Apply for authorization to construct offshore wind farms

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

Before constructing offshore wind turbines, you need a permit. You apply for this at the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).

With your application, the BSH conducts an administrative procedure prior to a potential approval. In this procedure, it is examined, among other things, whether the impacts of the project on the marine environment are acceptable. Furthermore, the construction and operation of the wind turbines must not have a negative impact on the safety of maritime and air navigation as well as the security of national and alliance defense. It is also examined whether your plans are compatible with other uses.

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

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.
• Open the online application. It 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 by post or fax, along with the required documents, to Unit O 3 of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).
• The BSH will review your documents and contact you if any further documents need to be submitted.
• The BSH is sending you
  • a notice of approval for your project or
  • a rejection notice.
• The BSH is sending you a fee notice.
• You pay the fee.

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

• The fee is due at the time the decision on the application for approval of the project is made.
• The fee ranges from 164,060 to 5,541,943 euros and is determined in accordance with the Special Fee Regulation for Electricity (StromBGebV).

Fee for the rejection of the application for a plan approval decision or plan permission for the construction and operation of offshore wind energy plants:

• The fee is due at the time the decision on the application is made.
• The amount of the fee is determined in accordance with Section 10(1)(1) and (2) of the Federal Fees Act. This means that the fee for rejecting the application is capped at the amount specified in the Special Fee Regulation for Electricity (StromBGebV) for an application for plan approval or plan authorization for the construction and operation of offshore wind turbines.

Fee for an administrative plan approval decision or plan approval for the substantial modification of offshore wind energy installations:

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

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

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

• Lawsuit before the Higher Administrative Court against the decision
• Objection to the cost assessment: Information on how to file an objection can be found in the fee notice.