HOW2025: Offshore Wind Under the Reality Check – A Call for Execution Power and Systemic Thinking
At this year’s HOW Conference – Germany’s leading platform for the offshore wind sector – the message was clear: It’s time to move from symbolic targets to real-world implementation. As cruh21, we were proud to join this critical forum and take away important impulses that directly inform our work at the crossroads of offshore wind, hydrogen, and sector integration.
From Targets to Systems: It’s Time for Action, Not Aspirations
The conference tone was refreshingly honest: symbolic goals are no longer enough. What matters now is market design, implementation capability, and resilient strategies — an approach that perfectly aligns with cruh21’s mindset. We start from the vision, but design our projects around feasibility and reality. Especially relevant: Contract-for-Difference (CfD) auctions were discussed as a potential path to 100 GW of offshore wind in 10 years and up to 30% LCOE reduction by 2040 — but only if policy frameworks provide real stability.
Germany and Europe: Between Ambition and Uncertainty
Hamburg reaffirmed its role as Germany’s offshore wind capital — a strong signal for our regional projects, such as the Hydrogen Master Plan for Cuxhaven or the TransHyDE flagship coordination. At the same time, the broader investment landscape is increasingly challenging, with high interest rates and volatile auction designs. Europe urgently needs reliable policy and industrial planning to unlock delivery capacity and protect critical supply chains.
Voices from the Industry: Clarity over Slogans
From RWE to Steelwind to BREB, the message from the industry was consistent: success now depends on short-term feasibility, long-term location strategies, and system resilience. These insights match our project reality. At cruh21, we support projects end-to-end — from feasibility and regulatory guidance to engineering, permitting, and project execution — all from one source.
Offshore Wind Must Work – Or Europe’s Climate Goals Will Fail
The conference confirmed what drives us: offshore wind is more than electricity. It is the backbone of green hydrogen and integrated energy systems. From AquaVentus and H2Mare to offshore auction advisory, our work proves the future lies in sector coupling. And we are ready to build it.
Bottom Line: Reality Is Not a Barrier – It’s a Starting Point
HOW2025 wasn’t about slogans. It was about dialogue, realism, and collective responsibility. For us at cruh21, the message is clear: energy transformation requires courage, clarity, and competence. With systemic expertise, deep project insight, and the strength of Drees & Sommer, we are committed to turning vision into viable solutions.
