decision of 2 September 2026, alongside the grid-fee subsidy bill; the consultation on the ministry draft had run since 11 August 2026. The 70 GW offshore wind target for 2045 stands; the parliamentary procedure is still pending.