Offshore Wind Energy in the region – EMDEN (Germany)

In 2009 Germany’s first offshore wind farm “Alpha Ventus” with 12 wind Turbines (5 MW) has been installed 45 kilometres north of Borkum island. At the moment other wind farms like “BARD Offshore 1” (which in parts already generates electricity) and “Borkum West II” are under construction. h Approved (partly under construction) h operating h in the approval process Germany – North Sea: 25 windfarms with more than wind turbines are approved and nearly 50 offshore wind farms are in the approval process.

Emden: inhabitants -Most Western German North Sea Port; many wind farms currently being planned or under construction lie at close range -Many years´ experience in the wind energy sector → Components for onshore and offshore systems are produced, assembled and shipped in Emden. -The port is used as a base for several wind farms in the German bay for the pre- assembly, transportation and maintenance of the off-shore wind turbines. -Excellent hinterland connection (motorway, rail infrastructure, inland waterways, airport) Source:

Future challenges for Emden and the region: -The rapid growth of the Offshore Wind Energy industry offers a huge potential and a big chance for the German coastal regions but also involves great challenges. For the regions in Northwestern Germany and especially for the City of Emden these are for example: -Need to improve the port infrastructure - new port areas (e.g. for production facilities and storage areas) - heavy-duty quays - water deep enough for large vessels - consideration of ecological questions concerning the River Ems estuary ► timeline? financing? -Grid-connection of Offshore Wind Farms (many of the (planned) grid-connections cross the municipal area of Emden) ► possible conflicts with landowners