Heike Winkler, the digital ambassador for the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), has ignited a crucial debate on the future of offshore wind energy, urging a harmonious blend of fair tendering, sustainability, and industrial resilience to drive competitiveness and a just energy transition. As Europe transitions from fossil fuels to renewable resources, the offshore wind industry stands as a beacon of innovation and growth, ready to power this green shift.
The EUSEW 2025 motto, ‘Powering a fair and competitive green transition,’ resonates deeply with the European offshore wind industry. This sentiment was echoed at the recent WindEurope Annual Event 2025 in Copenhagen, where the industry proposed an Offshore Wind Deal to European governments. This deal aims to achieve Europe’s ambitious expansion targets, underscoring the need for close cooperation between business and politics to navigate the ongoing energy transformation.
The offshore wind industry has demonstrated remarkable growth, innovation, and resilience over the past two decades. The levelised cost of energy (LCOE) for offshore wind has plummeted, outpacing reductions seen in the fossil fuel industry. However, this cost pressure has taken a toll on the sector, highlighting the need for a level playing field and stable supply chain expansion. Projects like Nordlicht 1 and 2 in the German North Sea exemplify the industry’s commitment to decarbonisation, with significant reductions in CO2 steel emissions expected.
Yet, the industry has faced challenges, such as the ‘thread break’ in Germany starting in 2016, which led to job losses and a loss of experience. Current geopolitical uncertainties further underscore the need for sector resilience. A level playing field and robust expansion path could have accelerated the wind industry’s growth, ensuring Europe’s energy sovereignty and industrial competitiveness.
The Net Zero Industry Act and qualitative criteria in tendering processes are pivotal in this regard. The Draghi Report on EU competitiveness and the Clean Industrial Deal emphasise the need for re-industrialisation and the transformation of energy-intensive companies. Better procurement practices, such as applying the carbon footprint tender criterion in more than 50% of renewable energy tenders, can advance European interests in the wind sector. This approach enhances the market readiness of European renewable energy industries and boosts Europe’s competitiveness.
The EU’s consultation process to strengthen net-zero industries, including auctions for renewable energies and implementing laws on non-price criteria, is eagerly awaited. A sustainable, resilient domestic offshore wind supply chain is non-negotiable for a sustainable energy transition that creates added value for European industry. The carbon footprint criterion in offshore wind tenders is crucial for delivering climate protection, energy sovereignty, and industrial growth simultaneously.
This shift will not be easy. The industry must grapple with the complexities of fair tendering, sustainability, and industrial resilience. However, the potential rewards are immense. A cost-efficient sustainable energy system in Europe is unthinkable without offshore wind energy. This sector is poised to drive the green transition, powering a fair and competitive future for Europe.
The debate sparked by Winkler is not just about the future of offshore wind; it’s about the future of Europe’s energy landscape. It’s a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to work together, to innovate, and to build a resilient, sustainable, and competitive offshore wind industry. The time to act is now, and the stakes are high. The future of Europe’s energy transition hangs in the balance, and the offshore wind industry is ready to lead the charge.