Germany’s Bundestag has agreed changes to the WindSeeG framework following an offshore wind auction for centrally pre-examined sites in 2025 that received no bids. On the recommendation of the Economic Affairs and Energy Committee, the government will set auction volumes for 2026 at 2,500–5,000MW to provide more flexibility after the empty tender and to allow time to adjust auction design before the next round in 2027.
The amendments are part of Germany’s implementation of the revised EU renewable energy directive. Public hearings highlighted a need for adjustments to auction rules, the designation of new acceleration areas, bidder flexibility and planning procedures. The committee’s changes give the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency expanded powers to determine the sequence of auctions and the expected capacity of each site.
New acceleration areas may be designated from 2026 through the spatial planning process, adding to those already set by law. The aim is to speed up site development and shorten permitting timelines.
Other amendments address environmental assessment procedures, planning responsibilities and measures intended to improve cost efficiency. The package also includes provisions to give bidders greater operational flexibility as sites extend further offshore and installation challenges increase.
The revised legislation was approved with the support of the CDU/CSU and SPD.
