Offshore Wind Energy in Bremerhaven A Case Description

Bremerhaven (Germany), once suffering from declining industries, rapid population loss and high unemployment, has seized on opportunities around renewable energy and maritime heritage and today, presents an outstanding offshore wind cluster. Based on a qualitative analysis of primary political documents, this working paper explores the political and economic strategies behind that progress. The findings suggest that Bremerhaven succeeded in setting up its offshore wind industry by consequently pursuing an encompassing action plan that provided for the profiling of scientific institutions, the transfer of technologies, the development of adequate industrial areas, the acquisition of businesses in manufacturing and services, skills qualification and training and an aligned marketing strategy. However, the expansion of offshore wind turbines that actually feed power into the grids is slow, and is further slowing down due to political uncertainties, forcing businesses to implement austerity measures.