Apply for approval for the construction of offshore wind farms

You can apply for permits for the construction of offshore wind farms at the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.

You need a permit before erecting offshore wind turbines. You apply for this at the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).

When you submit your application, the BSH will carry out an administrative procedure before granting approval. Among other things, it will check whether the impact of the project on the marine environment is acceptable. In addition, the construction and operation of the wind turbines must not have a negative impact on the safety of shipping and air traffic or the security of national and alliance defense. It is also checked whether your plans are compatible with other uses.

The BSH requires a large number of documents and drawings from you for the approval procedure. You submit these with your application for approval.

• Cover letter for the application
• Comprehensive list of all planning documents submitted
• explanatory report
• graphic representations, including site plans and wind farm layout
• List of structures and other coordinates
• Complete shape files
• Report on the likely environmental impact of the project (EIA report if applicable),
• Documents on shipping, aviation and military concerns
• Documents on the concerns of neighboring uses that are affected by the project
• Description of safety and precautionary measures during the construction and operational phases
• Timetable and action plan until decommissioning
• Proof of the award of the contract by the Federal Network Agency or confirmation of the transfer of the award
• Basic design documents
• Preliminary geological report, if applicable
• Information on compliance with the information from the bid as part of the tendering process and confirmation of compliance with the other information in accordance with Sections 51 and 53 of the Act on the Development and Promotion of Offshore Wind Energy (WindSeeG)

You may have to submit further documents in individual cases. The BSH will agree the type and scope with you during the application process.

You have an approval from the Federal Network Agency for the area to which your planning relates.

• Appeal to the Higher Administrative Court against the decision
• Appeal against the assessment of costs: You will find information on how to lodge an appeal in the fee notice

Permits for offshore wind turbines must be applied for via the application and participation portal.

• Go to the application and participation portal for transport and offshore projects.
• Call up the online application. This will guide you step by step through the necessary information.
• Upload the required documents and submit the application.
• Alternatively, you can print out the application and send it together with the required documents by post or fax to Division O 3 of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).
• The BSH will check your documents and contact you if further documents need to be submitted.
• The BSH will send you
  • a notice of approval of your project or
  • a notice of rejection.
• The BSH will send you a fee notice.
• You pay the fee.

Fee for the planning approval decision or planning permission for the construction and operation of offshore wind turbines:

• The fee is due at the time of the decision on the application for approval of the project.
• The amount of the fee is between 164,060 and 5,541,943 euros and is based on the Special Electricity Fee Ordinance (StromBGebV).

Fee for the rejection of an application for a planning approval decision or planning permission for the construction and operation of offshore wind turbines:

• The fee is incurred at the time of the decision on the application.
• The amount of the fee is based on Section 10(1)(1) and (2) of the Federal Fees Act. This means that the maximum amount of the fee for the rejection of the application corresponds to the amount of the fee for the application for planning approval or planning permission for the construction and operation of offshore wind turbines provided for in the Special Electricity Fees Ordinance (StromBGebV).

Fee for a planning approval decision or planning permission for the significant modification of offshore wind turbines:

• The fee is 36,593 to 94,459 euros and is based on the Special Electricity Fee Ordinance (StromBGebV).

Fee for the revocation of a planning approval decision or planning permission:

• The fee is EUR 11,713 to 16,844 and is based on the Special Electricity Fees Ordinance (StromBGebV).

The type of procedure carried out can be changed by the authorities during the ongoing process from planning approval to planning approval procedure and vice versa.