§5.3 Example: Spatial plan for offshore wind farms and grid connections in the German North Sea EEZ
Spatial Offshore Grid Plan for the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the North Sea The Offshore Grid Plan defines the offshore wind farms which are suitable for collective grid connections. Along with the stipulation of the necessary cable routes and sites for the offshore wind farms’ grid connections, the Offshore Grid Plan contains the cable routes for interconnectors and descriptions of possible cross connections. Priority areas have been designated for shipping, pipelines, and offshore wind energy production in German EEZ; other uses are prohibited in these areas unless they are compatible. In Natura 2000 sites wind turbines are not allowed. At the transition to the territorial sea and to the crossing of the traffic separation schemes submarine cables for the transport of power generated in the EEZ must be routed along designated cable corridors. With the establishment of the plan a SEA has been carried out. To minimise possible negative impacts on the marine environment when laying pipelines and cables, the plan states that sensitive habitats should not be crossed during periods of high vulnerability of particular species. Damage to or destruction of sandbanks, reefs and areas of benthic communities of conservation concern, which constitute particularly sensitive habitats are to be avoided during the laying and operation of pipelines and cables, and best environmental practices according to the OSPAR Convention are to be followed. The plan has also sought to overlap designation for pipeline and wind farm priority areas. Planning principles such as maximum bundling of cables and avoiding routes through Natura 2000 sites are aimed at reducing the area needed for grid infrastructure and lowering potential impacts on the marine environment. The plan, which was subject to a SEA set out the capacity and expected timing of offshore grid connections to be built over the next 10 years. https://www.bsh.de/EN/TOPICS/Offshore/Maritime_spatial_planning/maritime_spatial_planning_node.html
Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-07