OMNI Features｜European Commission Greenlights Sumitomo's Stake in EEW Offshore Wind EU．Renewables Hit 60% in German Power Mix．BOEM Calls for Input for Offshore Wind Energy Leasing in Guam

｜European Commission Greenlights Sumitomo's Stake in EEW Offshore Wind EU
The European Commission has approved the acquisition of joint control of EEW Offshore Wind EU by EEW Holding and Sumitomo Corporation, focusing on manufacturing large steel tubes for offshore wind farms. EEW Holding retains a 55% stake, while Sumitomo acquires 45%.

EEW Offshore Wind Holding combines its monopile manufacturing and mechanical engineering activities, with key operations at its Rostock site. The company plays a vital role in global offshore wind projects, including the 2.6 GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project in the United States.

｜Renewables Hit 60% in German Power Mix
In 2024, 59% of Germany's electricity generation came from renewable energy sources, marking a 3% increase compared to the previous year. Offshore wind contributed 25.7 TWh, up from 23.5 TWh in 2023, while onshore wind produced 111.9 TWh. Photovoltaic systems saw the largest growth, generating 63.3 TWh due to increased capacity and favorable summer conditions.

Conventional energy sources declined significantly, totaling 176.8TWh, a 10.9% drop from 2023. Despite a slight reduction in total electricity generation, renewables, led by wind and solar, remained the dominant contributors to Germany's energy mix.

｜BOEM Calls for Input for Offshore Wind Energy Leasing in Guam
US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) continues its offshore wind energy initiatives as the Biden administration concludes. On January 6, BOEM will release a Call for Information and Nominations for wind energy leasing off Guam, launching a 90-day comment period. This aligns with the Biden-Harris goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 15 GW of floating wind by 2035. Guam's renewable energy task force, established at Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero's request, has advanced public engagement and environmental studies since its September 2024 meeting.

The call evaluates potential use conflicts across a 2.1-million-acre area starting three nautical miles from Guam's shore, spanning depths of 350 to 2200 meters. Wind companies can nominate areas for leasing, and BOEM will identify Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) based on commercial interest and minimal environmental impact. Further environmental reviews and stakeholder consultations will guide future lease sales.

Reference: Offshorewind.biz｜renews.biz｜The Maritime Executive