China Investing in German Offshore Wind Industry

The Chinese subsidiary Jade Werke will begin production of steel fundaments for offshore wind parks in Germany as early as 2013. The company is investing EUR 50 million in a production plant in Wilhelmshaven, with construction planned to begin this summer.

Germany Trade & Invest experts will share the latest news and business opportunities in Europe’s most extensive wind industry at this year’s EWEA on April 16-19 in Copenhagen.

 “Germany’s decision to abandon nuclear power is having profound effects on the wind energy industry. Growth rates in the onshore segment were strong last year, the policy framework has been improved, and the offshore market ready to take off,” said Anne Braeutigam, wind energy expert at Berlin-based Germany Trade & Invest.

Last year, Germany installed 2,007 megawatts of wind energy capacity, bringing its total capacity to 29 gigawatts. By both measures, Germany is number one in Europe. The 30 percent growth of new installations still comes primarily from the onshore segment, but offshore wind will account for a growing share in the coming years. This year alone, construction is expected to begin on six new offshore parks totaling 1,660 megawatts capacity along Germany’s North Sea and Baltic Sea coastlines.

“There are still technical hurdles, and the biggest challenge remains upgrading the energy grid. Given the current market conditions and new financing and R&D programs, it’s an excellent time for companies to invest in Germany to help resolve these remaining issues,” continued Braeutigam.

There is an ongoing influx of new players. Even Lego and Blackstone are invested in Germany’s wind industry.

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.

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Offshore WIND staff, April 13, 2012; Image: gtai