Germany’s Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) has launched a tender for three centrally pre-investigated areas in the North Sea with a combined offshore wind capacity of 5.5 GW.
The three sites, with a combined 5,500 MW of projected generating capacity, are situated about 110 kilometres northwest of Borkum Island, bordering the Netherlands’ exclusive economic zone.
Bids must be submitted by 1 August 2024. The successful bidders will receive the right to apply for planning approval from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) to build an offshore wind farm on the site. In addition, they will be entitled to have the planned wind farm connected to the electricity grid to transport the power generated offshore.
BSH has conducted a preliminary investigation of the sites N-9.1, N-9.2, and N-9.3 on behalf of the BNetzA, covering key information such as the marine environment, the building ground, and the wind and oceanographic conditions.
This information will be provided to all interested parties in the course of the auction, said BNetzA. Successful bidders no longer have to carry out these investigations themselves, unlike in the case of areas that have not been centrally pre-examined, according to the Agency.
The award will be based on a legally prescribed points system, as was done for the first time last year. Up to 60 points will be awarded for the bid value, which reflects the bidder’s willingness to pay.
In addition, the so-called qualitative criteria will be applied, said BNetzA.
The Agency also added that it will evaluate the proportion of electricity used from renewable energy sources in the production of wind turbines, the proportion of trainees, the use of particularly environmentally friendly foundation methods, and the extent of long-term electricity supplies to third parties.
A total of up to 35 points will be awarded for the qualitative criteria, with 90 per cent of the successful bidder’s payments going towards reducing electricity costs.
The last auctions of centrally pre-investigated sites in 2023 were for a combined 1,800 MW and resulted in total proceeds of EUR 784 million.
As well as the auctions announced today on 28 February, the Federal Network Agency also launched a tender for 2.5 GW of offshore wind capacity in January on areas that have not been centrally pre-examined. The bids must be submitted by 1 June 2024.
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