Draft Site Development Plan 2020
for the German North Sea and Baltic Sea
Hamburg, 4 September 2020
2 Introduction
Content
1 Introduction 4
The central model 4
Legal basis of the land-based network development plan 5
Purpose and objectives of the site development plan 5
Object of the site development plan 5
2 Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 7
Site development plan 8
2.1.1 Competence 8
2.1.2 Initial installation 8
2.1.3 Updating/modification 8
2.1.4 Voting requirements 9
2.1.5 Requirement for agreement 9
Investigation of sites 9
Call for tenders 10
Plan approval of offshore wind energy installations connected to
the grid 11
Interfaces with other instruments of network planning 12
2.5.1 Scenario framework 12
2.5.2 Network development plan 12
2.5.3 Federal requirements plan 13
2.5.4 Ten-Year Network Development Plan 13
2.5.5 Further interfaces with network planning instruments 13
Existing spatial planning and planning 14
2.6.1 Exclusive Economic Zone 14
2.6.2 Lower Saxony 16
2.6.3 Schleswig-Holstein 16
2.6.4 Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania 16
3 Starting Position 16
Current status of expansion 16
Statutory expansion path for offshore wind energy 19
Introduction 3
4 Guidelines and basic principles 19
Introduction 19
Connection concepts 20
4.2.1 Standard concept North Sea: Direct current system 20
4.2.2 Standard concept Baltic Sea: three-phase system 20
Standard technical principles 20
4.3.1 Direct current system North Sea 20
4.3.2 Three-phase system Baltic Sea 21
4.3.3 Cross-border submarine cable systems 21
Planning Principles 21
4.4.1 General principles 21
4.4.2 Sites and wind turbines at sea 23
4.4.3 Platforms 24
4.4.4 Submarine cable systems 25
Possibilities deviations 26
4.5.1 Standardised technology principles 26
4.5.2 Planning principles 26
Planning horizon 26
Determination of the expected generation capacity 26
4.7.1 Aim of the generation capacity determination 26
4.7.2 Methodology of generation capacity determination 26
4.7.3 Power density in zone 3 27
Criteria for determining the site and the chronological order of
their tendering 29
4.8.1 Methodology of applying the criteria 29
4.8.2 Description of the criteria to be applied 29
5 Rules 30
Areas for the installation and operation of offshore wind turbines 30
5.1.1 Definition of areas and sectoral planning framework 32
5.1.2 The areas in detail 33
Sites for the construction and operation of offshore wind turbines 37
5.2.1 Determination of sites 37
4 Introduction
5.2.3 Relevant criteria for deciding against the establishment of an site 41
Expected generation capacity 41
5.3.1 Plausibility check of the expected generation capacity 41
Specifications for the territorial sea 42
5.4.1 Need for an administrative agreement 42
5.4.2 Areas for the installation and operation of offshore wind energy turbines
42
5.4.3 Sites for the installation and operation of offshore wind energy turbines
42
5.4.4 Specifications on the test site 42
Chronological sequence of tenders for the sites 43
5.5.1 Chronological sequence of tenders for the sites 43
5.5.2 Representation of the review of the time sequence based on references
to offshore connecting cables, grid connection points and the network43
Calendar year of commissioning for offshore wind turbines and
connecting lines 44
Locations of converter platforms, collection platforms and
substations 44
Routes or route corridors for offshore connecting lines 44
Gates to coastal waters 45
5.9.1 Current status 45
5.9.2 Definition of border corridors to the territorial sea 45
Routes and route corridors for cross-border power lines 46
5.10.1 Current status 46
5.10.2 Definition of routes and corridors for cross-border electricity lines 46
Routes and route corridors for connections between installations 51
6 Rules for pilot offshore wind turbines 51
Available grid connection capacities 51
Spatial requirements 51
Technical conditions and requirements for grid connection 51
7 Areas for other forms of energy generation 52
Call for tenders for other forms of energy generation 52
Planning approval of other forms of energy generation plants 52
Introduction 5
Definition of areas for other forms of energy generation 52
8 Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns 55
Legal grounds for exclusion 55
8.1.1 Compliance with spatial planning requirements 55
8.1.2 No hrisk to the marine environment 56
8.1.3 No negative impact on safety or ease of traffic 56
8.1.4 No impairment of the security of national and Alliance defence 57
8.1.5 No location in a legally designated protected area 57
8.1.6 No location outside the areas and sites designated in BFO clusters or
by coastal states 57
Other public and private interests 58
Admissibility of the specification of areas 60
Admissibility of specification of the sites 61
Admissibility of further designations 62
9 Summary consideration 63
10 Summary environmental declaration and monitoring
measures 63
11 Bibliography 64
12 Annex: Maps (information purposes) 68
13 Annex: Informational illustration of a long-term development
path (scenario framework 2021-2035) 74
6 Introduction
List of figures
Figure 8: Areas in the German North Sea EEZ ............................................................................. 31
Figure 9: Areas in the German Baltic Sea EEZ ............................................................................. 31
Figure 10: Areas and sites in the German North Sea EEZ ............................................................ 39
Figure 11: Sites in areas N-3, N-6, N-7, N-9 and N-10 in the German North Sea EEZ .................. 39
Figure 12: Areas and sites in the German Baltic Sea EEZ ............................................................ 40
Introduction 7
List of tables
Table 4: Overview of areas for offshore wind energy .................................................................... 30
Table 5: Summary overview of the areas in the FEP 2019 ............................................................ 37
Table 6: Overview of areas and sites for offshore wind energy ..................................................... 37
Table 7: Overview of the relevant criteria for the decision against a zoning................................... 41
Table 8: Overview of the power expected to be installed on the sites for offshore wind turbines ... 41
Table 10: Overview of the chronological order of sites to be tendered using criteria 1 to 8............ 43
Table 11: Overview of calendar years of commissioning for offshore connecting lines, taking into
account the notes listed in Chapter 5.5 ......................................................................................... 44
Table 12: Overview of train paths defined in the FEP for connections between installations ......... 51
BKG
EEA
2 Introduction
List of abbreviations
AC alternating current
BfN Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
BFO Federal Offshore Grid Plan
BFO-N Federal Offshore Grid Plan North See
BFO-O Federal Offshore Grid Plan Baltic Sea
BGBl Federal Law Gazette
BKG Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy
BMIE Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Building and Community
BMVBS Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs
BNatSchG Act on nature conservation and landscape management (Federal Nature
Conservation Act)
BNetzA Federal Network Agency für Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway
BSH Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
DC direct current
EEA European Environmental Agency
EEG Act for the expansion of renewable energies (Renewable Energy Sources Act)
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EnWG Act on the supply of electricity and gas (Energy Industry Act)
FEP Site Development Plan
GDWS General Directorate for Waterways and Shipping
GW gigawatt
kV kilovolt
MW megawatt
NEP Network Development Plan
nm nautical mile
NVP grid connection point
O-NEP Offshore Network Development Plan
OWP offshore wind farm
PlanSiG Act to ensure proper planning and approval procedures during the COVID 19
pandemic
ROG Spatial Planning Act
Introduction 3
SRÜ United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
TSO Transmission System Operator
UVPG Act on Environmental Impact Assessment
VDE A ssociation for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies
VSC voltage sourced converter
WindSeeG Act for the development and promotion of offshore wind energy
WindSeeG-E Draft of a law amending the Wind Energy at Sea Act and other regulations
WTG wind turbine
4 Introduction
1 Introduction According to the agreement signed on 11 May
2020 between the Federal Government, the
Following the publication of the Site coastal federal states and the transmission
Development Plan 2019 (FEP 2019) on 28 June system operators 50Hertz, Amprion and TenneT
2019 in accordance with the provisions of the for the implementation of 20 GW of offshore wind
German Act on the Development and Promotion energy by 2030, it is considered necessary to
of Offshore1 Wind Energy (WindSeeG), a new continue the FEP until the end of 2020, taking
site development plan (FEP) has been drawn up into account the spatial plans for the exclusive
on the basis of the plan approved by the Cabinet economic zone, which are currently being
on 3 June 2019. On the basis of the Draft Act updated, and the spatial plans of the coastal
amending the Offshore Wind Energy Act and states (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und
other provisions adopted by the Cabinet on 3 Energie, 2020).
June 2020,2 and in particular due to the
As far as the legal framework conditions are
increased expansion path of 20 gigawatts
available, the process is to be completed by the
(section 1 para. 2 WindSeeG Draft (hereinafter
end of 2020.
WindSeeG-E)3 Offshore Wind Energy by 2030
provided for therein, it is necessary to update
The central model
and amend FEP 2019. The draft act (section 1
subsection 2 WindSeeG-E) also provides for a The year 2017 marks a system change in the
long-term target of 40 GW by 2040. field of offshore wind energy. On the basis of the
Act on the Development and Promotion of Wind
In the context of this update of the FEP, it is Energy at Sea (Wind Energy at Sea Act -
expected that areas up to and including zone 3 WindSeeG), the Federal Maritime and
of the exclusive economic zone will be defined. Hydrographic Agency (BSH) is responsible for
It is planned to define sites for the the central development and, on behalf of the
implementation of 20 GW by 2030. The definition Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), for the
of areas and land will ensure a sufficient, preliminary investigation of areas for the
plannable expansion path until around 2035 and construction and operation of offshore wind
at the same time will make it possible to turbines.
incorporate the results of the current parallel
process of updating the spatial plans for the The central model describes a staged planning
exclusive economic zone. and tendering process. In the first step, spatial
and temporal specifications for offshore wind
On 9 October 2019, the Federal Cabinet had energy sites are defined in the Site Development
already adopted the detailed Climate Protection Plan (FEP). The next step is the preliminary
Programme 2030 for the implementation of the investigation of the sites defined in the FEP.
Climate Protection Plan 2050, with the aim of After the preliminary investigation has been
increasing the expansion of offshore wind carried out, the sites will be auctioned off in a
energy to 20 GW in 2030. competitive procedure in which the information
1 eines-gesetzes-zur-aenderung-des-windenergie-auf-see-
Act of 13 October 2016, Federal Law Gazette I p. 2258,
2310, last amended by Article 2 of the Act of 25 May 2020, gesetzes.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=6
Federal Law Gazette I p. 1071. 3
Act of 13 October 2016, Federal Law Gazette I p. 2258,
2 Available at 2310, last amended by Article 2 of the Act of 25 May 2020,
https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Downloads/E/entwurf- Federal Law Gazette I p. 1071.
Introduction 5
from the preliminary investigation will be made Government, represented by the BSH, and the
available to the bidders. competent state, the FEP may also make
planning specifications for the territorial sea.
The successful bidder will be able to erect wind
turbines on the site after the approval procedure, § Section 4 para. 2 WindSeeG stipulates that the
is entitled to the market premium and may use FEP shall make specifications for the
the connection capacity. development of offshore wind turbines and the
offshore connecting pipelines required for this
The central model applies to the commissioning
purpose,
of offshore WTGs from 2026 onwards.
- to achieve the expansion targets in accordance
In the central model, the FEP is thus the
with section 1 (2) sentence 1 WindSeeG-E,
controlling planning instrument for the
whereby the installed capacity may exceed 20
synchronous expansion of wind energy and its
gigawatts by 2030 (section 4 (2) no. 1
grid connections at sea.
WindSeeG-E),
The previous Federal Offshore Grid Plan (BFO)
- expand electricity generation from offshore
of the BSH for the Exclusive Economic Zone
wind turbines in a spatially ordered and space-
(EEZ) of the North Sea and Baltic Sea and parts
saving manner, and
of the previous Offshore Grid Development Plan
(O-NEP) confirmed by the BNetzA are - to ensure the orderly and efficient use and
incorporated into the FEP. The need for offshore capacity utilisation of the offshore connecting
connecting lines will be determined on the basis lines and to plan, construct, commission and use
of the FEP's specifications in the onshore offshore connecting lines in parallel with the
network development plan (NEP). expansion of electricity generation from wind
turbines at sea.
Legal basis of the land-based
According to section 4 subsection 3 WindSeeG,
network development plan the FEP can make specifications for offshore
According to §§ 4ff. WindSeeG, the BSH wind turbines and other energy generation
prepares an FEP in agreement with the Federal plants which are not connected to the grid with
Network Agency (BNetzA) and in coordination the aim of enabling the practical testing and
with the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation implementation of innovative concepts for other
(BfN), the Directorate General for Waterways energy generation not connected to the grid in a
and Shipping (GDWS) and the coastal states. spatially ordered and space-saving manner.
In addition, the provisions of the Renewable The FEP primarily serves to implement the
Energy Sources Act (EEG 2017) and the purpose of the WindSeeG.
Environmental Impact Assessment Act (UVPG)
With regard to the expansion of offshore wind
apply.
energy, the objective under section 1 subsection
(2) WindSeeG-E is to increase the installed
Purpose and objectives of the
capacity of offshore wind turbines connected to
site development plan the grid from 2021 to a total of 20 gigawatts by
According to § 4 para. 1 WindSeeG, the purpose 2030 and to a total of 40 gigawatts by 2040,
of the FEP is to make sectoral planning whereby the capacity installed by 2030 may
specifications for the EEZ of the Federal exceed 20 gigawatts.
Republic of Germany. In accordance with an
administrative agreement between the Federal Object of the site development
6 Introduction
plan 9. corridors for cross-border electricity
In accordance with the legal mandate of § 5 lines,
para. 1 WindSeeG, the FEP contains provisions
10. corridors for possible connections
for the period from 2026 to at least 2030 for the
between the installations mentioned in
German EEZ and in accordance with the
points 1, 2, 6, 7 and 9, and
following provisions for the territorial sea:
11. Standardised technology principles
1. areas; in territorial waters, areas can and planning principles
only be defined if the competent state
has designated the areas as a The FEP may also determine the following
possible subject of the FEP pursuant to section 5 para. 2 WindSeeG:
2. sites in the areas defined in - test sites near the coast outside areas for a total
accordance with point 1; in territorial of no more than 40 square kilometres; test sites
waters, sites can only be defined if the can only be defined in territorial waters if the
competent state has identified the country has designated the area as a possible
sites as a possible subject of the FEP subject of the FEP and at least partially for test
purposes; if a test site is actually not used or is
3. the chronological order in which the
only used to an insignificant extent, a
defined sites are to be put up for
subsequent FEP may lift the definition of the test
tender pursuant to Part 3 Section 2
site and define areas and sites instead,
WindSeeG, including the designation
of the respective calendar years - the calendar years in which pilot wind turbines
at sea and the corresponding test site
4. the calendar years, including the
connection line are to be commissioned for the
quarter in the respective calendar
first time on the defined test sites, and
year (WindSeeG-E), in which the
subsidised offshore wind turbines and - the capacity of the corresponding test field
the corresponding offshore connection line;
connection line are to be - show grid connection capacities available for
commissioned on the defined sites, areas in the exclusive economic zone and in
5. the expected capacity of offshore territorial waters on existing offshore connecting
WTGs to be installed in the defined lines or on offshore connecting lines to be
areas and on the defined sites, completed in the following years which can be
allocated to pilot offshore wind energy
6. locations of converter platforms,
installations in accordance with section 70(2).
collection platforms and, where
possible, substations, In addition, under section 5 (2a) sentence 1
WindSeeG-E, other energy production areas
7. routes or route corridors for offshore
outside of areas for a total of 25 to 70 square
connecting pipelines,
kilometres may be defined and spatial and
8. places where the offshore connecting technical specifications for other energy
lines cross the boundary between the production installations for lines or cables which
exclusive economic zone and the carry energy or energy sources from them may
territorial sea be made or, in the event of a shortage of routes,
such lines or cables may be excluded.
Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 7
According to section 4 subsection (1) sentence 2 Process for the expansion
2 WindSeeG, sectoral planning specifications for
the territorial sea may be made for areas, sites, of offshore wind energy
the chronological order of calls for tenders for the With the WindSeeG, a new procedure for the
sites, the calendar years of commissioning and expansion of offshore wind energy has been
the expected output to be installed, as well as for introduced for offshore wind turbines that will be
test sites and other energy production areas. In commissioned from 2026. Various cascades
accordance with an administrative agreement have to be passed from the overall development
between the Federal Government, represented of the sites to the approval procedure for the
by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic wind turbines and connecting pipelines.
Agency, and the competent Land, the individual
specifications for the territorial sea are defined in First of all, the FEP will be responsible for the
more detail. development of the offshore wind farm in
accordance with § 4 ff. WindSeeG for the
expansion of offshore wind turbines and offshore
connecting pipelines in the EEZ.
The aim of determining the chronological order
of realisation of the sites is that from 2026
onwards, offshore wind turbines will be
commissioned on these areas and at the same
time the offshore connecting lines required to
connect these sites will be completed so that the
existing offshore connecting lines are used
efficiently and at full capacity.
At the next stage, the areas under §§ 9 ff.
WindSeeG. This concerns investigations of the
marine environment, preliminary exploration of
the subsoil and the wind and oceanographic
conditions for the site to be investigated.
This is intended to speed up the subsequent
planning approval procedure for offshore wind
turbines on these sites.
Based on the results of the preliminary
investigation, the suitability of the sites for the
tender will then be examined.
If the suitability is determined, the information
including the results of the investigation and the
specification of the capacity to be installed will be
determined by statutory order and forwarded to
the BNetzA.
The BNetzA then invites tenders for the site for
the competitive determination of the market
premium and publishes the results of the
8 Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy
investigations and information determined in the 2.1.2 Initial installation
course of the preliminary investigations (cf. §§ 14 In 2018 and 2019, the BSH established the FEP
ff. WindSeeG). Only the successful bidder can for the first time and carried out a Strategic
later submit an application for planning approval Environmental Assessment. The FEP 2019 was
for the construction and operation of offshore publicly announced on 28 June 2019.
wind farms on the respective site. The
acceptance of the bid is also associated with a 2.1.3 Updating/modification
claim to the connection of the wind turbines to Pursuant to section 8 subsection 1 WindSeeG,
the offshore connection line specified in the FEP the FEP may be amended or updated on the
and the allocated grid connection capacity on the basis of a proposal by the BSH or the BNetzA,
connection line. whereby the decision on the time and scope of a
After the contract has been awarded in the procedure for amendment or update shall be
tender procedure, the successful bidder or the taken by mutual agreement between the BSH
correspondingly entitled party can submit an and the BNetzA.
application for planning approval in accordance The FEP shall be amended or updated in
with §§ 44 ff. WindSeeG. At this level of the accordance with § 5 WindSeeG if the objectives
planning cascade, the BSH examines whether a under § 4 WindSeeG require the definition of
specific project is eligible for approval. If all other or additional areas and sites or a change
prerequisites are met and the result of the in the chronological order of the preliminary
examination is positive, the procedure concludes investigation of the sites, for example because
with the issue of the planning approval decision. sites investigated were found to be unsuitable.
However, it shall be updated at least every four
years (cf. section 8 subsection (2) sentence 1
WindSeeG).
The following summary presents the individual
procedural steps in the updating of the FEP.
Overview of the process steps
Notification of initiation, expected scope
Figure 1: The site development plan in the overall system of the
central model for the German North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZ
and conclusion of the procedure
With regard to the coastal sea, reference is Preparation of the preliminary draft and
scope of the environmental assessment
made to Chapter 5.4.
Participation of authorities and the public
Site development plan Notification of the North and Baltic Sea
§ Section 6 WindSeeG regulates the procedure countries
for setting up the FEP from the announcement of Delivery of the joint opinion of the TSOs
the initiation of the procedure to the
Hearing date, if necessary according to §
announcement of the completed plan.
5 para. 6 PlanSiG
2.1.1 Competence Definition of the scope of the
environmental assessment
According to § 6 WindSeeG, the BSH is
responsible for preparing the FEP.
Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 9
In the case of site in territorial waters, the
Preparation of the draft FEP and draft
environmental report (SEA) BNetzA shall have the preliminary investigations
carried out by the competent authority under
Participation of authorities and public Land law in accordance with section 11 (1)
(national and international)
sentence 2 no. 2 WindSeeG on behalf of the
Discussion date, if necessary in BSH in accordance with an administrative
accordance with § 5 para. 1 PlanSiG agreement.
Review of the environmental report (SEA) The preliminary investigation of sites is carried
in the light of national and international
comments out with the aim of ensuring that the BNetzA
selects suitable sites in accordance with
Consideration of the review in the draft sections 16 et seq. WindSeeG. The successful
FEP
bidder must then undergo a planning approval
Coordination with the BfN, the GDWS and procedure for the construction and operation of
the coastal countries offshore wind turbines pursuant to Articles 44 et
Establishing agreement with the BNetzA seq. WindSeeG at the BSH.
Publication of the FEP and the In accordance with section 9 para. 1 WindSeeG,
environmental report by the end of 2020 the preliminary investigation is carried out with
Sending a summary statement to the the aim of
North and Baltic Sea countries involved - to provide bidders with the information enabling
them to determine the market premium in
2.1.4 Voting requirements accordance with § 22d EEG on a competitive
basis and
According to § 6 para. 7 WindSeeG, the FEP is
prepared in coordination with the BfN, the - determine the suitability of the sites and
GDWS and the coastal states.
- to examine individual objects of investigation in
advance in order to accelerate the subsequent
2.1.5 Requirement for agreement
planning approval procedure on these sites. The
The FEP is established and updated in
procedure for carrying out the preliminary
accordance with section 6 para 7 WindSeeG in
investigation, including the suitability test of site
agreement with the BNetzA.
defined in the FEP, is governed by § 12
WindSeeG.
Investigation of sites
A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
According to § 11 (1) sentence 1 WindSeeG, the
must also be carried out.
BNetzA is responsible for the preliminary
investigation of site. The BNetzA shall have the According to § 9 Para. 3 WindSeeG-E, the
preliminary investigation of sites in the EEZ preliminary examination of sites is to be carried
carried out by order of the BSH in accordance out in such a way that the preliminary
with the administrative agreement of March 2017 examination of at least those sites which are to
and pursuant to section 11 para. 1 sentence 2 be put out to tender according to the FEP in this
no. 1 Wind-SeeG. The BSH thus performs the calendar year is completed before the invitation
tasks of the body responsible for the preliminary to tender is announced. As far as possible, the
investigation within the meaning of the Act on preliminary investigation of those areas which
sites in the German EEZ in accordance with are to be put out to tender in the following
section 11 para. 2 sentence 1 WindSeeG. calendar year according to FEP should also be
10 Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy
completed before the announcement of the is distributed over the sites examined in advance
invitation to tender in a calendar year according which are to be put out to tender in the respective
to § 19. Insofar as this is necessary for calendar year according to the FEP, provided
compliance with the requirements, the that several sites are planned in the FEP for
preliminary examination of sites may already be tendering in one year and the power expected to
commenced on the basis of a draft of the FEP in be installed on them together form the tender
accordance with section 6 (4) sentence (section volume. The share of an aite in the tender
9 (3) sentence 2 WindSeeG-E). volume is determined according to the FEP and
the power to be installed on the sites determined
In detail, the following steps are provided for by
in the preliminary investigation.
law:
Six months before the bidding date, the BNetzA
Summary of the procedural steps shall publish the invitation to tender pursuant to
- Notification of the opening of the procedure section 19 WindSeeG, including the respective
information and documents to be provided by the
- Consultation meeting BSH pursuant to section 10 (1) WindSeeG,
- Definition of the scope of the investigation together with the other information required by
law, on its website.
- Preparation of information on the marine
environment, preliminary exploration of the The Federal Network Agency shall award the
subsoil and wind and oceanographic contract to the bidder with the lowest bidding
conditions value or, in the case of the dynamic bidding
procedure pursuant to section 23a (4)
- Suitability test and determination of the
WindSeeG-E, to the bidder agreeing to the
power to be installed
highest bidding level for each site put out to
- Determination of suitability by a statutory tender. The value to be invested is the bid value
instrument of the bid awarded or, in the case of the dynamic
- Interpretation of the documents pursuant to § bidding procedure, the bid at the level of the
44 (2) UVPG bidding level.
- Transmission of information to the BNetzA With the award of the contract in accordance
with § 23 or § 23a WindSeeG-E, the successful
bidder has the exclusive right to carry out a
planning approval procedure on the respective
Call for tenders site, whereby the information and the suitability
For sites that have been determined to be determination of the preliminary investigation will
suitable, the BNetzA determines the value to be benefit the successful bidder.
applied for the market premium and the Furthermore, he is entitled to the market
respective beneficiary for this in a tender. For premium pursuant to § 19 of the EEG to the
this purpose, the BNetzA is responsible under §§ extent of the knocked down bid quantity on the
16 ff. WindSeeG is responsible for this. respective site, as long as and to the extent that
In accordance with § 17 sentence 1 WindSeeG, the further conditions for the claim pursuant to §
the BNetzA will issue a call for tenders annually 19 of the EEG are fulfilled. In addition, the bidder
on the bidding date of 1 September from 2021 is entitled to the connection of the WTGs on the
onwards. No more than the quantities specified respective site to the offshore connecting line
in the FEP may be tendered. The tender volume specified in the FEP from the binding completion
Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 11
date and the allocated grid connection capacity planned locations of converter platforms or
on the offshore connecting line specified in the transformer stations, the obligation pursuant to
FEP from the binding completion date in section 66 subsection (2) WindSeeG has been
accordance with § 17d (2) sentence 9 of the effectively declared and other requirements
Energy Industry Act (EnWG). under the WindSeeG and other provisions under
public law are complied with.
Plan approval of offshore wind
A planning approval or planning permit for a wind
energy installations connected energy installation at sea is granted for a limited
to the grid period of 25 years. A subsequent extension of
Reference is made to Chapter 2.4 of the FEP the time limit by a maximum of five years is
2019. A revision is made in the draft of the FEP possible on a one-time basis if the FEP does not
2020. provide for an immediate subsequent use in
accordance with section 8 subsection (3)
Once the BNetzA has been awarded the contract
WindSeeG (cf. section 48 subsection (7)
from the calls for tenders, applications for
WindSeeG).
planning approval can be submitted for the site
to which the plan relates in accordance with The plan approval or plan permit requires the
section 46(1) WindSeeG. According to section consent of the Waterways and Shipping
45 subsection (2) WindSeeG, the BSH is the Administration (§ 50 WindSeeG-E).
competent authority for the hearing, plan If the plan approval or plan permit becomes
approval and plan licensing procedure. ineffective, the installations pursuant to § 58 para
In addition to the legal requirements of Section 1 WindSeeG shall be removed to the extent
73 para. 1 sentence 2 of the Administrative required by the above-mentioned concerns.
Procedure Act (VwVfG), the plan must include In accordance with WindSeeG-E, awarded
the information contained in Section 47 para. 1 bidders must
of the Wind-SeeG.
- submit to the BSH, within 12 months of the
Pursuant to Section 48 para. 3 WindSeeG-E, the award of the contract, the documents required
BSH may, in the plan-approval decision, for the consultation procedure on the plan,
determine measures and specify deadlines by
the expiration of which the measures must be - provide the BNetzA with proof of existing
completed in order to ensure the expeditious financing for the construction of WTGs to the
construction and commissioning of the project, extent of the bidding volume at least 30 months
taking into account the time schedule and plan before the binding completion date,
of measures submitted by the project owner. - at the latest six months before the binding
The plan may only be adopted under certain completion date, provide the BNetzA with proof
conditions listed in section 48 subsection 4 that construction of the wind turbines has begun,
WindSeeG. These include that the marine - within six months of the binding completion
environment is not endangered, the safety and date, provide the BNetzA with proof that at least
ease of traffic is not impaired, the security of one wind turbine has been made technically
national and alliance defence is not ready for operation,
compromised, the plan is compatible with priority
- and, within 12 months of the binding completion
mining activities, it is compatible with existing
date, provide proof to the BNetzA that technical
and planned cable, offshore connection, pipe
and other lines, it is compatible with existing and
12 Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy
operational readiness has been achieved overall Article 12b EnWG to the regulatory authority for
(cf. section 59 subsection (2) WindSeeG-E). confirmation in each even calendar year, which
must contain, among other things, all effective
In principle, a financial penalty must be imposed
measures for demand-based optimisation,
in the event of a breach of the deadlines.
reinforcement and expansion of the grid which
Interfaces with other are necessary for secure and reliable grid
operation at the latest by the end of the period
instruments of network planning
under consideration within the meaning of the
The changeover to renewable energies and thus scenario framework pursuant to Article 12a (1)
also the expansion of offshore wind energy is sentence 2 EnWG.
associated with a nationwide necessary
The NEP takes into account the Community-
expansion of the grid. In order to determine the
wide network development plan (Ten-Year
need for grid expansion, the nationwide need for
Network Development Plan, TYNDP for short,
expansion of transmission grids is examined and
see Chapter 2.5.4).
determined in a legally established procedure
consisting of several instruments with the Starting with the submission of the first draft of
participation of the public. the NEP in 2019, it also contains all effective
measures for the demand-oriented optimisation,
In the following, the interfaces with the other
reinforcement and expansion of the offshore
instruments of network planning are presented
connecting lines in the exclusive economic zone
with reference to the FEP.
and in the territorial sea, including the grid
2.5.1 Scenario framework connection points on land, which are necessary
for a gradual, demand-oriented and economic
Under Article 12a of the Energy Industry Act, the
expansion as well as for the safe and reliable
TSOs draw up a common scenario framework
operation of the offshore connecting lines and
every two years, in each even calendar year,
the onward transport of the electricity generated
which describes the probable developments of
at sea by the end of the period under
the German electricity supply system. The
consideration pursuant to section 12a (1)
scenario framework comprises at least three
sentence 2 EnWG. Based on the specifications
development paths (so-called scenarios) which
of the last published FEP, the NEP also provides
cover the range of probable developments within
information on the planned date of completion for
the framework of the medium- and long-term
these measures.
energy policy objectives of the Federal
Government for the next ten and 15 years at According to Article 12c (4) EnWG, the BNetzA
least. One of the scenarios must represent the should confirm the NEP by 31 December of each
probable development for the next 15 and 20 odd calendar year at the latest, taking into
years at least. The scenario framework is the account the results of the participation of the
basis for the preparation of the NEP pursuant to authorities and the public.
Article 12b EnWG for determining the expansion
From 1 January 2019, the TSOs are required
requirement in the transmission grid and is
under section 17d (1) EnWG to construct and
approved by the BNetzA after a consultation and
operate the offshore transmission lines in
review pursuant to Article 12a (3) EnWG.
accordance with the specifications of the NEP
and the FEP. The TSOs have to start
2.5.2 Network development plan
implementing the grid connections of offshore
On the basis of the scenario framework, the WTGs in accordance with the specifications of
TSOs submit a joint national NEP pursuant to
Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 13
the NEP and the FEP and to rapidly advance the 2.5.3 Federal requirements plan
construction of the grid connections of offshore
WTGs. 2.5.4 Ten-Year Network Development Plan
According to Article 8 (3 b) of Regulation (EC)
In the context of the establishment of the FEP
2019, some comments requested that the O- No 714/2009 of the European Parliament and of
NEP approved by the BNetzA on 22 December the Council of 13 July 2009 on conditions for
2017 be taken into account. On the one hand, access to the network for cross-border
exchanges in electricity and repealing
reference is made to Section 17c (1) sentence 2
EnWG, according to which the confirmation of Regulation (EC) No 1228/2003, the European
the O-NEP for offshore connecting lines whose Transmission System Operators for Electricity
planned date of completion is after 2025 is (ENTSO-E) shall adopt a non-binding
subject to the corresponding specification of the Community-wide ten-year network development
plan ("Community-wide network development
respective offshore connecting line in the FEP.
Accordingly, the confirmation of O-NEP 2017- plan") including a European generation
2030 and the commissioning of the connection adequacy outlook every two years.
systems confirmed there is subject to the In this context, on 28 November 2018, the
corresponding confirmation in NEP 2019-2030 European TSOs ENTSO-E submitted a so-
on the basis of the specifications of the FEP in called Ten-Year Network Development Plan
accordance with section 12c (4) sentence 1 (TYNDP 2018) in the consulted and final version
EnWG in conjunction with section 12b (1) to the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy
sentence 4 no. 7 EnWG. This reservation shall Regulators (ACER) and published it.
no longer apply to the confirmation and
This plan contains supra-regional and
commissioning of the connection systems OST-
international expansion measures which are
2-1, OST-2-2 and OST-2-3, since at least one
important for cross-border European electricity
existing wind farm project in accordance with
transmission. The results developed at national
section 37 subsection (1) No. 2 WindSeeG has
level in the NEP are included in the relevant
been awarded capacity on the respective
TYNDP.Bundesnetzplan
connection system by way of a bidding
procedure within the framework of the second 2.5.5 Further interfaces with network
bidding deadline pursuant to section 26 planning instruments
subsection (1) WindSeeG. On the other hand, it
Furthermore, the following interfaces with
is pointed out that the criteria of the O-NEP for
network planning instruments are pointed out:
the chronological sequence of the
implementation of the offshore connecting lines - EU Regulation 2016/631 on the establishment
in accordance with § 17b para. 2 sentence 3 of a grid code with grid connection provisions for
EnWG differ from the criteria of the FEP for the electricity producers
determination of the sites and the chronological - EU Regulation 2016/1447 establishing a grid
sequence of their tendering in accordance with § code setting out grid connection rules for high-
5 para. 4 sentence 2 WindSeeG and also refer voltage direct current transmission systems and
to different definitions, so that the completion non-synchronous power generation systems
dates for offshore connecting lines may differ in with direct current connection
principle. Consequently, the confirmation of O-
NEP 2017-2030 in the FEP for offshore - VDE application regulation VDE-AR-N 4130,
connecting lines after 2025 cannot be taken into "Technical rules for the connection of customer
account.
14 Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy
installations to the extra-high voltage grid and details for the respective sector, taking into
their operation". account the requirements of regional planning.
- VDE application regulation VDE-AR-N 4131,
2.6.1 Exclusive Economic Zone
"Technical rules for the connection of HVDC
transmission systems and generating plants In the EEZ, the legal basis for the preparation of
connected via HVDC transmission systems". maritime spatial planning plans has been in
place since 2004 (see Chapter 2.6.1.2).
Existing spatial planning and In the wake of the resolutions on the energy
planning system transformation in June 2011 and the
In Germany there is a tiered planning system of associated changes in legislation, the BSH was
spatial planning through the Federal Spatial given the task of drawing up and regularly
Planning Act (Bundesraumordnung) as well as updating a sectoral plan for offshore electricity
state and regional planning to coordinate all grids in the German EEZ, the Federal Offshore
spatial requirements and concerns arising in a Grid Plan (see Section 2.6.1.1).
given area. According to § 1 (1) sentence 2 of
2.6.1.1 Federal Offshore Grid Plans
the Spatial Planning Act (Raumordnungsgesetz,
ROG), this system is used to coordinate different The task of federal sectoral planning is now
spatial requirements in order to balance out performed by the FEP with additional tasks,
conflicts arising at the respective planning level particularly with regard to the determination of
and to make provisions for individual uses and the chronological order of realisation of areas for
functions of the space. offshore wind turbines and offshore connecting
lines. Reference is made to Chapters 2.1 and
The tiered system means that the plans are 2.5.
further specified by the subsequent planning
levels. According to Article 1 para. 3 ROG, the The first Federal Offshore Sectoral Plan for the
development, organisation and safeguarding of North Sea EEZ 2012 was published on 22
the subspaces should be integrated into the February 2013. The first Federal Offshore
conditions and requirements of the overall area, sectoral plan for the Baltic Sea EEZ 2013
and the development, organisation and followed on 7 March 2014. Both plans were last
safeguarding of the overall area should take into updated for the years 2016/2017. The provisions
account the conditions and requirements of its of both plans apply to projects in the so-called
subspaces. transitional system. These are projects with
WTGs which will be in operation until 2026 and
The Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Building which, in accordance with the provisions of the
and Community (BMI) is now responsible for WindSeeG, have been awarded a contract in the
regional planning at federal level in the EEZ. framework of tenders for existing projects.
In contrast, the respective federal state is
responsible for state planning for the entire area 2.6.1.2 Spatial plans
of the state, including the respective coastal sea. For sustainable spatial development in the
Regional planning is the responsibility of the German EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas, the
individual federal states. BSH is carrying out the preparatory steps for the
updating of the spatial plans on behalf of the
In addition to regional planning for the respective
BMIB. As early as 2009, the BSH drew up the
areas of responsibility, there are sectoral plans
spatial plans for the German North Sea and
based on sectoral laws for certain specific
Baltic Sea EEZs on behalf of the then Federal
planning areas. Sectoral plans serve to define
Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 15
Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs relevant. With regard to offshore wind energy,
(BMVBS). both spatial plans contain, among other things,
the objectives and principles of spatial planning
The BMVBS regulation on spatial planning in the
for offshore wind energy (3.5) and submarine
German EEZ in the North Sea of 21 September
cables (3.3).
2009 (BGBl. I p. 3107) came into force on 26
September 2009. On 19 December 2009, the In the process of preparing the spatial plans, a
BMVBS regulation on spatial planning in the Strategic Environmental Assessment was also
German EEZ in the Baltic Sea of 10 December carried out to identify, describe and evaluate the
2009 (BGBl I p. 3861) came into force. mainly significant environmental impacts on the
protected assets.
In marine spatial planning, the international
provisions of the United Nations Convention on The existing plans are currently in the process of
the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) must be observed being updated (see background information
in particular. In addition to the scientific and below).
economic use of the oceans, the interests of
shipping and nature conservation are particularly
background information: Status of the updating procedure of the spatial plans for the
German EEZ in the North and Baltic Sea
The updating of the spatial plans for the German EEZ in the North Sea and Baltic Sea began in
summer 2019 when the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community informed the
public and the public bodies concerned about the updating of the spatial plans in accordance with
§ 9 para. 1 ROG. Public authorities had the opportunity to provide information on the plans and
measures they intend to implement or have already implemented, as well as on their timing, and
to make relevant information available.
Technical discussions and workshops on relevant sectors and protection interests followed in
autumn 2019. In January 2020, the concept for the further development of the spatial plans was
published, which set out conceivable solutions through three planning options with different
priorities. This was intended to facilitate early participation and exchange on requirements,
possible conflicts, but also synergies and approaches to solutions - as a basis for the preparation
of a comprehensive draft plan. The publication of the first draft of the spatial plan is scheduled for
september 2020. Completion of the revision procedure is planned for 2021.
Due to the parallelism of the updating procedures of the spatial plans and the FEP, the processes
are interlinked in order to ensure the consistency of the definitions of the respective plan within the
respective framework.
Essential contents of the concept for the revision and further development of the spatial plans:
Definition of priority areas for offshore wind energy, at least 20 GW
Definition of reserved areas for offshore wind energy for medium to long-term expansion
Adjustment of the priority and reserved area shipping (shipping route 10) to the real
shipping traffic, thereby extending the areas N-9 to N-13 in a north-western direction by
about 7.5 km to about 8.5 km. This extension is reflected in all three planning options and
is accordingly also reflected in this preliminary draft of the FEP.
16 Starting Position
Establishment of nature conservation areas as priority or reserved areas and, in some
cases, the main distribution area divers and porpoises as reserved areas
Further information can be found on the BSH website.4
these, twelve connecting lines are located in the
2.6.2 Lower Saxony
North Sea and five in the Baltic Sea.
2.6.3 Schleswig-Holstein The status of the expansion of offshore
connection lines shown in Table 1 includes all
2.6.4 Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania grid connection systems for OWP projects
commissioned to meet an individual claim for
grid connection by a wind farm operator.
3 Starting Position
By the end of 2025, 15 connecting lines will be
Current status of expansion built in the North Sea and eight in the Baltic Sea.
In addition, the confirmation of the NEP 2019-
Since 2009, OWPs and the associated
2030 from December 2019 lists the test field grid
connecting lines have been constructed and
connection OST-7-1, which was confirmed with
operated in the German territorial sea and in the
reservations, with a planned completion in 2024.
German exclusive economic zone of the North
Reference is made to the statements in the
Sea and Baltic Sea.
confirmation of NEP 2019-2030.
As of the end of 2019, offshore wind energy
The spatial proximity to the coast is important for
plants with a total capacity of approx. 7.1 GW
various FEP specifications. As a basis for the
have been erected and commissioned.
assessment of the spatial proximity to the coast,
The expansion of offshore wind energy was and the procedure in the O-NEP for the areas of the
is closely linked to the respective framework North Sea and Baltic Sea - a division into
conditions. According to current planning, OWP distance zones - is adopted. The zones have a
projects with a capacity of around 7.7 GW will be spatial depth of about 50 to 100 km. The
on the grid by the end of 2020 and around 10.8 territorial sea and the German EEZ of the North
GW by the end of 2025. These projects have Sea are divided into five zones. The spatial
either unconditional grid connection depth of zone 1 in the North Sea and the Baltic
commitments under the old legal framework Sea is consistent with each other in such a way
(under section 118 (12) EnWG old), capacity that when the spatial extent of zone 1 of the
allocations (under section 17d (3) or section 118 North Sea is transferred, the entire area of the
(19) EnWG) or surcharges (under section 34 territorial sea and the Baltic EEZ will be covered.
WindSeeG) by the BNetzA. As a result, the territorial sea and the German
By the end of 2019, connecting lines of OWP EEZ of the Baltic Sea lie entirely within distance
projects with a transmission capacity of approx. zone 1 of the O-NEP (see Figure 2 and Figure
8.2 GW had been constructed and operated. Of 3).
4 See https://www.bsh.de/DE/THEMEN/Offshore/Meeresraumplanung/Fortschreibung/fortschreibung-
raumordnung_node.html
Starting Position 17
Table 1 Overview of offshore connecting lines until the end of 2025 and connected offshore wind farm projects
Connecting lines by the Transmission Offshore wind farms connected by the end of 2025
end of 2025 capacity
Northsea
NOR-0-1 (Riffgat) 113 MW Riffgat
NOR-0-2 (Nordergründe) 111 MW Nordergründe
NOR-1-1 (DolWin5/epsilon) 900 MW Borkum Riffgrund West II, OWP West, Borkum Riffgrund West I
NOR-2-1 (alpha ventus) 62 MW alpha ventus
NOR-2-2 (DolWin1/alpha) 800 MW Borkum Riffgrund 1, Trianel Windpark Borkum
NOR-2-3 (DolWin3/gamma) 900 MW Borkum Riffgrund 2, Merkur Offshore
NOR-3-1 (DolWin2/beta) 916 MW Gode Wind 01, Gode Wind 02, Nordsee One
NOR-3-3 (DolWin6/kappa) 900 MW Gode Wind III, Gode Wind 04
NOR-4-1 (HelWin1/alpha) 576 MW Meerwind Süd/Ost, Nordsee Ost
NOR-4-2 (HelWin2/beta) 690 MW Amrumbank West, KASKASI II
NOR-5-1 (SylWin1/alpha) 864 MW Butendiek, Dan Tysk, Sandbank
NOR-6-1 (BorWin1/alpha) 400 MW BARD Offshore 1
NOR-6-2 (BorWin2/beta) 800 MW Albatros, Deutsche Bucht, Veja Mate
NOR-7-1 (BorWin5/epsilon) 900 MW EnBW He Dreiht
NOR-8-1 (BorWin3/gamma) 900 MW EnBW Hohe See, Global Tech I
Baltic Sea
OST-3-1 (Baltic1)5 51 MW EnBW Baltic1, EnBW Baltic 2, GICON-SOF
OST-3-2 (Baltic2)8 339 MW
OST-1-1 (Ostwind 1) 250 MW Arkona-Becken Südost, Wikinger, Wikinger Süd
OST-1-2 (Ostwind 1) 250 MW
OST-1-3 (Ostwind 1) 250 MW
OST-2-1 (Ostwind 2) 250 MW ARCADIS Ost I
OST-2-2 (Ostwind 2) 250 MW Baltic Eagle
OST-2-3 (Ostwind 2) 250 MW
5 The connection system OST-3-2 is based on the connection system OST-3-1 so that the stated transmission capacity of
339 MW comprises the total transmission capacity of both connection systems (see O-NEP 2030, version 2017, p. 30,
footnote 16).
18 Starting Position
Figure 2: Offshore wind farms in the German North Sea EEZ expected to be operational by the end of 2025 as well as border corridors
to the territorial sea and the zoning of the O-NEP for the North Sea.
Figure 3: Offshore wind farms in the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea, which are expected to be in operation by the end of 2025, as well
as border corridors to the territorial sea and the zoning of the O-NEP for the Baltic Sea
Guidelines and basic principles 19
4 Guidelines and basic
Statutory expansion path for
offshore wind energy principles
Offshore wind energy was already of particular
Introduction
importance after the German government's
climate protection strategy for the expansion of The strategic planning of the expansion of
offshore wind energy use in 2002. offshore wind energy and the associated grid
topology for the transmission of electricity is of
The draft law to amend the Wind Energy at Sea enormous importance for the supply of
Act and other provisions adopted by the Federal renewable energy. With the increase of different
Cabinet on 3 June 2020 provides for an uses in the German EEZ, the space available for
increased expansion path of 20 gigawatts by future uses and infrastructures is becoming
2030 and a long-term target of 40 GW by 2040 increasingly scarce.
(section 1(2) WindSeeG-E) for offshore wind
energy. As the draft law has already been In the interests of systematic and efficient
adopted by the Federal Government and is thus planning, the BSH was given the statutory
in a broad stage of preparation, it will form the mandate to designate areas and sites for
basis for the FEP 2020. Otherwise, new offshore wind energy, as well as corresponding
consultations or a further update might be routes and locations for the necessary network
necessary after its adoption. topology. As a result of this coordinated process,
the measures in the German EEZ are defined in
a spatially and temporally binding manner.
The definition of planning principles and
standardised technology principles for the North
Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs is a mandatory
prerequisite for the concrete determination of the
space requirements of the entire network
topology within the FEP. The aim of establishing
standardised technology principles and planning
principles is to create a basis for systematic and
coordinated overall planning. Otherwise, it would
not be possible to determine the required space
requirement with the necessary precision for the
most space-saving planning possible. In addition
to determining the space requirement as
precisely as possible, standardised technical
principles also serve to ensure cost efficiency
and the demand-oriented expansion of
connecting lines, which is in the interests of the
national economy.
The starting point for defining the standardized
technical principles (4.3) is the technical grid
connection concept, the further details of which
are described in Section 4.2
20 Guidelines and basic principles
The planning principles build on the objectives Summary
and principles of the spatial plans for the North
Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs. An overall Definition of the 66 kV connection
assessment of the uses of the areas has already concept as the standard for the North Sea
EEZ
been carried out when the 2009 spatial plans
were drawn up. For the current status of the Deviation from the standard concept is
update of the spatial plans in the German EEZ, possible in case of spatial requirements in
please refer to Section 2.6. The relevant an area
objectives and principles at the level of spatial If deviation is necessary, specification of
planning are predominantly adopted as planning the connection concept of BFO-N 16/17
principles in the FEP and are checked, with a transmission voltage of 220 kV
concretised and weighted among themselves in Cable termination of the 66 kV submarine
their significance with regard to their applicability cable systems serves as an interface
to the regulatory issues addressed in the FEP on between the transmission system
the basis of the concerns and rights presented. operator and the OWP project developer
The definition of standardised technology
principles and planning principles is already 4.2.2 Standard concept Baltic Sea: three-
based on a consideration of possibly affected phase system
public interests and legal positions (cf.
4.2.2.1 Three-phase system: Connection
explanatory memorandum on the individual
between transformer platform and
specifications and principles), so that the
offshore wind farms: standard
definition of standardised technology principles
concept 66 kV
and planning principles also includes a
"preliminary examination" of possible
4.2.2.2 Three-phase system: interface
alternatives.
between TSO and OWP
Connection concepts Summary
4.2.1 Standard concept North Sea: Direct Definition of the three-phase current
connection concept as standard for the
current system Baltic Sea EEZ
4.2.1.1 DC system: Connection between Responsibility for planning, construction
converter platform and offshore and operation of the transformer platform
wind farms: Standard concept 66 and submarine cable system at the
transmission system operator
kV
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) serves as
4.2.1.2 Direct current system: Connection an interface between TSO and OWP
between converter platform and developer
offshore wind farms: Alternative Voltage level of the submarine cable
concept 220 kV systems within the park 66 kV
4.2.1.3 DC system: interface between TSO
and OWP Standard technical principles
4.3.1 Direct current system North Sea
Guidelines and basic principles 21
4.3.1.1 Direct current system: self-
Connection of offshore wind turbines to
commutated technology the converter platform in 66 kV three-
phase current technology
4.3.1.2 DC system: transmission voltage
+/- 320 kV for zones 1 and 2;
transmission voltage +/- 525 kV for 4.3.2 Three-phase system Baltic Sea
zone 3
4.3.2.1 Three-phase system: transmission
4.3.1.3 Direct current system: standard voltage 220 kV
power 900 MW for zones 1 and 2;
standard power 2,000 MW for zone 4.3.2.2 Three-phase system: Standard
3 power 300 MW
4.3.1.4 Direct current system +/- 525 kV:
Version with metallic return Summary
conductor Standard transmission voltage 220 kV
4.3.1.5 Direct current system +/- 525 kV: Standard transmission capacity 300 MW
Requirements for connections
between each other / switch panels 4.3.3 Cross-border submarine cable
to be provided systems
4.3.1.6 Direct current system: 66 kV direct 4.3.3.1 Bundled direct current submarine
connection concept cable system
Summary
4.3.3.2 Consideration of overall system
Design of the HVDC transmission
systems in self-commutated VSC Planning Principles
technology
In accordance with § 5 Para. 1 No. 11
Standard transmission voltage: +/-320 kV WindSeeG, the FEP contains provisions on
in zones 1 and 2; +/- 525 kV in zone 3 planning principles.
Standard transmission capacity: 900 MW
The planning principles apply to the area of the
in zones 1 and 2; 2,000 MW in zone 3
German EEZ and are based on the objectives
Design of the direct current systems +/- and principles of the BFO.
525 kV with metallic return conductor
In the following, general planning principles are
Direct current system +/- 525 kV:
first of all defined.
Provision of 12 switchgear panels and J-
Tubes per 1,000 MW OWP connected
load 4.4.1 General principles
In the following, planning principles for offshore
Direct current system +/- 525 kV: Create
conditions for connections between each wind turbines, platforms and submarine cable
other by providing two switch panels per systems are listed.
platform
Summary
22 Guidelines and basic principles
4.4.1.3 No impairment of the safety and
Overall coordination of the construction
ease of air traffic
and linstallation work
The construction, operation and dismantling
Safety and ease of navigation must not be of wind turbines at sea, platforms and
compromised submarine cables must not compromise the
The safety and ease of air transport must safety and ease of air transport.
not be compromised
4.4.1.4 No impairment of national and
security of national and alliance defence alliance defence security
must not be compromised
The installation and operation of wind energy
Obligation to dismantle and safety deposit plants at sea, platforms and submarine cable
systems must not impair the security of
Consideration of all existing, approved and
national and alliance defence.
defined uses
Consideration of cultural goods 4.4.1.5 Dismantling obligation and
security
Sound reduction
After wind turbines at sea, platforms and
Minimisation of scour and cable protection submarine cable systems are to be
measures dismantled. Reference is made to § 58 paras
Consideration of official standards, 1 and 2 WindSeeG. In the case of
specifications and concepts dismantling, the components are to be
reused, if possible, prior to recycling and this
emission reduction prior to energy recovery or otherwise their -
taking into account the location of demonstrably - proper disposal on land is to
explosive ordnance be implemented. In order to ensure that the
dismantling obligation is fulfilled, a security
Installation of sonar transponders deposit is to be provided prior to the start of
construction and until the final dismantling
4.4.1.1 Overall temporal coordination of of the facilities.
the construction and installation
4.4.1.6 Consideration of all existing,
work
authorised and specified uses
In order to avoid or reduce cumulative
Due regard shall be paid to existing and
effects, an overall time coordination of the
approved pipelines as well as to existing
construction and installation work is to be
submarine cables, offshore wind farms,
planned, taking into account the project-
offshore platforms and other structures,
specific framework conditions.
approved and defined in the framework of
4.4.1.2 No impairment of safety and ease this plan, by regularly maintaining a distance
of navigation of 500 m, unless ground conditions require
greater distances. The concrete choice of
The installation and operation of wind
sites for offshore wind turbines and
turbines at sea, platforms and submarine
platforms and the routing of submarine cable
cables must not impair the safety and ease of
systems shall take into account existing and
navigation.
approved uses, rights of use and other
interests worthy of protection.
Guidelines and basic principles 23
The planning, erection and operation of respective applicable version shall be taken
offshore wind energy plants, platforms and into account.
submarine cable systems are to be carried
out in close coordination between the 4.4.1.11 Emission reduction
transmission grid operator and the offshore Emissions shall be avoided or, where
wind farm developers. unavoidable, reduced.
4.4.1.7 Consideration of cultural assets 4.4.1.12 Consideration of explosive
Known sites where cultural assets have been ordnance sites
found should be taken into account when Known sites where explosive ordnance was
selecting a site or route. If, during the found should be taken into account when
planning or construction of wind energy selecting the site or route. If during the
plants, platforms or submarine cable planning or erection of the wind energy
systems, previously unknown cultural assets plants, platforms or submarine cable
located on the seabed are found, appropriate systems, previously unknown explosive
measures must be taken to secure the ordnance is found on the seabed,
cultural assets. appropriate protective measures must be
taken.
4.4.1.8 Sound reduction
To reduce noise, the use of alternative, low- 4.4.1.13 Installation of sonar transponders
noise forms of foundation should be Sonar transponders must be installed at
considered. If wind turbines or platforms with suitable corner positions of the wind farms
pile foundations are installed, the use of an and platforms.
effective technical noise abatement system
must be provided during the driving of the 4.4.2 Sites and wind turbines at sea
foundations. The noise protection concept of In the following, planning principles for sites,
a planned project must be integrated at an primarily for the construction and operation of
early stage in the design of the foundation offshore wind turbines, are listed. Reference is
structure. The noise protection concept made to Chapter 4.4.3, which defines planning
North Sea of BMU has to be taken into principles for platforms as well as for transformer
account. and residential platforms.
4.4.1.9 Minimisation of scour and cable Summary
protection measures
Observance of nature reserves and
Scour and cable protection measures must consideration of legally protected biotopes
be reduced to a minimum.
Economical use of land
4.4.1.10 Consideration of official
Distances between surfaces to each other
standards, specifications or
and to WTGs
concepts
For the planning, erection and operation of Deviation of the actually installed capacity
wind energy plants, platforms and submarine from the allocated grid connection capacity
cable systems, official standards,
specifications and concepts in their 4.4.2.1 Consideration of nature
conservation areas and
24 Guidelines and basic principles
consideration of legally protected
Space requirements and additional
biotopes
manoeuvring space
The erection of offshore wind turbines in
nature conservation areas pursuant to design of platforms to take into account the
Article 57 BNatSchG is not permitted. need for temporary accommodation; no
use beyond three years
Known occurrences of legally protected
biotopes under section 30 BNatSchG shall be
avoided when erecting wind turbines. 4.4.3.1 Consideration of nature
conservation areas and
Reference is made to Article 45a of the
consideration of legally protected
Federal Water Act (Gesetz zur Ordnung des
biotopes
Wasserhaushalts (WHG)) that best
environmental practice in accordance with The construction of platforms in nature
the Helsinki and OSPAR Conventions and the reserves is not permitted.
respective state of the art must be taken into Known occurrences of legally protected
account and specified in the individual biotopes pursuant to § 30 BNatSchG must be
procedure. avoided when constructing platforms.
4.4.2.2 Economical land use Reference is made to Article 45a of the
Federal Water Act (WHG) that best
The individual wind turbines are to be
environmental practice in accordance with
arranged in the most space-saving way
the Helsinki and OSPAR Conventions and the
possible.
respective state of the art must be taken into
4.4.2.3 Distances between surfaces and account and specified in the individual
between surfaces and wind procedure.
turbines
4.4.3.2 Land requirements
Wind turbines must be kept at a distance of
An area of 100 m x 200 m shall be provided
at least five times the rotor diameter from
for a converter platform of the voltage level
wind turbines in neighbouring sites.
320 kV, and an area of 150 m x 250 m for
4.4.2.4 Deviation of the actually installed platforms of the voltage level 525 kV. An area
capacity from the allocated grid of 100 m x 100 m shall be provided for the
connection capacity transformer platform. Additional
manoeuvring space must be provided for
4.4.3 Platforms platforms arranged side by side. Sufficient
Planning principles for platforms are listed space must be provided around the
below. Platforms include converter platforms, platforms for the approach and retraction of
collection platforms, transformer platforms and the cable systems.
residential platforms.
4.4.3.3 Accommodation on platforms
Summary Accommodation of personnel on platforms
should take place in accommodation already
Observance of nature reserves and
provided for this purpose when the platform
consideration of legally protected biotopes
was planned: When planning and designing
the platform, particular attention shall be
Guidelines and basic principles 25
paid to structural safety, supply and 4.4.4.2 Distance for parallel laying
disposal, including the provision of drinking When laying submarine cable systems in
water and waste water treatment, as well as parallel, a distance of 100 m must be
occupational health and safety issues, maintained between the individual systems.
including rescue routes and equipment. A distance of 200 m must be maintained after
every second cable system. Here, especially
4.4.4 Submarine cable systems in the Baltic Sea, the concrete ground
The following are planning principles for conditions must be taken into account.
submarine cable systems, which for the
purposes of this plan include power cable 4.4.4.3 Routing through border corridors
systems such as offshore transmission lines, Submarine cable systems which land in
cross-border submarine cable systems and Germany must in principle pass through the
interconnections. The following planning border corridors N-I to N-V and O-I to O-V
principles 4.4.4.5, 4.4.4.6, 4.4.4.8 and 4.4.4.9 respectively, which are defined at the border
apply to submarine cable systems for in-park of the EEZ and the 12 sm zone.
cabling
Cross-border submarine cable systems must
Summary also pass through the border corridors N-VI
to N-XV and O-I to O-XIII defined at the border
Highest possible bundling in the sense of to the EEZ and the 12 sm zone.
parallel guidance
Cross-border submarine cable systems
Distance for parallel laying: 100 m; 200 m which do not land in Germany should not be
after every second cable system routed through the border corridors N-I to N-
Guided tour of border corridors V due to the very limited available routes in
the territorial sea.
Right-angled intersection of priority and
reserved areas Shipping 4.4.4.4 Crossing of priority and reserved
Avoid crossings, if absolutely necessary, areas shipping
then at right angles; Priority and reserved areas defined for
navigation in the EEZ spatial plan should be
Gentle laying method
crossed by submarine cable systems by the
Coverage shortest possible route, if parallel routing to
existing structures is not possible.
Reduction of sediment warming
(compliance with 2 K criterion) 4.4.4.5 Crossings
Consideration of nature reserves and Intersections of submarine cable systems
legally protected biotopes should be avoided as far as possible, both
among themselves and with other existing
pipelines and submarine cables existing or
4.4.4.1 Bundling
defined under this plan. If intersections
When laying submarine cable systems, the cannot be avoided, they shall be constructed
aim is to achieve the greatest possible in accordance with the state of the art and as
bundling in the sense of parallel routing. In perpendicular as possible.
addition, the route should be as parallel as
possible to existing structures. 4.4.4.6 Gentle laying procedure
26 Guidelines and basic principles
In order to protect the marine environment, a
Deviations from non-variable planning
method of laying submarine cable systems
principles must be applied for in the
should be chosen that is as gentle as
respective individual approval procedure.
possible.
Each deviation must be justified in the
individual approval procedure for each
4.4.4.7 Coverage
planning principle in a comprehensible and
In determining the permanent coverage of plausible manner. Compliance with the legal
submarine cable systems, particular requirements in the individual approval
attention will be paid to the protection of the procedure must be demonstrated. In
marine environment, shipping, defence, particular, the following shall be presented
fisheries and system security. and submitted for review:
4.4.4.8 Sediment warming - Justification of each deviation for each
When laying submarine cable systems, planning principle and demonstration of
potential adverse effects on the marine compliance with the legal requirements
environment caused by cable-induced - Presentation of possible implications for
sediment warming are to be reduced as far as public and private interests and concerns
possible. The so-called "2 K criterion", which
- Consideration of the economical and
defines a maximum tolerable temperature
sparing use of the area within the meaning of
increase of the sediment by 2 degrees
§ 4 para. 2 WindSeeG
(Kelvin) at a sediment depth of 20 cm, is to be
observed as a precautionary value for nature
conservation. Planning horizon
4.4.4.9 Consideration of nature
Determination of the expected
conservation areas and legally
protected biotopes generation capacity
When laying submarine cable systems, 4.7.1 Aim of the generation capacity
possible adverse effects on the marine determination
environment should be minimised. To this
end, the submarine cable systems should be 4.7.2 Methodology of generation capacity
laid outside nature conservation areas determination
wherever possible.
The power density of a wind farm (expressed in
Known occurrences of legally protected MW/km²) results from the ratio of the nominal
biotopes pursuant to Article 30 BNatSchG power of the WTG to its base site, which is
are to be avoided when laying submarine spanned by the external WTGs. The power
cable systems. density is therefore the determining parameter
for determining the generation capacity in
Possibilities deviations advance on any given site. The distance of the
individual WTGs from each other is the main
4.5.1 Standardised technology principles factor influencing the power density. In the
Figure 1 the methodology of the power
4.5.2 Planning principles determination, which is further described in the
following, is shown schematically. The
Guidelines and basic principles 27
methodology is equally applicable to the North Calculation of the buffer distance x
Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs.
1
Site = ∙ ∙ ∙ ∗
4
Determination of the corrected power density p*
Rotor diameter in m
Determining the corrected area A* specific output of the WTG in Watt
/ m² rotor area
Calculation of the expected output to be installed
∗ corrected power density in
MW/km²
Plausibility check
Figure 1: Schematic representation of the methodology of the
generation capacity determination Table 2: Input parameters for calculating the corrected site
Parameters Value
4.7.2.1 Determination of the corrected
Corrected power density site-specific
power density Rotor diameter 220 m
Specific power of the WTG 400 W/m²
4.7.2.4 Plausibility check of the expected
generation capacity
4.7.3 Power density in zone 3
Table 3: Power density to be applied
Site category Power density to
be applied
(corrected)
[MW/km²].
Figure 2: Representation of the corrected site A* in relation to the
Sites in zones 1 and 2 10
nominal site A (Prognosis, 2019)
In case of strong shading by 9,5
surrounding wind farms
4.7.2.2 Power density in zones 1 and 2
Sites in zone 3 8
4.7.2.3 Determination of the corrected site
28 Guidelines and basic principles
background information: Trailing effects of offshore wind farms
What are lag effects?
The capacity utilisation of a wind farm (usually measured in full load hours) depends not only on
the wind conditions but also on various factors, e.g. the technical design of the wind turbine (ratio
of rotor area to rated power), the availability of the turbines or the operating concept. The wind
turbine extracts kinetic energy from the air flow during power generation and also ensures that the
air layers are swirled in the wake of the turbine. These so-called wake effects ensure that less
kinetic energy is available to a leeward plant - thus reducing the utilization of the plant. The kinetic
energy is regenerated by an exchange of flow with neighbouring air layers. These effects have
been the subject of scientific studies for some time and are already being taken into account in the
planning of offshore wind farms. Calculation models used so far are well suited to calculate the
internal shading losses within a wind farm and assume that the complete kinetic regeneration of
the air flow up to a maximum of 30 km in the wake of a wind turbine has taken place. However,
current findings from research projects based on measurements of wind speeds in the German
Bight show that in individual situations there are wake patterns of wind farm clusters with a range
of 50 km and more (Platis, et al., 2018). Apparently, the prevailing flow conditions, especially the
stability of the wind flow, have a significant influence on the range of the wake effects.
What new findings are there?
Current research projects aim to improve the calculation models in order to enable these long-
range wake effects to be taken into account when planning offshore wind farms. As there is little
experience with the large-scale expansion of offshore wind energy to date, this makes it difficult to
reliably quantify the possible losses in future wind farms. In various research projects, including
(Platis, et al., 2018), (Snowman, Rott, Dörenkämper, Steinfeld, & Kühn, 2020) and (Agora
Energiewende et al., 2020) the effects of long-range wake effects on the efficiency of offshore wind
farms were investigated using measurement campaigns and various calculation models. Among
other things, a clear correlation between power density and the expected losses due to wake
effects was shown. Within the scope of the measurement campaigns, long-range wake effects
were proven, but these were always individual situations. Within the scope of these measurement
campaigns, significantly shorter wake effects were also recorded under similar wind conditions.
Further research is needed for a reliable estimation of the influence of long-range wake effects on
the energy yield.
What influence does the size of the wind farm have on efficiency?
There is a significant correlation between the amount of yield losses due to wake effects and the
size of the wind farm and the distance between the turbines. The larger the area or its power
density (i.e. the number of turbines per unit area), the greater the amount of kinetic energy that is
extracted from the air flow and the lower the kinetic energy available to the turbines in the wake.
What does this mean for determining the expected generation capacity in zone 3?
As explained in Section 4.7.2.1 when determining the expected installed capacity, the objectives
of increasing installed capacity and cost efficiency mentioned there must be weighed up against
each other while ensuring the efficient use and capacity utilisation of interconnectors. For this
purpose, in the following section a determination of areas and grid connections with a power
Guidelines and basic principles 29
density of 9 MW/km² to be applied analogous to the FEP 2019 and a power density of 8 MW/km²
to be applied will be carried out as an example and these determinations will be reviewed with
regard to the mentioned objectives.
Name Year of Available
Criteria for determining the site commissionin transmissio
and the chronological order of g n capacity
their tendering Nordsee
NOR-3-3 2023 658,25 MW
For the determination of the sites in the FEP and (DolWin6/kappa
the chronological order of their tendering, the )
WindSeeG specifies criteria to be applied in § 5 Ostsee
Para. 4. The overall objective of the --
specifications is to ensure that the expansion of
offshore wind turbines and the associated
connection systems on these sites is carried out 4.8.2.2 Criterion 2: Orderly and efficient
in parallel and that the existing connecting lines planning, construction,
are used efficiently and at full capacity. This will commissioning, use and utilisation
ensure that all offshore wind turbines are of the offshore connecting lines
connected in time and vacancies on the with commissioning from 2026
connecting lines are avoided. In this way, the
expansion of the use of wind energy is to be 4.8.2.3 Criterion 3: Proximity to the coast
carried out as cost-efficiently as possible. When
4.8.2.4 Criterion 4: Conflicts of use on a
applying the criteria specified in section 5 para 4
site
sentence 2 WindSeeG, this objective and the
general objective of the Act to ensure a steady 4.8.2.5 Criterion 5: Expected actual
and cost-efficient expansion of the use of buildability of a site
offshore wind energy must always be taken into
account. The list in sentence 2 is not exhaustive. 4.8.2.6 Criterion 6: Expected generation
capacity to be installed
4.8.1 Methodology of applying the criteria
4.8.2.7 Criterion 7: Balanced expansion
4.8.2 Description of the criteria to be between North Sea and Baltic Sea
applied
4.8.2.8 Additional criterion coastal sea:
4.8.2.1 Criterion 1: Efficient use and Actual availability of site
utilisation of the offshore
connecting lines with
commissioning by the end of 2025
Table 4: Existing network connection systems or those confirmed
unconditionally in the O-NEP with commissioning by the end of
2025 and available transmission capacity
30 Rules
5 Rules located in zone 2, while the areas N-9 to N-13,
which are located in zone 3 of the O-NEP, have
been extended in a north-western direction in
Areas for the installation and
accordance with the concept for the revision and
operation of offshore wind further development of the spatial plans. The
turbines concept provides for an adaptation of the priority
According to § 5 para. 1 no. 1 WindSeeG, the and reserved area shipping (shipping route 10)
FEP contains definitions of areas for the to the real shipping traffic. This extension is
construction and operation of offshore wind reflected in all three planning options (A - C) and
turbines. is accordingly also reflected in this preliminary
draft of the FEP. Accordingly, in this draft, the
A total of 13 areas in the North Sea EEZ and
areas are extended in a north-western direction
three areas in the Baltic Sea EEZ for offshore
by about 7.5 km to about 8.5 km. Reference is
WTGs are currently identified in this plan, with
made to chapter 2.6.1.2
areas N-4 and N-5 under consideration for
possible subsequent use. The areas are Table 1: Overview of areas for offshore wind energy
numbered N and O for the North Sea and the Area Size Zone
Baltic Sea respectively and 1 to 13 for clarity. [km²] classification of
the O-NEP
The definition and delimitation of the areas is
North Sea
based in particular on the provisions of spatial
N-1 approx. 79 1
planning and the consideration of other public
N-2 approx. 223 1
and private interests. With regard to spatial N-3 approx. 311 1
planning, in addition to the valid 2009 spatial N-4 approx. 152 1
plan, the changes resulting from the concept for N-5 approx. 125 2
updating the spatial plans published and N-6 approx. 249 2
consulted in January 2020 were also taken as a N-7 approx. 163 2
basis. Further information can be found in N-8 approx. 124 2
chapter 2.6.1.2). N-9 approx. 454 3
N-10 about 197 3
Overviews of approved uses and protected N-11 approx. 355 3
areas as well as areas defined by spatial N-12 approx. 494 3
planning can be found in BFO-N 16/17 (Chapter N-13 approx. 270 3
12) and BFO-O 16/17 (Chapter 11). Reference Baltic Sea
is made to Chapter 8 of the FEP 2019. The O-1 approx. 134 1
definition of the areas was largely taken over O-2 approx. 83 1
from the O-NEP or the BFO. The areas N-1 to N- O-3 approx. 30 1
4 and all areas of the Baltic Sea are located in
zone 1 of the O-NEP. The areas N-5 to N-8 are
Rules 31
Figure 1: Areas in the German North Sea EEZ
Figure 2: Areas in the German Baltic Sea EEZ
32 Rules
utilisation of offshore connecting lines, and to
5.1.1 Definition of areas and sectoral
plan, construct, commission and use offshore
planning framework
connecting lines in parallel with the expansion of
In principle, the existing spatial plans for the
electricity generation from offshore wind
EEZs set the framework mainly for the definition turbines.
of areas. The spatial plan for the North Sea EEZ
is based on the spatial plan adopted by the Pursuant to section 5 subsection (3) sentence 3
Regulation of 21 September 2009 (see Figure WindSeeG, the admissibility of an area is initially
27). For the Baltic Sea EEZ, the spatial plan assumed if the area is located in a cluster
adopted by the Regulation of 10 December 2009 defined by the BFO under section 17a EnWG or
applies (see Figure 28). The priority and in a priority, reserved or suitable area of a
reserved areas for shipping, lines, research and regional development plan under section 17
wind energy were taken into account in the subsection (1) sentence 1 ROG. This means that
selection and definition of the 13 areas in the the permissibility of the designation of areas for
North Sea EEZ and the three areas in the Baltic offshore wind energy only has to be reviewed if
Sea EEZ. In accordance with the requirements additional or other significant aspects are
of the spatial plan, no areas for wind energy in identified or if the review needs to be updated
nature conservation areas or naval exercise and deepened.
areas were defined (see Figure 31 and Figure According to section 5 subsection (3) sentence
32). In addition to the valid 2009 spatial plan, the 2 no. 5b WindSeeG, the designation of areas or
changes resulting from the concept for updating surfaces outside of clusters 1 to 8 in the North
the spatial plans published and consulted in Sea and clusters 1 to 3 in the Baltic Sea of the
January 2020 were also taken as a basis. More BFO or areas or surfaces in territorial waters
detailed information can be found in Chapter designated by a coastal state is inadmissible.
2.6.1.2. This does not apply under section 5 (3) sentence
Furthermore, the definition of the areas is based 2 no. 5b WindSeeG if insufficient areas and sites
on the clusters defined in the BFP, which cannot be established in these clusters, areas
essentially continue to apply. The BFO-N 2012 and sites in territorial waters to achieve the
already identified 13 clusters for offshore wind expansion target under section 4 no. 2b EEG.
energy and described the reasons why other However, it should be noted that the WindseeG-
areas are not eligible for offshore wind energy E adopted by the Cabinet on 3 June 2020
use, cf. Chapter 4.2 BFO-N 2012. This was provides for an increased expansion path for
further elaborated in BFO-N 13/14. Reference is offshore wind energy of 20 gigawatts by 2030
made in this context to the explanations in and 40 GW by 2040 (section 1(2) WindSeeG-E).
Chapter 4.2 BFO-N 13/14. In the course of the identification and
In addition to the spatial planning framework assessment of the areas, the following
conditions, the statutory objectives under Article comments on the individual areas have
4 (2) WindSeeG-E also play a decisive role in the essentially either revealed no new findings
location and selection of areas. These objectives compared with the clusters identified in the BFO,
are to achieve the expansion targets under so that there is nothing to prevent their
section 1 (2) sentence 1 WindseeG-E (20 GW by identification in the FEP on the basis of the
2030 and 40 GW by 2040), to expand electricity information currently available, or additional
generation from offshore wind turbines in a significant identifiable aspects or updates and
spatially ordered and space-saving manner, to more detailed assessments have confirmed the
ensure the orderly and efficient use and capacity identification of the clusters in the BFO.
Rules 33
With regard to areas N-4 and N-5, reference is Furthermore, the definition of areas for achieving
made to the following, to chapters 4.12.4, 5.2 the expansion path of 20 GW by 2030 (§ 1 (2)
and 6.3.2.2 of the draft North Sea Environmental WindSeeG-E) is currently not necessary and it is
Report and to FEP 2019. not apparent that the definition of areas north-
east of shipping route 10 would lead to fewer
Although the criteria set out in section 5 (4)
conflicts of use than the definitions made since
sentence 2 nos. 1 to 7 WindSeeG, such as the
the BFO 2012.
orderly and efficient planning, construction,
commissioning, use and capacity utilisation of
5.1.2 The areas in detail
the offshore connecting lines still to be
Area N-1 is located between the traffic
completed, the spatial proximity to the coast and
conflicts of use according to the wording of the separation areas "German Bight Western
Act are to be applied to the definition of areas Approach" and "Terschelling German Bight".
Bordering the area to the south is the nature
and the order in which they are put out to tender,
but since the areas are located within the areas, reserve "Borkum Riffgrund", to the east is the
the areas are already defined in terms of their priority area 3 for shipping, which is defined by
purpose with regard to the criteria to be applied spatial planning. On the western side of the area
runs the EEZ border with the Netherlands. The
to areas or are examined not only for additional
or other significant identifiable aspects and for area lies in the spatially defined priority area for
updates and deepening, but also, in particular, wind energy "North of Borkum". The area is
with regard to the spatial proximity to the coast expected to be fully developed by the end of
(criterion 3) and the existence of conflicts of use 2025.
(criterion 4). Area N-2 lies directly north-east of the nature
With a view to the cost-efficient development of reserve "Borkum Riffgrund" and is bordered in
wind energy, the development of areas close to the north-eastern area by the pipeline "Norpipe".
the coast should be started and the distance to It is bordered to the south and north by the
the coast should be gradually increased. The shipping areas parallel to the traffic separation
areas. The same applies to the eastern side. The
zoning of the oceans according to the O-NEP (cf.
Figure 2 and Figure 3) is used as a benchmark area is located in the priority area for wind
for the distance to the coast. If zone 4 in the energy "North of Borkum", which has been
North Sea EEZ develops, the crossing of defined by regional planning. The area is
expected to be fully developed by the end of
shipping route 10 will result in a significant
extension of the necessary connection systems. 2025.
In addition, the area northwest of shipping route Area N-3 is also located between the two traffic
10 would have to be examined with regard to its separation areas to the west of the priority area
suitability for wind energy. The available data for pipelines "Europipe 2" defined by regional
and information basis for this area of the outer planning. The western half of the area is located
EEZ is significantly poorer than for the area of in the priority area for wind energy "North of
the FEP designated areas. The current AIS data Borkum" as defined by regional planning. The
evaluations show possible conflicts with shipping "Europipe 1" pipeline runs through the area in a
even outside the shipping route defined by north-easterly direction and is secured by
spatial planning. In this respect, reference is corresponding priority and reserve areas for
made to the update of the spatial plan for the pipelines. The area is expected to be partially
North Sea EEZ. However, conflicts with shipping developed by the end of 2025, see Figure 11.
in this area cannot be ruled out at this stage.
34 Rules
Area N-4 is located north of Helgoland. On the conservation area. The area lies entirely within
eastern side, it borders on the bird sanctuary the main concentration area of divers.
"Eastern German Bight" and on Area II of the
The N-5 area has been reduced in size
nature reserve "Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern
compared to the designation of cluster 5 in the
German Bight". The area corresponds to the
BFO, as the "Butendiek" wind farm project in
priority area for wind energy "Süd-lich
operation is located in the "Sylt Outer Reef -
Amrumbank" as defined in the regional
Eastern German Bight" nature reserve. The
development plan. The area is largely located in
designation of this eastern part of cluster 5 as an
the main concentration area of divers and is
area would be impermissible with regard to
almost completely built-up. It is expected that the
possible subsequent use under § 5 (3) sentence
area will be fully developed by the end of 2025.
2 no. 5a WindSeeG. This also results from
According to current knowledge, the N-4 area is Objective 3.5.1 (3) of the North Sea EEZ ROV.
seasonally important for divers. Therefore, the The "Butendiek" project is presented for
N-4 area will not be defined and will be reviewed information.
for subsequent use.
In addition, the area now exclusively comprises
The analysis and assessment of cumulative the operational projects "Dan Tysk" and
impacts of offshore wind farms on divers showed "Sandbank" compared to the designation of
that the avoidance effects and thus habitat loss cluster 5 in BFO-N 2012-17. The area is under
for divers are far more pronounced (GARTHE et review for possible subsequent use due to its
al. 2018, BioConsult SH et al. 2020) than great importance for divers. Reference is made
originally assumed in the decisions on individual to the implementation in the environmental
approval procedures of the BSH and in the report chapter 4.6 and 5.2. Environmental
position paper of BMU (2009). Report North Sea.
A concrete statement on the approved operating The reason for the area's need for examination
life of the OWP projects in operation in area N-4 with regard to possible subsequent use is that,
or possible measures within the framework of pursuant to § 8 (3) WindSeeG, provisions on
implementation is not associated with the subsequent use can be made within the
presentation of area N-4 under review with framework of a continuation of the FEP beyond
regard to a possible subsequent use, but is 2030. According to the explanatory
reserved for the respective procedure. The same memorandum to the Act, it can only be
applies to the project which falls under the determined whether the project areas of the wind
provisions of the transitional regime. The farms in operation which become free at that
treatment of this issue is reserved for the time are either to be used for the generation of
approval procedure. electricity from wind energy at sea and a new
invitation to tender is to be issued for this area or
Reference is made to Chapters 4.12.4, 5.2 and
whether these areas are no longer to be used for
6.3.2.2 of the draft North Sea Environmental
this purpose. A statement on the approved
Report and to the comments on Area N-5 and
operating period of the OWP projects in
FEP 2019.
operation in area N-5 or any measures within the
In addition, reference is made to the following framework of implementation is not associated
comments on Area N-5. with the presentation of area N-5 under
Area N-5 lies west of Sylt in or on the edge of the examination with regard to a possible
"Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern German Bight" nature subsequent use, but is reserved for the
respective procedure.
Rules 35
Area N-6 is located north of the traffic separation Area N-11 is bordered by shipping routes 4, 5
area "German Bight Western Approach". In the and 6, the cross-border sea cable system
eastern direction, the area is bounded by the "NorNed" and the nature conservation area
reserved area Shipping 12 and in the northern "Sylter Außenriff - Östliche Deutsche Bucht".
direction by the shipping route 6. The EEZ
Area N-12 is delimited by shipping routes 4 and
border with the Netherlands runs west of the
10 and the cross-border sea cable system
area. The area is expected to be partially
"NorNed". For navigation route 10 (see
developed by the end of 2025, see Figure 11.
background information in chapter 2.6.1.2), the
Area N-7 is located north of the VTG "German situation from the published and consulted
Bight Western Approach". It is bordered to the concept for updating the spatial plans is taken as
west by the shipping area 12 and to the north- a basis.
east by the pipeline area ("Norpipe"). The area is
Area N-13 is 6limited by shipping route 10 and
expected to be partially developed by the end of
the nature reserve "Sylter Außenriff - Östliche
2025, see Figure 11.
Deutsche Bucht" as well as the main distribution
Area N-8 lies within the priority area "Östlich area divers. For shipping route 10 (see
Austerngrund" wind energy, as defined in the background information in chapter 2.6.1.2), the
regional development plan. To the south-west situation from the published and consulted
the area is bounded by the area reserved for concept for updating the spatial plans is used as
pipelines ("Europipe 1"), to the east by shipping a basis.
route 5. To the north the area is bounded by the
Area O-1 ("Westlich Adlergrund") is located
existing wind farms. In the northern part of the
northeast of the island of Rügen on the border
area, the area is bounded to the west along the
with the Danish EEZ. The area is located north
NorNed interconnector. The area is completely
of the nature reserve "Pomeranian Bay -
built-up, see Figure 11.
Rönnebank" and north of priority area 21 for
Area N-9 is delimited by shipping routes 6 and shipping. To the west of the area is priority area
10 and the area reserved for pipelines 20 for shipping, and on the eastern side runs the
('Norpipe'). For navigation route 10 (see EEZ border with Denmark. The area includes the
background information in chapter 2.6.1.2) the priority area "Westlich Adlergund", which has
situation from the published and consulted been defined by regional planning. The area is
concept for the updating of the spatial planning expected to be partially developed by the end of
is used as a basis. 2025, see Figure 3 and Figure 12.
Area N-10 is located between shipping routes 4, Area O-2 ("Lake Arkona") is located northeast of
6 and 10 and the reserved area of the pipeline the island of Rügen. The area is bordered to the
('Europipe 1'). For shipping route 10 (see north and east by priority areas 19 and 20 for
background information in chapter 2.6.1.2), the shipping. The southern boundary of the area
situation from the published and consulted results from the route of the data cable "Baltica
concept for updating the spatial plans is taken as Segment 3". In the west, the area is bordered by
a basis. a priority area for research. The area is expected
to be partially developed by the end of 2025, see
6 To protect the divers, the distance to the main distribution
area corresponds to the habitat loss of 5.5 km.
36 Rules
Figure 3 and Figure 12. For further information, Priority Area 19 for shipping and to the east by
please refer to Chapter 5.2.2. NATO submarine search areas. This area
encloses the priority area for wind energy
Area O-3 ("Kriegers Flak") is located northwest
"Kriegers Flak" and is fully developed. Reference
of the island of Rügen. The area is bordered to
is also made to the admissibility check in
the north by the Swedish EEZ border, to the west
Chapter 8.3.
by the Danish EEZ border, to the south by
Rules 37
Table 2: Summary overview of the areas in the FEP 2019
[A revision is made in the draft of the FEP 2020].
Area Cluster At present, additional considerable recognizable aspects compared to
designation the designation of clusters in the BFO (§ 5 para. 3 sentence 3
in the BFO WindSeeG)
Currently discernible conflicts of use
North Sea
N-1 Yes No
N-2 Yes No
N-3 Yes No
N-4 Yes Location in the main distribution area divers.
(re-use under Location in the main distribution area of harbour porpoises.
examination)
N-5 (re-use Yes Reduction of the designated Cluster 5 to the operating OWPs "Dan Tysk" and
under "Sandbank". The "Butendiek" project is presented for information purposes as a
examination ) wind farm due to its location within the protected area.
Location in the main distribution area divers.
Location in the main distribution area of harbour porpoises.
N-6 Yes No
N-7 Yes No
N-8 Yes No
N-9 Yes No
N-10* Yes No
N-11 Yes No
N-12* Yes No
N-13* Yes Location in the main distribution area of harbour porpoises.
Baltic Sea
O-1 Yes Bird migration
O-2 Yes Bird migration
Conflicts of use with research areas.
O-3 Yes Area has been reduced in size compared to the designated cluster.
Bird migration
* The areas have been enlarged to the north-west compared to the designated clusters.
N-3.6 approx. 33 66 kV
Sites for the construction and N-3.7 approx. 17 155 kV1)
operation of offshore wind N-3.8 approx. 23 155 kV1)
turbines N-42) - - -
N-52) - - -
5.2.1 Determination of sites N-6 N-6.6 approx. 44 66 kV
Table 3: Overview of areas and sites for offshore wind energy
N-6.7 approx. 16 66 kV
N-7 N-7.2 approx. 58 66 kV
Area Site Size of Connection N-8 - - -
site [km²] concept N-9 N-9.1 approx. 100 66 kV
North Sea N-9.2 approx. 105 66 kV
N-1 - - - N-9.3 approx. 105 66 kV
N-2 - - - N-9.4 approx. 101 66 kV
N-3 N-3.5 approx. 29 66 kV N-10 N-10.1 approx. 96 66 kV
38 Rules
N-10.24) approx. 93 66 kV 2023 and will therefore be connected using the 155 kV
Baltic Sea connection concept.
2) Sites N-4 and N-5 are under consideration for possible
O-1 O-1.3 approx. 25 66 kV
subsequent use. Reference is made to chapter 5.1
O-2 O-2.25) approx. 20 - 4) The sites N-10.2 is not fully required to achieve 20 GW.
O-3 - - - 5) The determination of the site O-2.2 is questionable.
1) Sites N-3.7 and N-3.8 will be connected to the NOR-3-3 Reference is made to chapter5.1.2,5.2.2 and 8
connection system, which will go into operation as early as
Rules 39
North Sea
Figure 3: Areas and sites in the German North Sea EEZ
Figure 4: Sites in areas N-3, N-6, N-7, N-9 and N-10 in the German North Sea EEZ
40 Rules
Baltic Sea
Figure 5: Areas and sites in the German Baltic Sea EEZ
Rules 41
5.2.3 Relevant criteria for deciding against Expected generation capacity
the establishment of an site Table 5: Overview of the power expected to be installed on the
Table 4: Overview of the relevant criteria for the decision against a sites for offshore wind turbines
zoning
Area Site Expected
Area Site Decisive criteria for the generation
decision against a capacity [MW]
determination of a site North Sea
North Sea
N-3.5 420
N-5 - Criterion 4
N-3.6 480
N-8 - Criterion 2 N-3
N-3.7 225
Baltic Sea
O-11) - Criteria 4 and 6 N-3.8 433
O-21) O-2.2 Criteria 2, 4 and 6 N-6.6 630
N-6
1) Reference is made to Chapter 6, which shows available N-6.7 270
grid connection capacities for pilot wind turbines in areas O- N-7 N-7.2 930
1 and O-2. For information on possible conflicts of use, N-9.1 1.000
please refer to chapter 8, the draft of the environmental
N-9.2 1.000
reports and FEP 2019 and its environmental reports. N-9
Whether and where exactly the construction and operation N-9.3 1.000
of pilot offshore wind energy turbines is permitted will be N-9.4 1.000
decided solely by the approval procedure for pilot offshore
N-10.1 1.000
wind energy turbines to be carried out later. N-10
N-10.21) 1.0001)
Baltic Sea
O-1 O-1.3 300
1) The N-10.2 site is not fully required for 20 GW.
5.3.1 Plausibility check of the expected
generation capacity
42 Rules
Specifications for the territorial sea
Figure 13: Areas submitted by Mecklenburg-Vorpommern for possible designation and the test site in the territorial sea
5.4.1 Need for an administrative agreement
5.4.2 Areas for the installation and
operation of offshore wind energy
turbines
5.4.3 Sites for the installation and
operation of offshore wind energy
turbines
5.4.4 Specifications on the test site
Rules 43
Chronological sequence of
tenders for the sites
5.5.1 Chronological sequence of tenders
for the sites
Table 6: Overview of the chronological order of sites to be tendered using criteria 1 to 8
Calendar year Calendar year Site Network Expected Total expected
Tender including the designation connection generation generation capacity
quarter of system capacity [MW]
commissioning [MW]
N-3.7 NOR-3-31) 225
2021 QX 2026 N-3.8 NOR-3-31) 433 958
O-1.3 OST-1-41) 300
2022 QX 2027 N-7.2 NOR-7-21) 930 930
N-3.5 NOR-3-21) 420
2023 QX 2028 900
N-3.6 NOR-3-21) 480
N-6.6 NOR-6-31) 630
N-6.7 NOR-6-31) 270
2024 QX 2029 2.900
N-9.1 NOR-9-11) 1.000
N-9.2 NOR-9-11) 1.000
N-9.3 NOR-9-21) 1.000
N-9.4 NOR-9-21) 1.000
2025 QX 2030 4.000
N-10.1 NOR-10-11) 1.000
N-10.22) NOR-10-11) 1.000
Total target system 9.688
Expected stock 2025 10.800
Projected stock in 2030 20.488
1) Reference is made to the confirmation of the network development plan 2019-2030 and to the preparation, review and
confirmation of the network development plan 2021-2035
2) The N-10.2 site is not fully required for 20 GW.
5.5.2 Representation of the review of the
time sequence based on references
to offshore connecting cables, grid
connection points and the network
44 Rules
Calendar year of commissioning
for offshore wind turbines and
connecting lines
Table 7: Overview of calendar years of commissioning for offshore
connecting lines, taking into account the notes listed in Chapter 5.5
Name Calendar year Transmission
including capacity [MW]
quarter of the
commissioning
year
OST-1-4 QX 2026 300
NOR-7-2 QX 2027 9301)
NOR-3-2 QX 2028 900
NOR-6-3 QX 2029 900
NOR-9-1 QX 2029 2.000
NOR-9-22) QX 2030 2.000
NOR-10-12) QX 2030 2.000
1) It should be noted that for the transmission capacity for
the NOR-7-2 offshore connection line, it is assumed that,
with an expansion target of 20 GW, there is no limitation by
a statutory expansion path of 700 to 900 MW per tender
year. (see Chapter 5.2)
2) It is noted that the NEP 2019-2030 has confirmed two
connecting lines (NOR-10-1 and NOR-12-1) for the German
North Sea EEZ for the calendar year of commissioning
2030, subject to future consideration of the sites to be
developed in an update of the FEP. However, since sites in
the extended areas N-9 and N-10 are to be defined, the
connecting lines NOR-9-2 and NOR-10-1 would be
necessary. Reference is made to the preparation,
examination and confirmation of the NEP 2021-2035.
Locations of converter
platforms, collection platforms
and substations
Routes or route corridors for
offshore connecting lines
Rules 45
Gates to coastal waters
5.9.1 Current status
5.9.2 Definition of border corridors to the
territorial sea
Table 13: Overview of the use of the border corridors
Border Sea cable system
corridor
N-I (1) NOR-1-1/DolWin5
(2) NOR-8-1/BorWin3
(3) NOR-2-3/DolWin3
(4) COBRAcable
N-II (1) NOR-7-1/BorWin5
(2) NOR-3-1/DolWin2
(3) NOR-2-2/DolWin1
(4) NOR-2-1 (alpha ventus)
(5) NOR-6-1/BorWin1
(6) NOR-6-2/BorWin2
(7) NOR-3-3/DolWin6
(8) NOR-3-2
(9) NOR-6-3
(10) NOR-9-2
N-II (1) NOR-9-1
(2) NOR-10-1
(1) Sea cable system to Norway
(2) Sea cable system to UK
(3) Sea cable system to UK
N-V (1) NOR-7-2
N-IV (1) NOR-4-2/HelWin2
(2) NOR-4-1/HelWin1
(3) NOR-5-1/SylWin1
(4) NordLink
O-I (1) OST-1-1 / Ostwind 1
(2) OST-1-2 / Ostwind 1
(3) OST-1-3 / Ostwind 1
(4) OST-2-1 / Ostwind 2
(5) OST-2-2 / Ostwind 2
(6) OST-2-3 / Ostwind 2
(7) OST-1-4
(8) OST-2-4 (under examination)
(9) Sea cable system to Denmark
(10) Sea cable system to Denmark
(11) Sea cable system for the development of other energy
production areas SEO-1
O-II (1) OST-2-1
O-III (1) OST-3-1
(2) OST-3-2
(3) Sea cable system to Schweden
46 Rules
(4) Sea cable system to Schweden
(5) Sea cable system to Denmark
O-IV (1) Kontek
(2) Sea cable system to Danmark
O-V (1) Sea cable system to Danmark
O-XIII (1) Sea cable system to Danmark
overall system, i.e. in particular with regard to the
Routes and route corridors for
connecting lines for OWPs.
cross-border power lines
On the basis of TYNDP 2018 (cf. Chapter 2.5.4)
For the purposes of this plan, cross-border
and the ENTSO-E System Needs Report on
power lines are submarine cable systems which
TYNDP 2018 (ENTSO-E AISBL, 2018), routes or
run through at least two countries bordering the
route corridors are to be spatially secured for the
North Sea or the Baltic Sea.
following possible cross-border power lines.
5.10.1 Current status Under this plan, nine additional cross-border
Several cross-border power lines run through power lines will be identified in the North Sea
the German North Sea EEZ. On the one hand, EEZ. Three of them are planned to connect to a
there is an operational cross-border submarine landing in Germany. All three of them start on the
cable system called "NorNed", which connects border corridor N-III in Lower Saxony.
Norway and the Netherlands. Furthermore, the The submarine cross-border cable system to
"COBRAcable" project linking the Netherlands Norway, which starts at border corridor N-III,
and Denmark is in operation. In addition, the runs parallel to "Europipe 2", shipping route 4 to
NordLink project, a link between Norway and shipping route 10 and from there, at the border
Germany, is in operation in the German EEZ. of areas N12 and N13, to border corridor N-VI.
The "Viking Link" project linking Denmark to the
UK was approved. The other two cross-border submarine cable
systems arriving in Germany lead to Great
The German EEZ of the Baltic Sea is also Britain. Both routes start at border corridor N-III
crossed by cross-border power lines in and then run parallel to "Europipe 2" in a
operation: "Kontek" (linking Denmark and northerly direction to the southern edge of
Germany) and "Baltic Cable" (linking Sweden shipping route 2. The two routes separate here.
and Germany). Furthermore, the cross-border From there, one route runs west to the crossing
submarine cable system called "Kriegers Flak of "Europipe 1" and then parallel to the "Norpipe"
Combined Grid Solution" is in operation. This pipeline or along the western EEZ border to
project links Denmark and Germany by border corridor N-XI. The other route runs north
connecting a Danish OWP project with a of the N-1, N-2 and N-3 areas and continues
German OWP project. west to border corridor N-XV.
5.10.2 Definition of routes and corridors for A cross-border system is planned to connect the
cross-border electricity lines converter platform in area N-1 with neighbouring
OWPs in the Netherlands. This leads from the
This plan is intended to secure the spatial
converter platform in area N-1 westwards
integrity of routes or route corridors for possible
through border corridor N-XV.
cross-border power lines in order to ensure that
in future the existing and planned cross-border In addition, four other cross-border submarine
submarine cable systems fit into a coordinated cable systems are planned which can only cross
Rules 47
the German EEZ and connect the Netherlands with a reduced distance of 350 m and 450 m to
with Denmark or Norway. Three routes run on the wind farm respectively, in order to minimise
both sides of the shipping route 10 and connect interference with the overlaying submarine
the border corridors N-VI and N-XIV as well as diving area. From border corridor O-I, two cross-
N-VII and N-XIII. One system is planned in border undersea cable systems are also planned
parallel to "Viking Link". Another system will in the direction of Bornholm, which will run
connect the border corridors N-X and N-XIII, parallel to the existing connection lines to border
which will run largely parallel to the Norpipe and corridors O-X and O-XI. With regard to border
then run along the EEZ border to the border corridor O-X, it is pointed out that it is located on
corridor N-XIII. the edge of a submarine diving area and that, for
reasons of national and Alliance defence
In the Baltic Sea EEZ, eight routes for cross-
security, a route should also be taken in the
border submarine cable systems will be laid out,
Danish area outside this NATO exercise area.
connecting the German territorial sea with the
Danish and Swedish EEZs. One system each is A further system is planned parallel to
planned in the area of the Fehmarn Belt crossing "NordStream 1" or between "NordStream 1" and
(O-V to O-VI) and parallel to "Kontek" (O-IV to O- "Nord-Stream 2" and connects the border
VII). Another system to Denmark leads from corridors O-XII and O-XIII.
border corridor O-III to border corridor O-VIII.
A route from Poland to Denmark does not seem
Also in border corridor O-III, two systems
possible at the moment due to existing
towards Sweden start, which lead to border
restrictions within the German EEZ.
corridor O-IX parallel to the "EnBW Windpark
Baltic 2" wind farm. These are planned in the
area of the "EnBW Windpark Baltic 2" wind farm
48 Rules
Figure 21: Cross-border submarine cable systems in the German North Sea EEZ
Figure 22: Cross-border submarine cable systems in the German Baltic Sea EEZ
8.4.3 Definition of border corridors for border corridors. It also does not indicate
cross-border electricity lines whether a conflict-free route in all directions is
The routes planned in the FEP must be able to possible in foreign areas.
be sensibly routed through the territorial sea or
Therefore, the border corridors in this plan are
the EEZs of neighbouring countries to the NVPs.
defined in close coordination with the coastal
The border corridors serve as places where the
countries and neighbouring states. In those
connecting pipelines cross the border between
areas in which it is possible according to the
the EEZ and the territorial sea or with
current state of knowledge, border corridors are
neighbouring countries. For the area of the North
defined in the transition area to the coastal sea
Sea EEZ, this concerns the territorial sea of
for the bundling of submarine cable systems,
Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein and the
through which all submarine cable systems
EEZs of the Netherlands, Great Britain and
landing in Germany are to be routed. In this way,
Denmark. In the Baltic Sea, this applies to the
the cable systems are to be concentrated at
territorial sea of Schleswig-Holstein and
these points as far as possible and bundled for
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the EEZs
further diversion towards the NVP. With regard
of Denmark, Sweden and Poland. The border
to the designation of the border corridors to the
corridors are defined with a standard width of 1
territorial sea, reference is made to Chapter 5.9.
km, unless existing restrictions lead to different
Reference is made to planning principle 4.4.4.3.
dimensions. This width does not indicate
whether, when and how many submarine cable The border corridors N-VI to N-XV and O-VI to
systems are to be routed through the respective O-XIII at the outer border of the EEZ serve the
Rules 49
purpose of bundling possible cross-border In border corridors O-IX and O-X, interference
submarine cable systems which are not yet with the submarine diving areas Bravo 2-5 used
known in terms of their specific route, in or by NATO must be reduced as far as possible. A
through the German EEZ. The border corridors route outside these areas is to be aimed for.
are based on existing plans for cross-border
Further co-ordination of the border corridors N-
submarine cable systems and wind farms as well
VI to N-XV and O-VI to O-XIII for cross-border
as on the pipelines and data cables already laid.
submarine cable systems with the riparian states
In defining the border corridors, the known plans
is to take place within the framework of updates
for OWPs in neighbouring countries were also
of the FEP, the respective regional development
taken into account in order to enable the
plans or the respective approval procedures.
development of a sea-wide network. Border
corridor N-XV was extended to the extent that Reference is made to Figure 21 and Figure 22.
submarine cables north of the Dutch wind farms
can be routed to the border corridor.
50 Rules
Table 14: Overview of border corridors and routes for cross-border power lines identified in the FEP
Cross border corridor Cross border corridor Country A Country B
A B
Nordsee
N-III N-VI Germany Norway
N-III N-XI Germany UK
N-III N-XV Germany UK
N-VI N-XIV Denmark / Norway Netherlands
N-VII N-XIII Denmark / Norway Netherlands
N-VIII N-XII Denmark UK
N-X N-XIII Norway Netherlands
NOR-1-1 N-XV Germany, Area N-1 Netherlands
Ostsee
O-V O-VI Germany Denmark
O-IV O-VII Germany Denmark
O-III O-VIII Germany Denmark
O-III O-IX Germany Schweden
O-III O-IX Germany Schweden
O-I O-X Germany Denmark
O-I O-XI Germany Denmark
O-XIII O-XII Germany n.n.
Rules for pilot offshore wind turbines 51
Routes and route corridors for Spatial requirements
connections between
Summary
installations
Table 8: Overview of train paths defined in the FEP for
- installation of pilot wind turbines only in areas
connections between installations defined under 5.1
Platform A Platform B - Compliance with the planning principles
North Sea
NOR-9-1 NOR-9-2
Baltic Sea Technical conditions and
- - requirements for grid connection
Summary
6 Rules for pilot offshore - Agreement or consent with or from affected
wind turbines third parties, e.g.
- OWP projects for the use of the
Available grid connection transformer platform and for the spatial
capacities and technical integration in its projects
Table 16: Grid connection capacities available - Neighbouring OWP projects
for pilot wind turbines
- Responsible TSO, e.g. to check that
Connecting line Available grid the connecting line is operated in
connection capacities conformity with the approval (e.g.
for pilot wind turbines
compliance with 2K criteria) and to
North Sea distribute the power in case of several
NOR-2-2 88 MW three-phase submarine cable systems
/DolWin1/alpha
NOR-2-3 50 MW - Interface agreement with OWP promoter or
/DolWin3/gamma TSO for connection to the platform
NOR-3-3 ca. 58,25 MW
/DolWin6/kappa
NOR-4-2 /HelWin2/beta 15 MW 1)
NOR-6-2 /BorWin2/beta 14,4 MW
Baltic Sea
OST-1-3 5 MW
OST-2-1 3 MW
OST-2-3 23,75 MW
1) As the 62 MW capacity available on the NOR-4-2
connection system (HelWin2/beta) is partly released for the
NOR-7-2 connection system to be built at the Büttel grid
connection point, the grid connection capacity available for
pilot wind turbines in area N-4 is reduced to 15 MW.
52 Areas for other forms of energy generation
7 Areas for other forms of examined whether it is also possible to designate
additional areas, e.g. in zones 4 and 5 (cf.
energy generation background information in Chapter 2.6.1.2). Due
to the limited space in the EEZ, competition
Call for tenders for other forms between grid-bound and off-grid energy
of energy generation production may arise.
For a better overview, the areas for other forms
Planning approval of other forms of energy generation are designated with the
of energy generation plants letters SEN or SEO for other energy generation
areas in the North Sea and Baltic Sea and
Definition of areas for other numbered consecutively.
forms of energy generation The area for other forms of energy generation
Two other areas for other forms of energy SEO-1 is under review due to possible conflicts
generation are identified under this plan. These of use with regard to nature conservation issues,
are areas which are too small to be connected to in particular bird migration. Reference is made to
the grid. Due to the proximity of the coast, the the comments on area O-2 in Section 5.2.2.
areas in distance zones 1 to 3 should initially be
Name Position Size Distance
reserved for grid-bound energy production. to shore
EEZ North
In this preliminary draft, two areas in zones 1 and SEN-1
Sea
ca. 28,8 km² Zone 2
2 are therefore put up for discussion. SEO-1
(under EEZ Baltic
In the longer term and taking into account the ca. 7,8 km² Zone 1
examination Sea
continuation of spatial planning, it can be )
Areas for other forms of energy generation 53
North sea
Figure 23: Areas for other forms of energy generation in the North Sea EEZ
SEN-1 borders northeast on the offshore wind option from a geographical point of view in
farms "EnBW Hohe See", "Albatros" and "Global relation to the capacity of a standard connection
Tech 1". The "NorNed" interconnector also runs in the North Sea with 2 GW transmission
roughly through the middle of the area. To the capacity. This is particularly true in view of the
west, north and east, the area is also bordered limited number of possible route corridors in the
by shipping routes. North Sea when crossing the territorial sea. In
order to achieve the medium- and long-term
The construction of own cables and pipelines to
expansion targets for offshore wind energy, the
transport energy or energy sources from another
available corridors, especially in the North Sea,
energy production area in the German North Sea
should be reserved for grid-bound wind energy.
EEZ is excluded for the other energy production
This also applies to a greater extent to the
area SEN-1 defined here. One of the reasons for
construction of a private pipeline with
this is that the possibility to construct a separate
comparatively low transmission capacity, which
power cable, e.g. to connect a land-based
would require even more space due to the
electrolysis plant to the area for other forms of
greater distances involved.
energy generation, is an inefficient connection
54 Areas for other forms of energy generation
Baltic Sea
Figure 24: Areas for other forms of energy generation in the Baltic Sea EEZ
SEO-1 (under review) is bounded to the north by operator of the area. Consistency of the
the "Baltica Segment 3" data cable, to the east specifications with private and public interests
by the OST-2-4 connection system under
review, to the south by a shipping route and to
the west by a research reserve area.
The area for other forms of energy generation
SEO-1 is under examination due to possible
conflicts of use with regard to nature
conservation issues, in particular bird migration.
Reference is made to the comments on area O-
2 in Chapter 5.2.2.
In the event that the SEO-1 (under review) is to
be connected by a submarine cable system, a
possible route for the development of the area
will be spatially secured on the basis of the
consultation of the preliminary draft. This would
have to be constructed and operated in
accordance with the legal requirements by the
Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns 55
8 Conformity of the rules The admissibility of the specifications was
examined by the state of Mecklenburg-Western
with private and public Pomerania for the coastal waters of
concerns Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Please see
the environmental report of the Mecklenburg-
According to section 5 subsection 3 of the Western Pomerania spatial development
WindSeeG, spatial specifications are programme (LEP-MV) with regard to the threat
inadmissible if there are overriding opposing to the marine environment.
public or private interests. A catalogue lists the
particular concerns involved. If any of these Legal grounds for exclusion
reasons for exclusion exists, a specification is
inadmissible in any case. The list of concerns is 8.1.1 Compliance with spatial planning
not exhaustive.7 Individual concerns must be requirements
weighed against each other where there is Any provisions that fail to comply with spatial
competition between them. planning requirements according to section 17
For the specification of sites and areas according subsection 3 of the Federal Spatial Planning Act
to section 5 subsection 1 nos. 1 and 2 of the are inadmissible. This will then involve the land
WindSeeG which are located in a cluster defined use aspects of the specifications according to
by the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan (BFO) under regional criteria. According to section 3
section 17a of the Energy Industry Act, or in a subsection 1 No. 1 of the Federal Spatial
priority, reserved or designated area of a Spatial Planning Act, the requirements of spatial
Plan according to section 17 subsection 3 planning represent the generic term for spatial
sentence 1 of the Federal Spatial planning Act, planning objectives, principles and other
the admissibility of the specification need only be requirements of spatial planning. According to
examined if additional or other significant section 4 subsection 1 No. 1 of the Federal
aspects are discernible or if updates and in- Spatial Planning Act, the spatial planning
depth examinations are required (cf. section 5 objectives must be observed in regionally
subsection 3 sentence 3 of the WindSeeG). significant planning operations and measures,
and other requirements of spatial planning must
The background to this is that when examining
be taken into account in balancing or
the specifications of the clusters in the Spatial
discretionary decisions.
Offshore Grid Plan and priority, reserved or
designated sites in the Spatial Plans for the The Spatial Plans for the German Exclusive
North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs, a balancing Economic Zone in the North and Baltic Sea
decision was already made in accordance with EEZs8 for the first time specify spatial planning
the applicable provisions in which the concerns objectives and principles for this region with
were weighed against and among one another. regard to economic and scientific use, ensuring
the safety and ease of shipping traffic and
7 Cf. BT DrS 18/8860 of 21 July 2016, draft bill of the 8 Appendix volume to Federal Law Gazette I No. 61 of 25
CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups, draft bill on the September 2009, annex to the Ordinance on Spatial
introduction of calls for tenders relating to renewable Planning in the German Exclusive Economic Zone in the
energies and further amendments to the law on renewable North Sea; appendix volume to the Federal Law Gazette I
energies, p. 273. No. 78 of 18 December 2009, annex to the Ordinance on
Spatial Planning in the German Exclusive Economic Zone
in the Baltic Sea.
56 Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns
protection of the marine environment. Guidelines Landscape planning) were extended to the area
for spatial development are formulated and of the German EEZ and the continental shelf in
objectives and principles are defined, in accordance with section 56 subsection 1 of the
particular areas for uses and functions. The Federal Nature Conservation Act. This means
Spatial Plan defines coordinated specifications that in particular, the requirements of statutory
for the individual uses and functions of shipping, biotope conservation (section 30 of the Federal
extraction of raw materials, pipelines and subsea Nature Conservation Act), European
cables, scientific marine research, wind power conservation of natural habitats (section 34 of
generation, fisheries and mariculture, and the Federal Nature Conservation Act) and
protection of the marine environment. special wildlife conservation (sections 44 ff. of
the Federal Nature Conservation Act) must be
The specifications of the draft were reviewed to
observed. The corresponding examinations
ensure that they are compliant with the spatial
were carried out as part of the Strategic
planning objectives and principles.
Environmental Assessment and presented in the
The spatial plans for the exclusive economic environmental reports. For assessment of the
zone are being updated. The first draft plan is risk to the marine environment, reference is
expected to be published by the end of made to chapters 7.3 to 7.6, the environmental
September 2020. The stipulations made in this reports and, for specifications based on previous
context will be observed and taken into account sectoral plans, the environmental reports for the
in the updating of the FEP, see also Chapter Spatial Offshore Grid Plan, in particular the
2.6.1.2. environmental report on the Spatial Offshore
Grid Plan for EEZ 2016/17.
8.1.2 No hrisk to the marine environment
According to section 5 subsection 3 sentence 2 8.1.3 No negative impact on safety or ease
no. 2 of the WindSeeG, specifications that of traffic
endanger the marine environment are Specifications that effect the safety and ease of
inadmissible. traffic are also inadmissible according to section
In this context, the existing provisions of specific 5 subsection 3 sentence 2 no. 3 WindSeeG.
legislation, i.e. above all those relating to wildlife In defining the areas, the requirements of the
conservation and conservation of natural spatial plans were observed and taken into
habitats, as well as the assessments with regard account. Changes to the areas defined in the
to likely significant environmental effects within BFO result primarily from the published and
the scope of the Strategic Environmental consulted concept for updating the spatial plans
Assessment, establish the fact of the threat to and are based on the shipping route 10 defined
the marine environment. therein. As matters related to navigation were
Reference is made to the maps in chapter 0 for otherwise already examined within the
the representation of the area. framework of the preparation and updating of the
BFO, a renewed examination of the areas and
Under Art. 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation sites pursuant to section 5 para. 3 sentence 3
Act (BNatSchG),9 all instruments of nature WindSeeG is generally not necessary or is not
conservation (with the exception of chapter 2:
9
Act dated 29 July 2009, Federal Law Gazette. I No. 51 p.
2542, last amended by article 1 of the Act dated 15
September 2017, Federal Law Gazette I p. 3434.
Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns 57
required in accordance with the following and Baltic Sea. Therefore, areas and sites are
explanations, except for the definition of areas N- not specified in nature conservation sites.
9 to N-13 and individual definitions.
8.1.6 No location outside the areas and
For the examination of the spatially modified
sites designated in BFO clusters or
areas N-9 to N-13, reference is made to Chapter
by coastal states
8.5, 2.6.1 and to the procedure for updating the
spatial plans for the EEZ. The specification of areas or sites outside
clusters 1 to 8 in the North Sea and clusters 1 to
8.1.4 No impairment of the security of 3 in the Baltic Sea of the BFO, or the areas or
national and Alliance defence sites designated by a coastal state in coastal
waters, are inadmissible according to section 5
According to section 5 section 3 subsection 4
subsection 3 sentence 2 no. 5b WindSeeG. This
WindSeeG, the security of national and Alliance
does not apply if sufficient areas and sites
defence must not be impaired by any
cannot be defined in these clusters, areas and
specifications.
sites in order to achieve the expansion target
The definitions of the areas in the North Sea and according to section 4 no. 2b of the Renewable
Baltic Sea were largely adopted from the clusters Energy Sources Act (15 GW in 2030). Since the
already defined in the BFO for the North Sea and first sentence of Article 1 (2) WindSeeG-E plans
Baltic Sea. Area O-3 was reduced to the actual to increase the expansion targets to 20 GW by
built-up area due to national and alliance 2030 and to a total of 40 GW by 2040, these
defence concerns. The routing of submarine expansion targets are taken as a basis.
cable systems in submerged submarine areas
With this regulation, connection of the new
will be avoided as far as possible. In the case of
system to previous sectoral planning with the
border corridor O-IX, the planned routing will be
BFO is ensured. In particular, expansion of the
carried out with reduced distances in the area of
use of offshore wind energy should initially take
the wind farm's safety zone. Issues related to
place in the clusters already examined in more
national and alliance defence have already been
detail and in the coastal area designated by a
examined within the framework of the
country. The opening clause ensures that
preparation and updating of the BFO, so that a
planning can go beyond the stated BFO clusters
renewed examination of the areas and sites
and areas and sites in coastal waters if this is
according to § 5 para. 3 sentence 3 WindSeeG
necessary in order to achieve the expansion
will probably not be necessary for the time being,
objective.
except for isolated specifications.
8.1.5 No location in a legally designated
protected area
Section 5 subsection 3 sentence 2 no. 5
WindSeeG stipulates that specifications of areas
or sites in protected sites designated in
accordance with section 57 of the Federal
Nature Conservation Act are inadmissible. The
specifications of the areas in the North Sea and
Baltic Sea were largely taken from the clusters
already defined in the BFOs for the North Sea
58 Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns
Other public and private memorandum – were a private interest, there is
interests no right to specify a site or a certain site layout.
In addition to the reasons for exclusion expressly Insofar as the conditions for the right of entry
listed in section 5 subsection 3 sentence 2 according to §§ 39 ff. WindSeeG, it is relevant
WindSeeG, a number of other concerns are that the right of entry in accordance with § 39
relevant within the framework of the review of the WindSeeG can be assigned a predominant
Site Development Plan specifications according share (at least 50 %) for the subsequent exercise
to section 5 subsection 3 sentence 1 WindSeeG. of the right of entry. This means that within the
These include, among others, other uses such framework of the FEP it is relevant whether the
as planned and existing data cables, pipelines existing project overlaps more than 50 % with the
and mining activities, the concerns of the fishing area defined in the FEP. If this is the case, the
industry, health and safety at work, cultural later right of entry - if the prerequisites are met -
heritage, disaster control, the economic costs of exists for the entire site.
constructing and operating wind farms, and the In the event that several existing projects have a
economic costs of constructing and operating right of entry - assuming the conditions are met -
offshore connecting lines. only the one which overlaps more than 50% of
The latter is also taken into account in the the FEP site has the right of entry. If this is the
specification of the sites and the chronological case, the later right of entry - assuming the
order of their tendering via criterion 1 of efficient conditions are met - applies to the entire site.
use and utilisation of the connecting lines and In the event that an site is not defined in the FEP,
criterion 2 of efficient planning, construction and even though the prerequisites for a right of entry
use of the connecting lines still to be completed in accordance with §§ 39ff. WindSeeG may
in accordance with section 5 subsection 4 exist, reference is made to Chapter 8.9 of FEP
sentence 2 nos. 1 and 2 WindSeeG. This also 2019.
applies to the geographical proximity to the coast
according to section 5 subsection 4 sentence 3 As a basis, planning principles were introduced
no. 3 WindSeeG, which influences the costs of in order to prevent hazards to the marine
the offshore connecting line. The operational environment, impairments to safety and ease of
costs are included in the specifications of the traffic, and impairments to safety and ease of
draft via the criteria of geographical proximity to national and Alliance defence, and to mitigate
the coast, the expected actual these to such an extent that there are no
impairments or hazards. Besides the general
The interests of existing projects that have not principles, the planning principles also
been awarded contracts in the tendering specifically concern areas and sites, platforms
procedures are not private or public interests and subsea cable systems (see chapter 4.4).
which preclude specification.10 This is indicated
by the wording of section 5 subsection 3 The requirements of spatial planning are taken
sentence 2 WindSeeG, which lists the concerns up by the following planning principles in the
with a potential degree of involvement and does FEP:
not mention the right of subrogation. Even if the
right of subrogation – contrary to the explanatory
10 Cf. BT DrS 18/8860 of 21 June 2016, draft bill of the introduction of tenders from renewable energies and further
CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups, draft bill on the amendments to the law on renewable energies, p. 273.
Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns 59
- Consideration of regulatory standards,
specifications and concepts
- Emission mitigation
- the principle of overall coordination of
construction and laying work over time - Economic area use
- the objective of respecting nature - Bundling of subsea cable systems
conservation areas and taking legally
- Bundling of subsea cable systems in the
protected biotopes into account
sense of parallel routing
- the objective or principle stating that the
- Careful installation
safety and efficiency of shipping must not be
compromised - Covering
- the objective of dismantling wind turbines, - Mitigation of sediment heating (compliance
subsea cables and pipelines with 2 K criteria)
- the objective of taking into account all The following planning principles serve to
existing and authorised uses prevent impairments to the safety and efficiency
of shipping:
- the principle of taking into account locations
where cultural assets have been found - Overall chronological coordination of
installation works
- the principle of economic area use
- No negative impact on safety and efficiency
- the principle of bundling of subsea cable
of shipping
systems
- Dismantling of wind turbines, subsea cables
- the objective of crossing the priority areas by
and pipelines
the shortest route
- Bundling of subsea cable systems in the
- the objective of ensuring that shipping traffic
sense of parallel routing
crosses priority and reservation areas by the
shortest possible route - Ensuring that shipping traffic crosses priority
and reservation areas by the shortest
- the principle of least intrusive laying
possible route
procedures
- Consideration of regulatory standards,
The following planning principles concern
specifications and concepts
threats to the marine environment:
- Perpendicular crossing of shipping priority
- Overall chronological coordination of
and shipping reservation areas
installation works
- Preventing crossings; any crossings should
- Consideration of nature conservation areas
be as perpendicular as possible
and regard to legally protected biotopes
- Accessibility of platforms with ships
- Dismantling of wind turbines, subsea cables
and pipelines - Careful installation
- Consideration of locations of cultural assets - Covering
- Noise mitigation As regards air traffic, a planning principle has
been introduced stating that the safety and ease
- Minimisation of scour and cable protection
of air traffic must not be compromised.
60 Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns
The following planning principles serve to With regard to military training areas, there are
prevent impairment of the safety and ease of overlaps with specifications of areas in the draft.
national and Alliance defence Thus areas N-3, N-4, O-1, O-2 and large parts of
O-3 are located within military training areas. As
- No interference with the security of national
the areas have already been defined as clusters
and alliance defence
with the BFO North Sea and Baltic Sea, and
- Consideration of all existing and approved partly as priority areas for wind energy in the
usages Spatial Plan for the North Sea, and no additional,
- Dismantling of wind turbines, subsea cables other significant or new aspects are discernible,
and pipelines admissibility according to section 5 subsection 3
sentence 3 of the WindSeeG does not need to
- Covering be re-examined for the time being.
- Installation of sonar transponders For the N-4 area, data are available, particularly
With regard to other public and private concerns, from the monitoring results of the OWPs
health and safety at work concerns are included operated and from research projects, which call
via the planning principle of compliance with into question the designation of the N-4 area for
official standards; as are data cables and possible subsequent use, so that the area is
pipelines via the planning principle that involves under review in this respect.
taking existing and approved uses into For details, please refer to Chapter 5.1.2.
consideration.
In area N-5, the existing wind farm "Butendiek"
Admissibility of the specification is presented for information. Pursuant to section
of areas 5 (3) sentence 2 no. 5a WindSeeG, designation
as an area or surface would be impermissible
The specifications of areas in the North Sea and with regard to any subsequent use, as this area
Baltic Sea were largely taken from the clusters is located in the "Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern
already defined in the BFOs for the North Sea German Bight" nature conservation area. This
and Baltic Sea. As related issues have already also results from Objective 3.5.1 (3) of the North
been examined within the framework of the Sea EEZ ROV. In addition, compared to the
preparation and updating of the BFO, re- designation of cluster 5 in BFO-N 2012 - 17, the
examination according to section 5 subsection 3 area now only includes projects in operation, as
sentence 3 WindSeeG is generally not required. additional significant aspects have become
Updating or consolidation of the examination is apparent in accordance with section 5 (3)
probably not necessary beyond the aspects sentence 3 WindSeeG.
described below, due to the last update which
took place as recently as the end of 2017. For reasons of nature conservation and
environmental law, the area N-5 is under review
This applies, in particular, to the designation of with regard to a possible subsequent use for
areas N-9 to N-13 in accordance with the offshore wind energy. For details, please refer to
explanations given in Chapter 5.1 and 2.6.1.2. section 5.1.2.
The designated areas are in any case outside Furthermore, the definition of the areas is not
the priority and reservation areas for shipping impermissible under section 5 (3) sentence 2 no.
traffic and outside nature conservation areas. 5b WindSeeG, which stipulates that areas and
sites must be located within clusters 1 to 8 of the
North Sea and 1 to 3 of the Baltic Sea as defined
Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns 61
by the BFO. The definition of areas and sites in area of divers corresponds to 5.5 km of habitat
the North Sea and Baltic Sea was largely loss due to aversive activities, in order to protect
adopted from the clusters already defined in the grebes. For this reason, no threat to the marine
BFO for the North Sea and Baltic Sea. This also environment is initially assumed (see
does not apply if these clusters, areas and land Environmental Report Chapters 4.5.1, 4.6.1,
cannot be sufficiently defined in order to achieve 5.1.2, 5.2.2 and 6).
the expansion targets of 20 GW by 2030 and a
In order to counteract a threat to national and
total of 40 gigawatts by 2040 pursuant to section
alliance defence due to a military exercise area
1(2) sentence 1 WindSeeG-E.
located in the eastern part of Area O-3, Area O-
Although areas N-9 and N-10 lie outside clusters 3 was reduced in the eastern part to the area of
1 to 8 of the BFO for the North Sea, a designation the existing "Baltic 2" wind farm.
of areas in areas N-9 and N-10 with areas N-9.1,
N-9.2, N-9.3, N-9.4, N-10.1 and N-10.2 is Admissibility of specification of
necessary to ensure that the expansion target the sites
pursuant to section 1 (2) sentence 1 WindSeeG-
The specified sites are outside the priority and
E is achieved (cf. Chapter 8.1.6)
reserved areas for shipping and outside nature
The areas N-11, N-12 and N-13 listed in the reserves. Please refer to Section 8.3 for the
Annex for an enhanced expansion path until location of individual areas in military training
2035 are also located outside of clusters 1 to 8. areas.
They would be necessary to achieve an
With regard to the permissibility of defining site
enhanced expansion target.
N-3.7, reference is made to FEP 2019 (Chapter
As regards the identification of areas N-11 and 7.4).
N-13, concerns were expressed in the context of
According to the current state of knowledge, an
the establishment of the FEP 2019 and were
extension of area N-5 for the use of offshore
repeated during the consultation on the 2020
wind energy beyond the OWPs "Butendiek",
draft. In their comments during the consultation
"Dan Tysk" and "Sandbank" in operation at the
on the draft FEP 2019, BMU and BfN recently
time of this review and specifically with regard to
pointed out that clusters 13 and 11 are also of
the site N-5.4 described in the drafts of FEP
great importance for harbour porpoises (main
2019 under review is not compatible with the
distribution area of harbour porpoises from May
prohibition under Section 44 para. 1 no. 2 of the
to August) and for sea and resting birds as a
Federal Nature Conservation Act. The exclusion
resting and feeding habitat as well as a wintering
of site N-5.4 is based on the extent of the
habitat. If necessary at all, clusters 9 and 10
cumulative adverse impacts of OWPs already
should be developed by OWPs first, followed by
identified from the area of the main concentration
cluster 12 (cf. BMU statement of 25 June 2018
of divers in the German North Sea EEZ. The
and BfN statement of 14 June 2018).
observed loss of 19% of the food and resting
As the development of the areas in zone 3 will habitat within the main concentration area, which
be necessary to implement the expansion path, is valuable for the conservation of the local grebe
this was taken into account in the FEP update / population, in connection with the statistically
amendment by initially defining areas only for significant decrease in the abundance of grebes,
areas N-9 and N-10. The N-13 area has been prohibits a possible increase of the area of
adjusted compared to the FEP 2019 in such a intervention for reasons of species protection of
way that the distance to the main concentration the grebe species.
62 Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns
This also applies against the background of the issues has become apparent, which makes
independent study on divers in the German other areas (e.g. areas in area 9) more suitable
North Sea now available, commissioned by the for the expansion of offshore wind energy. For
German Offshore Wind Energy Association details, reference is made to the explanations in
(BIOCONSULT SH et al., 2020). The study Chapters 5.1.2, 5.2.2 of the FEP and Chapters
confirms the findings from research and 4.12.4, 5.2.2.1 and 6.3.2.2 of the draft North Sea
monitoring on the functional importance of the Environmental Report, as well as to the FEP
main concentration area and the extent of the 2019 and the corresponding environmental
avoidance effects on divers caused by offshore reports.
wind farm projects (GARTHE et al. 2018), on
With regard to the area O-1.3, concerns were
which the FEP 2019 was based. In addition,
expressed by GDWS in its statement on FEP
calculated numbers and developments of the
2019 and the draft FEP 2020 regarding a
stock are qualitatively and quantitatively
possible hazard to shipping. These can be
comparable to the stock calculations of the FTZ
clarified by further investigations, not only by a
(SCHWEMMER H, 2019). As a result, the
risk analysis but also by nautical, traffic and
species protection assessment of the area N-5.4
shipping police investigations. This will be
from the environmental report of the FEP 2019
presented and evaluated within the scope of the
remains valid.
suitability test. The definition of the area O-2.2 is
In accordance with the precautionary principle currently still being examined. The background
under Article 3 UVPG, and in order to exclude a to this is the concerns about the risks to shipping
significant disturbance within the meaning of and the marine environment due to bird
Article 44 para. 1 No. 2 BNatSchG with the migration (see Chapter 5.2.2 and Environmental
necessary degree of certainty, further Report for the Baltic Sea Chapters 4.12.5 and
cumulative effects from the construction of 5.2.2.1).
further offshore wind turbines in area N-5 must
be avoided. Admissibility of further
Due to the considerable cumulative effects on designations
the stock of divers resulting from the realisation The locations of platforms, routes and route
of further wind farm projects in the main corridors for offshore connecting lines, as well as
concentration area, which cannot be excluded, for cross-border power lines, for possible
there is already a threat to the marine connections between or among the turbines,
environment within the meaning of Article 5 para. locations where the connecting lines cross the
3 sentence 2 no. 2 WindSeeG - irrespective of boundary between the EEZ and coastal waters,
the question of admissibility under species and standardised technical and planning
protection law. One of the reasons for this is that principles are also examined with regard to
the main concentration area is an important whether they are admissible under section 5
functional component of the marine environment subsection 3 sentence 2 WindSeeG.
with regard to seabirds and resting birds. For this
According to BfN reports, the grid connections
reason, the designation of area N-5.4 is not
leading through border corridor N-I run on a
permitted.
sandbank, which is a legally protected biotope
In addition, a conflict of use in accordance with under Article 30 BNatSchG. This does not cause
section 5 (4) sentence 2 no. 4 WindSeeG any significant impairment of the biotope. In area
between the use of offshore wind energy and N-2 there are available grid connection
nature conservation and environmental law capacities for pilot wind energy plants. According
Summary consideration 63
to BfN reports, the southern part of area N-2 is Assessment has shown that this is not likely to
also on the sandbank. The determination of have any significant environmental impacts (see
available grid connection capacities is not a Chapter 6.5.1 of the Environmental Report for
subject of the inadmissibility review according to the North Sea and Baltic Sea).
the list of § 5 (3) sentence 1 WindSeeG. Apart
With regard to the test site, Land M-V confirmed
from this, however, the specification would not
that all public and private interests were
cause any significant impairment of the biotope
comprehensively examined in the procedure for
(see North Sea Environmental Report, Chapter
the adoption of the Land spatial development
6.2.1). Whether and where exactly the
programme.
construction and operation of pilot wind energy
plants at sea is permissible is solely decided by The other energy generation area SEO-1 is
the approval procedure for pilot wind energy under examination with regard to nature
plants at sea to be carried out later. conservation issues, in particular bird migration
The route for the NOR-7-2 connection system is 9 Summary consideration
currently only up to the border corridor N-V.
Depending on the route in the territorial sea, [will be executed after consultation]
intersections of existing connection systems
10 Summary environmental
north of border corridor N-IV in the EEZ may be
necessary. The route in this area is currently declaration and monitoring
being coordinated. measures
Two cross-border submarine cable systems
[will be executed after consultation]
cross the "Doggerbank" nature reserve from
border corridor N-XI to border corridor N-XIV and
from border corridor N-XII to N-III. In the Baltic
Sea, cross-border undersea cable systems run
from border corridor O-XII to border corridor O-
XIII through the "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank"
nature reserve and from border corridor O-V to
border corridor O-VI through the "Fehmarn Belt"
nature reserve. The Strategic Environmental
64 Bibliography
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Waterways Engineering and Research Institute on behalf of the Directorate-General for
Waterways and Shipping - Northwest Branch.
Mendel, B., Schwemmer, P., Peschko, V., Müller, S., Schwemmer, H., Mercker, M., & Garthe, S.
(2019). Operational offshore wind farms and associated ship traffic cause profound changes
in distribution patterns of Loons (Gavie spp.). Journal of Environmental Management, S. 231:
429 – 438.
Petersen, I., Christensen, T., Kahlert, J., Desholm, M., & Fox, A. (2006). Final results of bird studies
at the offshore wind farms at Nysted and Horns Rev, Denmark. Commissioned by DONG
energy and Vattenfall A/S.
Platis, A., Siedersleben, S. K., Bange, J., Lampert, A., Bärfuss, K., Hankers, R., . . . Emeis, S. (01.
Februar 2018). First in situ evidence of wakes in the far field behind offshore wind farms.
Nature Scientific Reports.
Prognosis. (2019). Support for the establishment and continuation of the FEP: Future framework
conditions for the design of offshore wind farms and their grid connection systems - 2nd
interim report.
Pipey, K. (2018). Wind Energy Report Germany 2017. Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics
and Energy System Technology IEE.
Schmälter, A. (2017). Commentary on the Offshore Installations Ordinance. In Danner/Theobald,
Energy Law (p. § 7 SeeAnlV). Munich: C.H.Beck.
Schneemann, J., Rott, A., Dörenkämper, M., Steinfeld, G., & Kühn, M. (2020). Cluster wakes impact
on a far-distant offshore wind farm's power. Wind Energy Science(5), S. 29-49.
doi:https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-5-29-2020
Skov, H., & Prins, E. (2001). Impact of estuarine fronts on the dispersal of piscivorous birds in the
German Bight. Marine Ecology Progress Series 214, S. 279 – 287.
Bibliography 67
Transmission system operators. (19 December 2018). Common position of the transmission system
operators on the draft area development plan. Berlin, Dortmund, Bayreuth, Stuttgart.
Welcker, J., & Nehls, G. (2016). Displacement of seabirds by an offshore wind farm in the North Sea.
Marine Ecology Progress Series, S. 554: 173−182.
Wolf, R. (2004). Legal problems in the connection of offshore wind farms in the EEZ to the grid. ZUR,
65-74.
68 Annex: Maps (information purposes)
12 Annex: Maps (information purposes)
Figure 25: Shipping routes of the North Sea EEZ Spatial plan 2009 [will be updated in the final version taking into account the ongoing
update procedure of the spatial plans].
Figure 26: Shipping routes of the Baltic Sea EEZ Spatial plan 2009 [will be updated in the final version taking into account the ongoing
update procedure of the spatial plans].
Annex: Maps (information purposes) 69
Figure 27: North Sea EEZ Spatial plan 2009 [will be updated in the final version taking into account the ongoing process of updating the
spatial plans].
Figure 28: Baltic Sea EEZ Spatial plan 2009 [will be updated in the final version taking into account the current update procedure for the
spatial plans].
70 Annex: Maps (information purposes)
Annex: Maps (information purposes) 71
Figure 29: Designations submarine cables, pipelines, traffic separation areas (North Sea)
Figure 30: Designations submarine cables, pipelines, traffic separation areas (Baltic Sea)
72 Annex: Maps (information purposes)
Figure 31: National defence areas (North Sea)
Figure 32: National defence areas (Baltic Sea)
Annex: Maps (information purposes) 73
Figure 33: Areas for the erection and operation of offshore wind energy plants in the German North Sea EEZ and nature conservation
areas.
Figure 34: Areas for the erection and operation of offshore wind energy plants in the German Baltic Sea EEZ and nature conservation
areas.
74 Annex: Informational illustration of a long-term development path (scenario framework 2021-2035)
13 Annex: Informational areas against the background of the effects of
long-range wake effects. In addition, an
illustration of a long-term assessment of the spatial outline of the areas
development path requires the completion of the currently ongoing
update procedure of the spatial plans for the
(scenario framework 2021- German EEZ. In the context of this informative
2035) presentation, a range of 8 to 10 GW is therefore
initially assumed for the expected installed
The scenario framework for NEP 2021-2035 capacity for the areas N-11 to N-13. To connect
approved by the BNetzA on 26 June 2020 the corresponding areas, four to five additional
contains three probable paths (so-called grid connection systems would be required.
scenarios) for a development of the expansion of Although Table 17 does not provide any
offshore wind energy The scenario framework is information on the chronological order, it would
the basis for the preparation of the NEP pursuant probably start with areas in area N-12 before N-
to Article 12b EnWG for determining the 11 and N-13.
expansion requirement in the transmission grid
and is approved by the BNetzA after a To illustrate the scenario framework of NEP
consultation and review pursuant to Article 12a 2021-2035, additional areas and surfaces would
(3) EnWG. therefore be required in areas N-11 to N-13,
depending on the amount of power expected to
The middle scenario B 2035 of the scenario be installed. With regard to further potential
framework 2021-2035 envisages an expansion areas in zones 4 and 5, reference is made to the
of offshore wind energy of 30 GW by 2035. With update of the spatial plans for the German North
scenario B 2040, the scenario framework Sea and Baltic Sea EEZ.
contains an outlook beyond 2035 until 2040, with
the scenario being based on scenario B 2035 Reference is made to the challenges and
with regard to expansion until 2035. Scenario B prerequisites for the implementation of the
2040 envisages an expansion of offshore wind scenarios listed in FEP 2019.
energy of 40 GW by 2040. Furthermore, reference is made to the
In the procedure of the FEP 2019, it was preparation, review and confirmation of the NEP
requested with reference to the scenario 2021-2035.
framework 2019-2030 that the FEP should
present a corresponding scenario even before a
legal adaptation. In order to comply with this
requirement in the FEP update and for the
purpose of long-term planning, a long-term
scenario is presented here for information
purposes only, which gives an outlook on the
areas available in the N-11 to N-13 areas after
the target year 2030, without, however,
specifying concrete tender or commissioning
years.
As shown in Chapter 4.7.3, there is still a need
for further investigation to determine the
expected installed capacity for the N-11 to N-13
Annex: Informational illustration of a long-term development path (scenario framework 2021- 75
2035)
Table 17: Informative presentation of the sites potentially available in zones 1-3 beyond 2030 based on the scenario framework 2021-
2035 (30 GW by 2035)
Calender year Calender year Site Connection Expected Total expected
tender commissioning system installed power installed power
[MW] [MW]
N-12.1/N-12.2 NOR-12-1 2.000
N-12.3/N-12.4 NOR-12-2 2.000
after 2025 after 2030 N-11.1/N-11.2 NOR-11-1 2.000 8.000-10.000
N-13.1/N-13.2 NOR-13-1 2.000
ggf. N-11.3/N-12.5/N-13.3 ggf. NOR-11-2 ggf. 2.000
ca. 28.400-
Expected total potential in zones 1-3 30.4001)
1) Additional potential could result from the development of open spaces in area O-6. However, this is subject to the actual availability of
the land.
Draft environmental report for the draft
Site Development Plan 2020
for the German North Sea
Exclusive Economic Zone
Hamburg, 4 September 2020
II Inhalt
Content
1 Introduction 1
Legal basis and tasks of the environmental assessment 1
Brief description of the content and most important objectives of
the Site Development Plan 1
Relationship with other relevant plans, programmes and policies 1
Presentation and consideration of environmental protection
objectives 7
1.4.1 International conventions on the protection of the marine environment 7
1.4.2 Environmental and nature conservation requirements at EU level 8
1.4.3 Environmental and nature conservation requirements at national level 8
1.4.4 The Federal Government's energy and climate conservation aims 8
Strategic Environmental Assessment methodology 9
1.5.1 Introduction 9
1.5.2 Area of investigation 10
1.5.3 Carrying out the environmental assessment 11
1.5.4 Criteria for status description and assessment 14
1.5.5 Assumptions for discription and assessment of likely significant
environmental effects 14
1.5.6 Cumulative assessment 15
1.5.7 Interrelationships 16
1.5.8 Specific assumptions for the assessment of likely significant
environmental impacts 16
Data sources and indications of difficulties in compiling the
documents 20
1.6.1 Overview of data source 21
1.6.2 Indications of difficulties in compiling the documents 21
2 Description and assessment of state of the environment 25
Introduction 25
Soil/Area 25
2.2.1 Data availability 25
2.2.2 Geomorphology 25
2.2.3 Sediment distribution on the seabed 25
Inhalt III
2.2.4 Geological structure of the near-surface subsoil 25
2.2.5 Distribution of pollutants in the sediment 25
2.2.6 Status assessment 25
Water 25
2.3.1 Currents 25
2.3.2 Swell 25
2.3.3 Temperature, salinity and seasonal stratification 25
2.3.4 Ice conditions 25
2.3.5 Fronts 25
2.3.6 Suspended matter and turbidity 25
2.3.7 Status assessment with regard to nutrient and pollutant distribution 25
Plankton 26
2.4.1 Data availability 26
2.4.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of phytoplankton 26
2.4.3 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of zooplankton 26
2.4.4 Status assessment of plankton 26
Biotopes 26
2.5.1 Data availability 26
2.5.2 Legally protected marine biotopes according to section 30 of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act and FFH habitat types 26
2.5.3 Status assessment 26
Benthos 26
2.6.1 Data availability 26
2.6.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 26
2.6.3 Status assessment of the factor Benthos 26
Fish 26
2.7.1 Data availability 26
2.7.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 26
2.7.3 Status assessment of the factor Fish 26
Marine mammals 26
2.8.1 Data availability 26
2.8.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 26
IV Inhalt
2.8.3 Status assessment of the factor Marine mammals 26
Seabirds and resting birds 27
2.9.1 Data availability 27
2.9.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 27
2.9.3 Status assessment of seabirds and resting birds 27
Migratory birds 27
2.10.1 Data availability 27
2.10.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of migratory birds 27
2.10.3 Status assessment of the factor Migratory birds 27
Bats and bat migration 27
2.11.1 Data availability 27
2.11.2 Spatial distribution and status assessment 27
Biodiversity 27
Air 27
Climate 27
Landscape 27
Material assets, cultural heritage (archaeology) 27
Human beings, including human health 27
Interrelationships between the factors 27
3 Expected development in the event of non-implementation of
the plan 28
Soil/Area 29
Water 29
Plankton 29
Biotopes 29
Benthos 30
Fish 30
Marine mammals 30
Seabirds and resting birds 30
Migratory birds 30
Bats and bat migration 30
Biodiversity 30
Inhalt V
Air 30
Climate 30
Landscape 30
Material assets, cultural heritage (archaeology) 30
Human beings, including human health 30
Interrelationships between the factors 30
4 Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of
the implementation of the Site Development Plan on the
marine environment 31
Soil/Areas 31
4.1.1 Areas, sites and platforms 31
4.1.2 Subsea cable systems 31
Benthos 31
4.2.1 Areas and sites 31
4.2.2 Platforms 31
4.2.3 Subsea cable systems 31
Biotopes 31
4.3.1 Areas and sites 31
4.3.2 Platforms 31
4.3.3 Subsea cable systems 32
Fish 32
4.4.1 Areas and sites 32
4.4.2 Platforms 32
4.4.3 Subsea cable systems 32
Marine mammals 32
4.5.1 Areas and sites 32
4.5.2 Platforms 32
4.5.3 Subsea cable systems 32
Seabirds and resting birds 32
4.6.1 Areas and sites 32
4.6.2 Platforms 32
4.6.3 Subsea cable systems 32
VI Inhalt
Migratory birds 32
4.7.1 Areas and sites 32
4.7.2 Platforms 32
4.7.3 Subsea cable systems 32
Bats and bat migration 32
4.8.1 Areas and sites 32
4.8.2 Platforms 32
4.8.3 Subsea cable systems 32
Climate 32
Landscape 32
4.10.1 Areas and sites 32
4.10.2 Platforms 32
Interrelationships 32
Cumulative effects 32
4.12.1 Soil/area, benthos and biotopes 32
4.12.2 Fish 32
4.12.3 Marine mammals 32
4.12.4 Seabirds and resting birds 32
4.12.5 Migratory birds 32
Transboundary impacts 32
5 Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations 34
Marine mammals 34
5.1.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of killing and injury) 34
5.1.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of disturbance) 34
Avifauna (seabirds, resting birds and migratory birds) 34
5.2.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of killing and injury) 34
5.2.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of disturbance) 34
Bats 35
Inhalt VII
5.3.1 Section 44 subsection 1 nos. 1 and 2 of the Federal Nature
Conservation Act 35
6 Assessment of the implications 36
Legal basis 36
Assessment of the compatibility of the FEP with protected
species 38
6.2.1 Impact assessment pursuant to Article 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in
conjunction with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats Directive and under Article
5 (6) of the Ordinance on the Establishment of the "Borkum Riffgrund"
Nature Reserve 38
6.2.2 Impact assessment pursuant to Article 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in
conjunction with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats Directive and Article 5 (6) of
the Ordinance on the Establishment of the "Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern
German Bight" Nature Reserve with regard to marine mammals and
protected bird species 38
6.2.3 Impact assessment pursuant to Article 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in
conjunction with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats Directive and Article 5 (7) of
the Ordinance on the designation of the Doggerbank nature
conservation area 39
Natura2000 sites outside the German EEZ 39
Results of the impact assessment 40
7 Overall plan evaluation 41
8 Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative
effects of the Site Development Plan on the marine
environment 42
Introduction 42
Areas and sites for offshore wind turbines 43
Platforms 44
Subsea cable systems (DC and AC cable systems) 45
9 Investigated alternatives 47
Zero alternative 48
Strategic alternatives 48
Spatial alternatives 48
9.3.1 Alternative assessment for areas 48
9.3.2 Comparison of the sites with each other 48
9.3.3 Bypass sandbank Borkum reef ground 54
VIII Inhalt
Technical alternatives 57
10 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental
impacts 59
Monitoring of the potential effects of the areas and sites for
offshore wind turbines 61
Monitoring of potential effects of platforms 62
Monitoring of the potential effects of sea cables 62
11 Non-technical summary 64
12 References 83
Inhalt IX
List of figures
Figure 1: Overview of the staged planning and approval process in the central model. ................... 3
Figure 2: Overview of the protected assets in the environmental assessments. .............................. 4
Figure 3: Environmental assessments in the staged planning and approval process, with emphasis
on the assessment in question. ....................................................................................................... 2
Figure 4: Object of the planning and approval procedures, with emphasis on environmental
assessment..................................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 5: Overview of the priorities of environmental assessments in the planning and approval
process ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 6: Overview of the standards of the relevant legal acts for the SEA. .................................... 9
Figure 7: Definition of the area of investigation for the SEA for the Site Development Plan for the
North Sea EEZ. ............................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 8: General methodology for assessing the likely significant environmental effects. ............ 13
Figure 9: Alternative routes for gates N-IV and N-V. ..................................................................... 54
Figure 10: Alternative routes for connecting sites N-6.6, N-6.7, N-9.3 und N-9.4........................... 56
X Inhalt
List of figures
Table 1 Project-related effects of implementing the site development plan. .................................. 14
Table 2: Parameters for the consideration of areas and sites. ....................................................... 18
Table 3: Parameters for the consideration of network connections and platforms ......................... 18
Table 4: Parameters for the consideration of sea cable systems................................................... 20
Table 5: Site comparison using nature conservation criteria. ........................................................ 49
Table 6: Comparison of the route lengths for the variants via the sandbank versus bypassing the
Borkum Reef Ground sandbank. ................................................................................................... 56
Inhalt XI
List of abbreviations
AC Alternating current
AIS Automatic Identification System (for ships)
ASCOBANS Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas
AWI Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
BBergG Federal Mining Act
BfN Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
BFO Spatial Offshore Grid Plan
BFO-N Spatial Offshore Grid Plan North Sea
BFO-O Spatial Offshore Grid Plan Baltic Sea
BGBI Federal Law Gazette
BIAS Baltic Sea Information on the Acoustic Soundscape
Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 No-
Birds Directive
vember 2009 on the conservation of wild birds
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Construction and Nu-
BMUB
clear Safety
Act concerning nature conservation and landscape management
BNatSchG
(Federal Nature Conservation Act)
Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications,
BNetzA
Post and Railway
BSH Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
CTD Conductivity, Temperature, Depth Sensor
DC Direct current
DDT Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
DEPONS Disturbance Effects on the Harbour Porpoise Population in the North Sea
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EIA Environmental impact assessment
EIS Environmental impact study
Recording of marine mammals and seabirds in the German North Sea
EMSON
and Baltic Sea EEZs
EnWG Act concerning electricity and gas supply (German Energy Act)
ERASNO Recording of resting birds in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs
EUROBATS Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats
FEP Site Development Plan
FFH Flora Fauna Habitat
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habi-
FFH-RL
tats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive)
Compatibility testing according to Art. 6 subsection 3 of the Habitats Directive or
FFH-VP
section 34 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
FPN North Sea Research Platform
HELCOM Helsinki Convention
XII Inhalt
HCB Hexachlorobenzene
IBA Important bird area
ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
IfAÖ Institute for Applied Ecosystem Research
IHC NMS Noise mitigation System from IHC
IOW Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
IWC International Whaling Commission
K Kelvin
CI Confidence interval
kn Knots
LRT Habitat type according to the Habitats Directive
Automated monitoring network of stations in the German Bight and western Baltic
MARNET
Sea
MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
Marine warm-blooded animals in the North and Baltic Seas: Foundations for as-
MINOS
sessment of offshore wind farms
Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and the Council dated 17 June
MSRL 2008 for the establishment of a Framework for Community Action in the field of
Marine Environment (Marine Strategy Framework Directive)
NAO North Atlantic Oscillation
n.m. Nautical mile
NN Sea level
O-NDP Offshore network development plan
OSPAR Oslo-Paris Agreement
OWP Offshore wind farm
PAH Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyl
POD Porpoise Click Detector
PSU Practical Salinity Units
R&D Research and Development
RL Red List
SAMBAH Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise
SCANS Small Cetacean Abundance in the North Sea and Adjacent Waters
Ordinance concerning offshore installations for defining German coastal waters
SeeAnlV
(Offshore Installations Ordinance)
SEL Sound event level
SPA Special Protected Area
Species of European Conservation Concern (important species for bird conserva-
SPEC
tion in Europe)
SPLp-p Peak emission sound pressure level (peak-peak)
StUK4 Standard "Investigation into the impacts of offshore wind turbines"
"Accompanying ecological research at the alpha ventus offshore test area pro-
StUKplus
ject"
SEA Strategic environmental assessment
Inhalt XIII
Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June
SEA Directive 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the
environment
TFEU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
TSO Transmission system operator
TOC Total Organic Carbon
UBA German Environment Agency
UVPG Environmental Impact Assessment Act
VARS Visual Automatic Recording System
WEA Wind turbine
Act concerning the development and promotion of offshore wind energy (Offshore
WindSeeG
Wind Energy Act - WindSeeG)
Introduction 1
1 Introduction 2001/42/EC, the objective of strategic environ-
mental assessment is to ensure a high level of
environmental protection in order to promote
Legal basis and tasks of the en-
sustainable development, and thereby to con-
vironmental assessment tribute to ensuring that environmental consider-
In accordance with sections 4 et seq. of the Wind ations are taken into account in an appropriate
Energy at Sea Act (WindSeeG), the BSH draws manner well in advance of concrete project plan-
up a site development plan (FEP) in consultation ning, when the plans are compiled and adopted.
with the Federal Network Agency (BNetz-A) and The Strategic Environmental Assessment has
in agreement with the Federal Agency for Nature the task of identifying, describing and evaluating
Conservation (BfN), the Directorate-General for the likely significant environmental effects of the
Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) and the implementation of the plan. It serves as an effec-
coastal Länder. The FEP was drawn up for the tive environmental precaution in accordance
first time in 2018 and 2019 and published on 28 with the applicable laws and is implemented ac-
June 2019 and is currently being updated. cording to consistent principles, and with public
When the FEP was drawn up, a detailed environ- participation. All factors in accordance with sec-
mental assessment was carried out in accord- tion 2 subsection 1 of the Environmental Impact
ance with the law on environmental impact as- Assessment Act must be considered:
sessment (UVPG), the so-called Strategic Envi- Human beings, in particular human
ronmental Assessment (SEA). The environmen- health,
tal reports were also published on 28.06.2019.
Fauna, flora and biodiversity,
The performance of a strategic environmental
assessment and the preparation of an environ- Area, soil, water, air, climate and land-
scape,
mental report is governed by Article 35 (1) No. 1
UVPG in conjunction with No. 1.17 of Appendix Cultural heritage and other material as-
5, as site development plans are subject to the sets, and
SEA obligation under Article 5 WindSeeG. In Interrelationships between the above-
principle, this also applies if the FEP is updated mentioned factors.
or amended. The main content document of the Strategic En-
The SEA for FEP 2019 does not formally include vironmental Assessment is this draft environ-
new area layouts and the definition of new areas mental report. This identifies, describes and as-
or other energy production areas. Thus, a strate- sesses the likely significant environmental im-
gic environmental assessment must be carried pact of the implementation of the Site Develop-
out for the specifications that have not yet been ment Plan, as well as possible planning alterna-
reviewed, as it is not possible to exclude the pos- tives, taking into account the essential purposes
sibility of significant environmental impacts. As of the plan.
far as new findings on existing specifications are
available and relevant, these will also be taken
into account. Brief description of the content
The SEA for updating the FEP is based on the and most important objectives of
environmental reports from 2019 and will closely the Site Development Plan
follow the existing SEA in terms of methodology
and content. Relationship with other relevant
According to Art. 1 of the SEA Directive plans, programmes and policies
2 Introduction
The FEP is related to other plans and pro- claims. A strategic environmental assessment
grammes within the EEZ, in adjacent areas, in must be carried out when the spatial develop-
particular in the Coastal Sea, and to plans and ment plan is drawn up.
projects at upstream and downstream planning
The next stage is the FEP. Within the framework
and licensing levels.
of the so-called central model, the FEP is the
1.3.1 Regional development plans in adjacent control instrument for the orderly expansion of
areas offshore wind energy and electricity grids in a
phased planning process. The FEP has the char-
In the interests of coherent planning, coordina-
acter of a sectoral plan. The sectoral plan is de-
tion processes with the plans of neighbouring
signed to plan the use of offshore wind energy
states and coastal federal states are advisable
and the electricity grids in a targeted manner and
and must be taken into account in the cumulative
as optimally as possible under the given frame-
assessment of impacts on the marine environ-
work conditions - in particular the requirements
ment. In particular, close coordination is required
of regional planning - by defining areas and sites
with the coastal federal states with regard to the
as well as locations, routes and route corridors
onshore connection of the offshore wind farms
for grid connections or for cross-border subma-
and the routing of the routes through the coastal
rine cable systems. In principle, a strategic envi-
sea. At present, the state spatial planning is be-
ronmental assessment is carried out to accom-
ing updated for both Lower Saxony and Schles-
pany the establishment, updating and modifica-
wig-Holstein.
tion of the FEP.
1.3.1.1 Lower Saxony
In the next step, the areas for offshore wind en-
1.3.1.2 Schleswig-Holstein ergy plants defined in the FEP will be pre-exam-
1.3.2 MSRL programme of measures ined. If the requirements of § 12 para 2 Wind-
SeeG are met, the preliminary investigation is
1.3.3 Management plans for the North Sea followed by a determination of the suitability of
EEZ nature reserves the site for the construction and operation of off-
1.3.4 Staged planning procedure for offshore shore wind energy plants. A strategic environ-
wind energy and power lines (central model) mental assessment shall also be carried out to
accompany the preliminary investigation.
Within the framework of the central model, the
FEP is the steering instrument for the orderly ex- If the suitability of a site for the use of offshore
pansion of offshore wind energy in a staged wind energy is determined, the site is put out to
planning process. The SEA for the FEP is related tender and the winning bidder or the correspond-
to upstream and downstream environmental as- ingly entitled party can submit an application for
sessments. approval (planning approval) for the construction
and operation of wind energy plants on the site
In an overall view of the central model, the plan-
specified in the FEP. As part of the planning ap-
ning process for the area of the EEZ is divided
proval procedure, an environmental impact as-
into several stages:
sessment is carried out if the prerequisites are
At the highest and superordinate level is the in- met.
strument of maritime spatial planning. The spa-
While the areas defined in the FEP are pre-ex-
tial development plan is the forward-looking
amined and put out to tender for the use of off-
planning instrument which coordinates the most
shore wind energy, this is not the case for de-
diverse interests of users in the fields of industry,
fined sites, routes and route corridors for grid
science and research as well as protection
connections or cross-border submarine cable
Introduction 3
systems. Upon application, a planning approval Under Article 1 (4) UVPG, the UVPG also ap-
procedure including environmental assessment plies if federal or Länder legislation does not
will be carried out for the construction and oper- specify the environmental impact assessment in
ation of grid connection lines in the Re-gel. The more detail or does not comply with the essential
same applies to cross-border submarine cable requirements of the UVPG.
systems.
Figure 1: Overview of the staged planning and approval process in the central model.
In the case of multi-stage planning and approval content and subject matter of the plan are to be
processes, it follows from the relevant legislation taken into account.
(e.g. Spatial Planning Act, Wind-SeeG and
In the case of subsequent plans and subsequent
BBergG) or, more generally, from Article 39 (3)
approvals of projects for which the plan sets a
UVPG that, in the case of plans, it should be de-
framework, the environmental assessment pur-
termined at the stage of defining the scope of the
suant to Article 39 (3) sentence 3 UVPG shall be
investigation at which certain environmental im-
limited to additional or other significant environ-
pacts are to be assessed in particular. In this
mental impacts as well as to necessary updates
way, multiple assessments are to be avoided.
and further details.
The nature and extent of the environmental im-
pacts, technical requirements, as well as the
4 Introduction
Within the framework of the staged planning and objects of protection. They serve to ensure effec-
approval process, all reviews have in common tive environmental protection in accordance with
that environmental impacts on the objects of pro- the applicable laws and are carried out according
tection listed in § 2 para. 1 UVGP are consid- to uniform principles and with public participa-
ered, including their interactions. tion.
According to the definition in § 2 para. 2 UVPG, In the offshore sector, the following sub-catego-
environmental impacts within the meaning of the ries of the legally protected assets: animals,
UVPG are direct and indirect effects of a project plants and biological diversity have become es-
or the implementation of a plan or programme on tablished as sub-categories of the legally pro-
the protected assets. tected assets: avifauna: seabirds/resting and mi-
gratory birds, benthos, biotope types, plankton,
According to Article 3 UVPG, environmental im-
marine mammals, fish and bats.
pact assessments comprise the identification,
description and assessment of the significant im-
pacts of a project or a plan or programme on the
Figure 2: Overview of the protected assets in the environmental assessments.
Introduction 5
In detail, the staged planning process is as fol- procedure) for offshore wind tur-
lows: bines
1.3.1.1 Maritime spatial planning (EEZ) 1.3.1.5 Approval procedure for grid con-
nections (converter platforms and
1.3.1.2 Site Development Plan subsea cable systems)
1.3.1.3 Preliminary investigation 1.3.1.6 Cross-border cables
1.3.1.4 Approval procedure (planning ap-
proval and planning permission
2 Introduction
1.3.1.7 Summary overviews of environmental assessments
Figure 3: Environmental assessments in the staged planning and approval process, with emphasis on the
assessment in question.
Introduction 3
Figure 4: Object of the planning and approval procedures, with emphasis on environmental assessment
4 Introduction
Spatial planning Site Development Plan Site investigation Approval process Approval process
Suitability evaluation Cross-border cables
Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) Strategic environmental assessment (Planning approval or planning permission)
grid connections
(SEA) Strategic environmental EA
assessment (SEA) EA
Strategic planning for the rules Strategic planning for the rules Strategic Environmental assessment Environmental assessment
suitability evaluation for Application for Application for
sites with wind turbines
Rules and object of the assessment
Priority and reservation areas Areas for offshore wind turbines Assessment of the suitability of the
Sites for offshore wind turbines, including the expected site for the erection and operation of
for ensuring the safety and ease of movement of shipping traffic generation capacity wind turbines, including the capacity
for further economic uses, especially offshore wind energy and to be installed
pipelines Based on the assigned and col-
for scientific uses and lected data (STUK)
Protection and improvement of the marine environment
Aims and principles Platform locations the erection and operation of platforms and con-
Routes and route corri- nection lines
Use of the ecosystem approach dors for subsea cable According to the specifications of spatial plan- the erection and operation of cross-bor-
systems ning and the Site Development Plan der cables (interconnectors)
Technical and planning
approaches according to the specifications of spatial
planning and the Site Development Plan
Analysis of environmental impacts
Analyses (determines, describes and assesses) the expected con- Analyses (determines, describes and assesses) the ex- Analyses (determines, describes and Analyses (determines, describes and assesses the Analyses (determines, describes and as-
siderable effects of the plan on the marine environment. pected considerable environmental impacts of the plan on assesses) the expected considerable environmental impacts of the actual project (where sesses) the environmental impacts of the
the marine environment. environmental impacts of the erection applicable, platform and connection line). actual project.
and operation of wind turbines, which
can be assessed independently of the
subsequent design of the project.
Aim
Aimed at the optimisation of overall planning solutions, Deals with the fundamental issues for the use of offshore Deals with the fundamental issues for Handles question about the actual design ('how') of Handles question about the actual design
i.e. a comprehensive package of measures. wind energy according to the use of wind turbines according to a project (technical equipment, construction work). ('how') of a project (technical equipment,
requirement and/or legal aims suitability of the site construction work).
Consideration of a wide spectrum of uses. purpose Assesses the environmental impact of the project
technology Makes available information about the and formulates corresponding stipulations.
Assesses the environmental impact of the project
capacities site which is legally regulated for the bid
Used at the beginning of the planning process for clarification of fun- and formulates corresponding stipulations.
locating of sites for platforms and cabling routes. submission.
damental strategic issues, i.e. at an early point in time while there is
still plenty of room for manoeuvre. Searches for environmentally appropriate groups of actions, Searches for environmentally appropri-
without assessing the absolute environmental impact of the ate groups of actions without assessing
planning. the environmental impact of the actual
project.
Functions essentially as a controlling planning instrument of the plan- Functions primarily as a controlling planning instrument of Functions as an instrument between Functions primarily as a passive assessment in- Functions primarily as a passive assess-
ning administration agency, to create an environmentally appropriate the planning administration agency, to create an environ- the Site Development Plan and ap- strument that reacts to the application ment instrument that reacts to the applica-
framework for all uses. mentally appropriate framework for individual projects (wind proval process for wind turbines on an from the project developer. tion from the project developer.
turbines and grid connections, cross-border subsea cables) actual site.
Assessment depth
Introduction 5
Characterised by greater examination width, i.e. a larger number of Characterised by greater examination width, i.e. a larger Characterised by a smaller-scale inves- Characterised by reduced examination width (lim- Characterised by reduced examination
alternatives, and reduced investigation depth (no detailed analyses) number of alternatives and reduced investigation depth (no tigation area, greater investigation ited number of alternatives) and a greater investi- width (limited number of alternatives) and a
detailed analyses) depth (detailed analyses). gation depth (detailed analyses). greater investigation depth (detailed anal-
Includes regional, national and global impacts as well as secondary, yses).
cumulative and synergetic effects in the sense of an overall assess- Includes local, national and global impacts as well as sec- The suitability evaluation may include Assesses the environmental impact of the project
ment. ondary, cumulative and synergetic effects in the sense of an and formulates corresponding stipulations. Considers primarily local effects in the vi-
specifications for the later project, in
overall assessment. cinity of the project.
particular the nature and extent of the Considers primarily local effects in the vicinity of the
construction on the site and its location. project.
Focus of the assessment
Cumulative effects Cumulative effects Local effects relating to the site and its Environmental impacts caused by the system, its Environmental impacts caused by the sys-
Overall plan assessment Overall plan assessment location. erection and operation tem, its erection and operation
Strategic and extensive alternatives Strategic, technical and regional alternatives
Possible transboundary impacts Possible transboundary impacts System dismantling Assessment based on the actual system
design.
Assessment based on the actual system design.
Intervention, compensation and replace-
Intervention, compensation and replacement ment measures.
measures.
Approval process (planning approval and/or planning permission) for wind turbines
Environmental Impact Assessment
Object of the assessment
Assessment of the environmental impact upon application for
the erection and operation of wind turbines
on the previously investigated site specified in the Site Development Plan
according to the rules of the Site Development Plan and the requirements of the site investigation.
Assessment of environmental impacts
Analyses (determines, describes and assesses) the environmental impacts of the actual project (wind turbines, where applicable, platforms and cabling within the wind farm)
The responsible authority draws up a summary in accordance with section 24 UVPG (Environmental Impact Assessment Act)
of the environmental impacts of the project,
the characteristics of the project and site, the effect of which is to exclude, mitigate or offset significant adverse environmental impacts,
the measures with which significant adverse environmental impacts are to be excluded, reduced or offset, as well as
the replacement measures for interventions in the natural environment and countryside (Note: Exception according to section 56 subsection 3 BNatSchG (Federal
Nature Protection Law)
Aim
Handles the question about the actual design ('how') of a project (technical equipment, construction work)
Functions primarily as a passive assessment instrument that reacts to the application of the successful tenderer/project developer.
Assessment depth
Characterised by reduced examination width (i.e. a limited number of alternatives) and a greater investigation depth (detailed analyses).
Assesses the environmental impact of the project on the previously investigated site and formulates corresponding stipulations.
Considers mainly local effects in the vicinity of the project.
Focus of the assessment
Environmental impacts caused by erection and operation.
Assessment based on the actual system design.
6 Introduction
System dismantling.
Figure 5: Overview of the priorities of environmental assess-
ments in the planning and approval process
Introduction 7
Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation
Presentation and consideration
(1978) and Trilateral Monitoring and As-
of environmental protection ob- sessment Programme, 1997 (TMAP)
jectives
Agreement for cooperation in dealing
The establishment, updating and amendment of with pollution of the North Sea by oil and
the Site Development Plan and implementation other harmful substances, 1983 (Bonn
of the SEA take into account the environmental Agreement)
protection objectives. These provide information
on what state of the environment is being sought Convention for the Protection of the Ma-
in the future (environmental quality targets). The rine Environment of the North-East Atlan-
environmental protection objectives can be gath- tic, 1992
ered in an overall view from the international, (OSPAR Convention)
common and national conventions and regula- UNECE Convention on the EIA in a
tions which deal with protection of the marine en- transboundary context (Espoo-Konven-
vironment and on the basis of which the Federal tion1)
Republic of Germany has committed itself to cer-
tain principles and objectives. UNECE-Protokoll on SEA to the conven-
tion on EIA in a transboundary context
1.4.1 International conventions on the pro- (SEA-Protokoll)
tection of the marine environment
1.4.1.3 Agreements specific to factors
The Federal Republic of Germany is a party to
all relevant international conventions on protec- Convention on the Conservation of Euro-
tion of the marine environment. pean Wildlife and Natural Habitats, 1979
(Bern Convention)
1.4.1.1 Conventions in force throughout
Convention on the Conservation of Mi-
the world that serve to protect the
gratory Species of Wild Animals, 1979
marine environment in whole or in
(Bonn Convention)
part
Within the framework of the Bonn Convention,
International Convention for the Preven-
regional agreements for the conservation of the
tion of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as
species listed in Annex II were concluded in ac-
modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MAR-
cordance with Art. 4 no. 3 of the Bonn Conven-
POL 73/78)
tion:
Convention on the Prevention of Marine
Agreement on the Conservation of Afri-
Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and
can-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds,
Other Matter (London, 1972) and Proto-
1995 (AEWA)
col, 1996
Agreement on the Conservation of Small
United Nations Convention on the Law of
Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas,
the Sea dated 1982
1991 (ASCOBANS)
1.4.1.2 Regional conventions on the pro-
tection of the marine environment
1 Convention from 25. 2. 1991 about the EIA in a trans- 2002, BGBl. 2002 II, S. 1406 ff. and the Second Espoo-Act
boundary context, implemented by the Espoo-Act of 7. 6. from 17. 3. 2006, BGBl. 2006 II, S. 224 f
8 Introduction
Agreement on the Conservation of Seals 2001 on the assessment of the effects of
in the Wadden Sea, 1991 certain plans and programmes on the en-
vironment (Strategic Environmental As-
Agreement on the Conservation of Popu-
sessment Directive, SEA Directive)
lations of European Bats, 1991 (EURO-
BATS) Directive 2008/56/EC of the European
Parliament and the Council dated 17
Convention on Biological Diversity, 1993
June 2008 for the establishment of a
1.4.2 Environmental and nature conserva- Framework for Community Action in the
tion requirements at EU level field of Marine Environment (Marine
Strategy Framework Directive, MSRL)
The material scope of application of the TFEU2
and thus in principle also that of secondary law Directive 2009/147/EC of the European
is extended if the Member States experience an Parliament and of the Council on the con-
increase in rights in an area outside their territory servation of wild birds (Birds Directive)
which they have transferred to the EU (ECJ, Richtlinie 2009/147/EG des Europäischen
Commission/United Kingdom, 2005). In the field Parlaments und Rates über die Erhaltung
of protection of the marine environment, nature
der wildlebenden Vogelarten (V-RL)
conservation or water protection, the applicabil-
ity of the legal EU requirements is also valid for 1.4.3 Environmental and nature conserva-
the EEZ. tion requirements at national level
The relevant EU legislation is to be taken into ac- There are various legal provisions at a national
count: level, too, and their specifications must be taken
into account in the environmental report.
Council Directive 337/85/EEC of 27 June
1985 on the assessment of the effects of Act for regulating water resources (WHG)
certain public and private projects on the
Act concerning nature conservation and
environment (Environmental Impact As-
landscape management (Federal Nature
sessment Directive, EIA Directive)
Conservation Act - BNatSchG)
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May
Act concerning the environmental impact
1992 on the conservation of natural hab-
assessment (UVPG)
itats and of wild fauna and flora (Flora
and Fauna Habitats Directive)3, Act concerning the development and pro-
motion of offshore wind energy (Offshore
Directive 2000/60/EC of the European
Wind Energy Act - WindSeeG)
Parliament and the Council dated 23 Oc-
tober 2000 for the establishment of a Protected region regulations
Framework for Community Action in the
field of Water Policy (Water Framework 1.4.4 The Federal Government's energy
Directive, WRRL) and climate conservation aims
Directive 2001/42/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 27 June
2 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, OJ EC 3 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the con-
no. C 115, dated 09.05.2008, p. 47. servation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ
L 206 dated 22.07.1992.
Introduction 9
Figure 6: Overview of the standards of the relevant legal acts for the SEA.
fects on the factors in question is identified, de-
Strategic Environmental Assess-
scribed and evaluated for the individual specifi-
ment methodology cations. In accordance with section 1 subsection
4 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act
1.5.1 Introduction
in conjunction with section 40 subsection 3 of the
When carrying out the Strategic Environmental Environmental Impact Assessment Act, in the
Assessment, various approaches to the planning environmental report the competent authority
status can be considered within the framework provisionally assesses the environmental effects
of the methodology. This environmental report of the specifications with regard to effective en-
builds on the methodology already used for the vironmental precautions in accordance with ap-
Strategic Environmental Assessment of the plicable laws. According to the special legal
2019 Site Development Plan. standard of section 5 subsection 3 WindSeeG,
The methodology is based primarily on the spec- the specifications must not endanger the marine
ifications of the plan that are to be assessed. environment.
Within the framework of this SEA, whether the The subject matter of the environmental report
specifications are likely to have significant ef- corresponds to the provisions of the Site Devel-
opment Plan as stated in section 5 subsection 1
10 Introduction
WindSeeG (see 1.3). However, the relevant fac- 1.5.2 Area of investigation
tors here are not so much the specifications in The description and assessment of the state of
concrete temporal terms, as the chronological the environment relates primarily to the North
order of the call for tenders or the calendar years Sea EEZ, for which the Site Development Plan
of commissioning, as there are no further envi- essentially defines specifications. The SEA area
ronmental effects in this regard compared with of investigation covers the German North Sea
the environmental specifications. Although some EEZ (Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht ge-
planning and technical principles serve to miti- funden werden.). It should be noted that the
gate environmental effects, they can also lead to data availability for the region up to shipping
effects, making a review necessary. route 10 is significantly better than for the area
The following specifications are each examined north-west of shipping route 10 due to the avail-
with regard to their anticipated significant envi- able project-related monitoring data.
ronmental effects relating to factors: For the area north-west of shipping route 10, the
Site Development Plan makes statements on
Areas and sites for offshore wind en- possible routes, route corridors or gates for
ergy, including specification of the an- cross-border cables. Based on the available
ticipated capacity sediment data and findings from monitoring for
Routes and corridors, including gates the "Dogger Bank" protected area, it is also pos-
sible to describe and assess the state of the en-
Locations for platforms (converter
vironment and potential environmental effects in
and collector platforms and trans-
this area.
former platforms)
The adjacent coastal waters and the adjacent re-
Designation of other gions of the neighbouring states are not directly
Energy production areasRelevant covered by this plan, but they will be considered
planning and technical principles in the cumulative and cross-border perspective
of this SEA.
Introduction 11
Figure 7: Definition of the area of investigation for the SEA for the Site Development Plan for the North Sea
EEZ.
tified significance" that cannot be considered in-
1.5.3 Carrying out the environmental as-
dependently of the "specific characteristics of
sessment
plans or programmes" (SOMMER, 2005, 25 ff.).
The assessment of the likely significant environ- In general, significant effects can be defined as
mental effects of the implementation of the Site
effects that are serious and significant in the con-
Development Plan includes secondary, cumula- text being considered.
tive, synergistic, short-, medium- and long-term,
permanent and temporary, positive and negative According to the criteria in Annex 6 of the Envi-
effects related to the factors. Secondary or indi- ronmental Impact Assessment Act that are sig-
rect effects are those that are not immediate and nificant to the assessment of the likely significant
therefore may only become effective after some environmental effects, the significance is deter-
time and/or at other locations. Occasionally, mined by
there is also reference to consequences or inter- the probability, duration, frequency and re-
relationships. versibility of the effects;
Possible effects of the implementation of the the cumulative nature of the effects;
plan are described and evaluated in relation to
the transboundary nature of the effects;
the factors. There is no common definition of
"significance" as this involves "individually iden- the risks to human health or the environment
(e.g. due to accidents);
12 Introduction
the magnitude and spatial extent of the ef- the Site Development Plan on the marine envi-
fects (geographical area and size of the pop- ronment also refer to the factors described. All
ulation likely to be affected); plan contents that may potentially have signifi-
the value and vulnerability of the area likely to cant environmental effects are examined.
be affected due to special natural character-
The effects of construction and dismantling, as
istics or cultural heritage, exceeded environ-
mental quality standards or limit values, as well as system-related and operational factors,
well as intensive land-use; are taken into account. Moreover, effects that
may arise in the course of maintenance and re-
the effects on areas or landscapes which
pair work are taken into account. This is followed
have a recognised national, Community or in-
ternational protection status". by a description of possible interrelationships
and consideration of possible cumulative effects
The characteristics of plans and programmes,
and potential cross-border effects.
having regard, in particular, to
"the degree to which the plan or programme The following factors are considered with regard
sets a framework for projects and other activ- to assessment of the state of the environment:
ities, either with regard to the location, nature,
size and operating conditions or by allocating Area
resources;
Soil
the degree to which the plan or programme
influences other plans and programmes in- Water
cluding those in a hierarchy; Plankton
the relevance of the plan or programme for
the integration of environmental considera- Biotopes
tions in particular with a view to promoting Benthos
sustainable development;
Fish
environmental problems relevant to the plan
or programme; Marine mammals
the relevance of the plan or programme for Resting and migratory birds
the implementation of Community legislation
on the environment (e.g. plans and pro- Bats
grammes linked to waste-management or wa-
ter protection) (Appendix II SEA Directive). Biodiversity
Specialist law provides further specifications as Air
to when an effect reaches the significance Climate
threshold. Threshold values were also compiled
sub-legally so as to be able to make a distinction. Landscape
The potential environmental effects are de- Material assets, cultural heritage
scribed and assessed separately in relation to Human beings, in particular human health
the factors for areas and sites, platforms, subsea
cable systems and other energy production Interrelationships between factors
sites, taking into account the assessment of the .
status. Furthermore, where necessary, a differ-
entiation is made according to different technical
designs. The description and assessment of the
likely significant effects of the implementation of
Introduction 13
In general, the following methodological ap- • Assessments by experts / the specialist
proaches are used in the environmental assess- community
ment:
The effects of the Site Development Plan speci-
• Qualitative descriptions and evaluations fications are assessed on the basis of the de-
scription and assessment of the condition and
• Quantitative descriptions and evaluations
the function and significance of the individual ar-
• Evaluation of studies, technical literature eas, sites and routes for the individual factors on
and reports the one hand, and the effects originating from
• Visualisations these specifications and the resulting potential
effects on the other. A forecast of the project-re-
• Worst-case assumptions lated effects in the case of implementation of the
• Trend estimates (e.g. on the state of the Site Development Plan is compiled as a function
art of systems) of the criteria of intensity, scope and duration of
the effects (see Figure 8).
Figure 8: General methodology for assessing the likely significant environmental effects.
14 Introduction
1.5.4 Criteria for status description and as- for bird migration are considered as well as rar-
sessment ity, vulnerability and pre-load.
The status assessment of the individual factors
1.5.5 Assumptions for discription and as-
is based on various criteria. For the factors
sessment of likely significant envi-
area/soil, benthos and fish, the assessment is
ronmental effects
based on the aspects of rarity and vulnerability,
diversity and singularity, as well as pre-load. The The likely significant effects of the implementa-
description and assessment of the protected as- tion of the Site Development Plan on the marine
sets marine mammals and sea and resting birds environment are described and assessed in re-
is based on the aspects listed in the figure. As lation to factors, based on the status assessment
these are highly mo-bile species, it is not expe- as described above, separately for areas and
dient to adopt a similar approach to the factors sites, platforms, subsea cable systems and other
area/soil, benthos and fish. The criteria of pro- energy production sites. The following table sets
tection status, assessment of the occurrence, out the potential environmental effects, based on
assessment of territorial units and initial loads, significant factors, that form the basis for the as-
are applied for seabirds, resting birds and marine sessment of the likely significant environmental
mammals. The aspects of assessment of the oc- effects. The effects are differentiated according
currence and large-scale significance of the area to whether they are due to construction, disman-
tling or operation, or are caused by the system
itself.
Table 1 Project-related effects of implementing the site development plan.
Object of Effect Potential impact
Commis-
(De)Con
struction
Turbine
protection
sioning
Areas/ Sites and Platforms
Soil Placement of hard substrate change of habitats X
(foundations)
permanent land use change of habitats X
Scouring/sediment relocation change of habitats X
Benthos formation of turbidity plumes Impact on benthic species X
Resuspension of sediment Impairment or damage to benthic X
and sedimentation species or communities
Placement of hard substrate Change of habitats, habitat loss X
Fish Sediment swirls and turbidity Physiological effects and frightening X
plumes effects
Noise emissions during pile Averting X
driving
Introduction 15
Land use Local habitat loss X
Placement of hard substrate Attraction effects, increase in spe- X
cies diversity
Seabirds Visual unrest due to con- Local scaring and barrier effects X
and struction activity
resting
birds Obstacle in airspace Scaring effects => habitat loss X
Lightemissions Attraction effects X X
Maintenance-related ship Scaring effects => habitat loss X
traffic
Migratory Obstacle in airspace Bird strike X
birds
Barrier effect
Lightemissions Attraction effects => bird strike X X
Marine Noise emission during pile Danger if no prevention and reduc- X
mammals driving tion measures are taken
Sea cable systems
Soil Placement of hard substrate change of habitats X
(Stone pile)
Benthos Heat emissions Impairment/displacement of cold-wa- X
ter loving species
magnetic fields Impact on benthic species X
formation of turbidity plumes Impact on benthic species X
Insertion of hard substrate change of habitats, habitat loss X
(cable crossing)
Fish formation of turbidity plumes Physiological effects and frightening X
effects
magnetic fields Impairment of the orientation behav- X
iour of individual migratory species
Cumulative effects and interrelationships be- According to Art.5 (1) SEA Directive, the environ-
tween factors are also assessed in addition to mental report also includes an assessment of cu-
the effects on the individual factors. mulative effects. Cumulative effects arise from
the interaction of various independent individual
1.5.6 Cumulative assessment effects which either add up as a result of their
interaction (cumulative effects) or reinforce each
other and thus generate more than the sum of
16 Introduction
their individual effects (synergetic effects) (e.g. increasing the impact on one or more protected
SCHOMERUS et al., 2006). Both cumulative assets.
and synergetic effects can be caused both by
The focus of the environmental report on the
temporal and spatial coincidence of effects. Ef-
FEP is on the cumulative consideration of similar
fects of the construction phases are mainly of a
uses, namely those for which the FEP makes
short-term and temporary nature, while plant-re-
stipulations. A cumulative consideration of differ-
lated and operational effects can occur perma-
ent uses, i.e. intersectoral, is carried out within
nently. The impact can be intensified by similar
the framework of the SEA at the higher level of
uses or different uses with the same effect, thus
the spatial development plan for the EEZ.
Figure 9: Exemplary cumulative effect of similar uses (effects of energy on underwater sound and marine
mammals).
In order to examine the cumulative effects, it is
1.5.8 Specific assumptions for the assess-
necessary to assess the extent to which the pro-
ment of likely significant environmen-
visions of the plan can be attributed a significant
tal impacts
adverse effect when taken together. An exami-
nation of the areas is carried out at the level of In detail, the analysis and examination of the re-
spective specifications is carried out as follows:
this sectoral plan on the basis of the current state
of knowledge within the meaning of Art. 5 para. Areas and sites, including the expected capacity
2 SEA Directive. An important basis for as- to be installed:
sessing the impacts of habitat loss and underwa-
Regarding the areas, a total of 13 areas are as-
ter noise is provided by the position paper on the
sumed in the sense of a worst-case considera-
cumulative assessment of the loss of harbour-
tion, irrespective of the concrete specification in
root habitat in the German North Sea (BMU,
the plan and the probability of implementation.
2009) and the BMUB's noise abatement concept
According to Article 5 (1) No. 5 WindSeeG, the
(2013).
expected installed capacity of offshore wind en-
1.5.7 Interrelationships ergy plants is to be specified in the FEP for the
areas. For this purpose, the sites within the ar-
In general, effects on a factor lead to various
eas are essentially assigned to two categories
consequences and interrelationships between
within the framework of the legal requirements
the factors. The essential interdependence of
on the basis of criteria such as area geometry,
the biotic factors results from the food chains. In-
wind speed, state of the art of offshore wind en-
terrelationships can only be described very inac-
ergy installations and grid connection capacity.
curately due to the variability of the habitat
Introduction 17
On the basis of these parameters and assump- that these are only partly estimation-based as-
tions, the power density to be applied is deter- sumptions, as project-specific parameters are
mined in megawatt/km² per area. not or cannot be checked at SEA level.
To support the plausibility check of the method- In order to depict the spectrum of possible real-
ology for the determination of the expected istic developments, the Strategic Environmental
power to be installed on the respective areas, Assessment is essentially based on a range of
wind farm plans are simulated in model form the above-mentioned model parameters.
with, among others, wind energy plants that may
In contrast to the approach used in the SEA for
be available in the future. Although one or more
the FEP 2019, the individual parameters are pre-
layouts for offshore wind farm planning are not
sented in the form of a possible bandwidth and
used as a basis for determining the expected in-
not, as in 2019, as separate model wind farms in
stalled capacity, certain parameters are as-
the form of two scenarios. This approach allows
sumed in this SEA for a consideration of the pro-
for greater flexibility in the subsequent assess-
tected property. In detail, these are for example
ment within the scope of the suitability test and
the number of turbines, hub height [m], height of
the approval procedures by more frequently
the lower rotor tip [m], rotor diameter [m], total
adopting "worst-case" considerations. The re-
height [m] of the turbines, diameter of foundation
spective worst-case scenario for the individual
types [m] and diameter of scour protection [m].
objects of protection must be defined. For the
The Strategic Environmental Assessment takes tender year 2021 (sites O-1-3, N-3.7 and N-3-8)
particular account of these factors: the parameters from the investigation framework
and the environmental report for the FEP 2019
- installations already in operation or in the li-
are still valid. Due to the year of commissioning
censing procedure (as reference and existing
in 2026, an adjustment does not appear neces-
load)
sary.
- Transfer of the average Parameter of the instal-
Furthermore, the pa-rameters will be adapted to
lations commissioned in the last 5 years to the
the advancing state of the art. The current ap-
areas to be planned in the central model
proval procedures for OWPs show that a nomi-
- Assumption that existing projects will be real- nal capacity of 10 MW can already be consid-
ised on the basis of effective authorisation during ered state of the art for wind farms in the transi-
the transition period (worst-case scenario) tional system. The parameters in the upper
- Forecast of certain technical developments. range of the bandwidth are also being raised to
take account of the advancing state of the art,
The following tables provide an overview of the particularly in the later years of commissioning.
parameters to be used. It should be noted here
18 Introduction
Table 2: Parameters for the consideration of areas and sites.
Range
from to
Power pro turbine [MW] 10 20
Hub Height [m] 125 200
Height lower rotor tip [m] 25 50
Rotor diameter [m] 200 300
Total height [m] 225 350
Diameter foundation [m]* 10 15
Diameter scour protection 50 75
[m]
* The calculation of the land use is based on the assumption of a monopile foundation. However, it is assumed
that monopile and jacket together have about the same total land use on the sea bed.
Sites for platforms (transformer or residential parameters such as the number of platforms,
platforms) length of the internal cabling [km], diameter of
one or more foundations [m] and area for foun-
A similar approach is followed for the assess-
dations (including scour protection) [m²] are as-
ment of the sites for platforms (transformer, con-
sumed.
verter or residential platforms). Here, too, certain
Number trans- 0 2 0
Table 3: Parameters for the consideration of network former platform
connections and platforms Number ac- 2 0 2
comodation
320 kV 525 kV platforms
Network Diameter foun- ca. 2 x 10 ca. 2 x ca. 2 x
connec- 66 kV 155 kV 66 kV dation [m]** 10 10
tion
Area founda- ca. 160 ca. 160 ca. 160
converter tion excl. scour
plat- protection [m2]
forms,
Diameter scour ca. 2 x 50 ca. 2 x ca. 2 x
Trans- protection [m] 50 50
former /
Area founda- ca. 4.000 ca. 4.000 ca.
accomo- 4.000
tion incl. scour
dation
protection [m]
plat-
forms*
specific length ca. 0,12 ca. 0,12 ca. 0,12
park internal
cabling
[km/MW]
Number con- 1 1 1
verter plat-
forms
Area Founda- ca. 600 ca. 600 ca. 600
tion Converter
platform [m²]
Introduction 19
* The figures for transformer/residential platforms re-
fer to the number of transformer/residential platforms
Routing and route corridors for submarine cable
per grid connection (only for completions from 2026)
systems
for the different connection concepts. Only the length
The definition of route and route corridors for
of the park-internal cabling depends on the expected
submarine cable systems (connecting lines,
installed capacity of the respective area and was de-
termined on the basis of existing plans. cross-border submarine cable systems and in-
terconnections) is based on the assumption of
** The calculation of the land use is based on the as-
certain widths of the cable trench [m] and a cer-
sumption of a monopile foundation. It is assumed that
tain area of the crossings [m2]. In particular, the
monopile and Jacket each have approximately the
environmental effects of construction, operation
same total land use on the sea bed.
and repair are considered.
20 Introduction
Table 4: Parameters for the consideration of sea cable systems
Sea Cable Sys-
tem
Width cable trench [m] ca. 1
Area of intersection build- ca. 900
ings [m2]
Other energy production areas also the subject of the environmental assess-
ment of the BFO. Changes, for example in the
For the definition of "other energy production ar-
standard transmission capacity, will be exam-
eas", the strategic environmental assessment is
ined in the environmental report.
based on the assumption of a "classic" offshore
wind farm, based on the previous knowledge of
Data sources and indications of
electricity production. Environmental impacts go-
ing beyond this are strongly dependent on the difficulties in compiling the doc-
respective use variant and should therefore be uments
comprehensively examined at the approval A description and assessment of the state of the
level. In this respect, the SEA for other energy environment in the investigation area form the
production areas is carried out in the same way basis for the SEA. All factors must be included.
as for offshore wind energy areas and is based The data source forms the basis for the assess-
on the same model parameters. ment of the likely significant environmental ef-
Relevant planning and technical principles fects, assessment of natural habitat and wildlife
conservation regulations and the alternative as-
By regulating planning and technology principles sessment.
in the FEP, the required land use can be mini-
mised and the potential environmental impact re- According to section 39 subsection 2 sentence 2
duced to a minimum. The predominant number of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act,
of planning principles serve to avoid or reduce the environmental report contains the infor-
environmental impacts and are not expected to mation that can be obtained with reasonable ef-
lead to significant effects. fort, taking into account the current state of
knowledge and public statements known to the
The FEP also contains some planning principles authority, generally accepted assessment meth-
that do not relate to the reduction of environmen- ods, content and level of detail of the plan and its
tal impacts. If these are based on regional plan- position in the decision-making process.
ning objectives, they are to be observed to a
lesser extent than the binding nature of the re- According to section 40 subsection 4 of the En-
gional planning objectives. Remaining planning vironmental Impact Assessment Act, information
principles are examined for probable significant available to the competent authority from other
environmental impacts on protected assets. procedures or activities may be included in the
environmental report if it is suitable for the in-
With regard to the technical principles, a direct tended purpose and sufficiently up-to-date.
current system as a self-commutated high-volt-
age direct current transmission with a voltage The environmental report will be based on the
level of +/- 320 kV was already defined within the environmental assessments that were carried
framework of the North Sea BFO and was thus out when the FEP 2019 was established.
Introduction 21
The draft environmental report will describe and ies and the construction and operation monitor-
assess the current state of the environment and ing for the offshore wind farm projects and the
present the likely development in the event of accompanying ecological research.
non-implementation of the plan. On the other
In general, the following data are used as a basis
hand, it will forecast and assess the likely signif-
for the environmental report:
icant environmental impacts resulting from the
implementation of the plan. - Data and findings from the operation of offshore
wind farms
A detailed description and assessment of the
state of the environment is the basis for the as- - Data and findings from approval procedures for
sessment of possible effects. The description offshore wind farms, submarine cable systems
and assessment of the current state of the envi- - Results from the preliminary area survey
ronment and the probable development in the
event of non-implementation of the plan will be - Results of the monitoring of Natura 2000 sites
carried out with regard to the following objects of - Mapping instructions for §30 biotope types
protection
- MSRL initial and progress evaluation
Area/Soil - OSPAR status reports
Water - Findings and results from R&D projects com-
missioned by BfN and/or BSH and from accom-
Plankton
panying ecological research
Biotopes
- Results from EU cooperation projects, such as
Benthos Pan-Baltic Scope and SEANSE
Fish - Studies/ Technical literature
Marine mammals - Current red lists
Resting and migratory birds - Comments of the technical authorities
Air - Comments from the (specialist) public
Climate A detailed overview of the individual data and
knowledge bases can be found in the Annex
Landscape (Chapter 8) of the framework study.
Cultural heritage, other material assets Since the data basis may vary depending on the
Human beings and human health protected property, the data basis is discussed
at the beginning of Chapter 2.
Interrelationships between factors.
1.6.2 Indications of difficulties in compiling
the documents
1.6.1 Overview of data source Indications of difficulties arising when compiling
the data, such as technical gaps or lack of
The data and knowledge situation has improved
knowledge, are to be presented according to
considerably in recent years, particularly as a re-
section 40 subsection 2 no. 7 UVPG. The de-
sult of the extensive data collection within the
scription and evaluation of the individual factors
framework of environmental compatibility stud-
(chapter 2) make it clear that there are still gaps
22 Introduction
in knowledge in places. Information gaps exist in 1.6.2.3 Fish
particular with regard to the following points: There is a lack of more detailed infor-
Long-term effects from the operation of mation on pelagic fish.
offshore wind farms and associated sys- Information on the reaction of fish to
tems, such as converter platforms noise emissions is available only to a
Data for assessment of the state of the very limited extent.
environment of the various factors in the The likely effects of habitat change on the
area of the outer EEZ. development of fish fauna due to the in-
troduction of hard substrate are still
1.6.2.1 Soil/Area and biotopes
largely unknown.
There has been no extensive, detailed
mapping to date of sediment distribution 1.6.2.4 Seabirds and resting birds
in the EEZ outside the nature conserva- The species-specific risk of seabirds col-
tion areas: the description and evaluation liding with offshore wind turbines can
of environmental effects with regard to only be partially predicted and is currently
the soil as a factor are based primarily on being recorded with the investigations
the evaluation of selective data collec- according to StUK4 in the operating
tion. In particular, there is no comprehen- phase, but also in ongoing research pro-
sive sediment description for the detailed jects. In particular, suitable technology
distribution of coarse sand/fine gravel for recording effects is being developed.
sites and residual sediments in the form
of gravel, stones and rocks. Behavioural changes and habituation ef-
fects among disturbance-sensitive spe-
Detailed and extensive mapping of ma- cies in the German EEZ have only been
rine biotopes in the EEZ is currently be- investigated since the commissioning of
ing developed as part of R&D projects the first large, commercial wind farms, in-
ongoing at the Federal Agency for Nature cluding the converter platforms. Operati-
Conservation, with spatial emphasis on onal monitoring is still ongoing.
nature conservation areas. There is no
detailed mapping to date of the biotopes, There is still insufficient knowledge of the
including the legally protected biotopes effects of disturbances or habitat loss at
according to section 30 of the Federal species population level, and these will
Nature Conservation Act, in the EEZ out- only be investigated on the basis of the
side the nature conservation areas data currently being collected.
Please see planning principle 4.4.4.8 for
assessment of compliance with
measures regarding temperature in-
creases in the sediment.
1.6.2.2 Benthos
It is not possible to predict reliably the an-
ticipated effects of the introduction of
hard substrate on the development of
benthic communities.
Introduction 23
1.6.2.5 Migratory birds There is a lack of knowledge about the
There is currently a lack of sufficient quality and quantity of migratory bat pop-
knowledge of the effects of offshore con- ulations in the North Sea.
struction in some areas. Knowledge from There is currently a lack of sufficient
coastal waters and on land is only trans- knowledge of the effects of offshore con-
ferable to a very limited extent due to the struction. Knowledge from coastal waters
different conditions. and on land is only transferable to a very
The species-specific risk of migratory limited extent due to the different condi-
birds colliding with offshore wind turbines tions.
is largely unknown. The species-specific risk of bats colliding
Possible barrier impacts of offshore wind with offshore wind turbines is largely un-
turbines on species-specific sea migra- known.
tion routes are largely unexplored.
1.6.2.8 Summary
Whether the intensity of broad front mi- In principle, forecasts on the development of the
gration of songbirds decreases accord- living marine environment after implementation
ing to the distance from the coast is not of the Site Development Plan are subject to spe-
clear for the bulk of songbirds that mi- cific uncertainties. Long-term data series or ana-
grate at night. lytical methods are often lacking, e.g. for inter-
section of extensive information on biotic and
1.6.2.6 Marine mammals
abiotic factors so as to provide a better under-
The data availability can currently be de- standing of complex interrelationships in the ma-
scribed as very good: the data is system- rine ecosystem.
atically quality-assured and used for
studies, so the current state of In particular, there is a lack of extensive, detailed
knowledge on the occurrence of marine sediment and biotope mapping outside the na-
mammals in German waters can also be ture conservation areas of the EEZ. As a result,
classified as good. there is no scientific basis to permit assessment
of the effects of the possible use of strictly pro-
The most comprehensive data source is tected biotope structures. Research and univer-
provided by data from environmental im- sity institutions, and an environmental consul-
pact studies and the monitoring of off- tancy, are currently carrying out sediment and bi-
shore wind farms. Data is collected regu- otope mapping with spatial emphasis in the na-
larly as part of the monitoring of nature ture conservation areas on behalf of the Federal
conservation areas on behalf of the Fed- Agency for Nature Conservation and in cooper-
eral Agency for Nature Conservation. Fi- ation with the Federal Maritime and Hydro-
nally, research projects provide data on graphic Agency.
specific issues. SCANS observations are
providing information for the entire distri- Furthermore, there are no scientific assessment
bution area of harbour porpoise so as to criteria for some factors, both with regard to the
allow the abundance of the entire popu- assessment of their status and with regard to the
lation of harbour porpoise to be as- effects of anthropogenic activities on the devel-
sessed. opment of the living marine environment, to allow
cumulative effects to be considered in both tem-
1.6.2.7 Bats poral and spatial terms.
24 Introduction
Various R&D studies on assessment ap-
proaches, including for underwater noise, are
currently being developed on behalf of the Fed-
eral Maritime and Hydrographic Agency. These
projects are being used for continuous refine-
ment of a consistent, quality-assured basis of in-
formation on the marine environment for assess-
ment of possible effects of offshore installations.
Overall, the following recommendations can be
made for the development of criteria for assess-
ment of effects and the status of protected bio-
logical assets:
Consolidation of results and evaluation of
all existing data relating to factors,
Intersection of biological data with infor-
mation from marine physics, marine
chemistry, marine geology and marine
meteorology,
Review of methods, in particular with re-
gard to possible cumulative or trans-
boundary impacts, for developing as-
sessment criteria with regard to the con-
dition of the living marine environment,
Evaluation of effect monitoring so as to
be able to record possible effects on fac-
tors.
Description and assessment of state of the environment 25
2 Description and assess- 2.2.2 Geomorphology
ment of state of the envi- 2.2.3 Sediment distribution on the seabed
ronment 2.2.4 Geological structure of the near-sur-
face subsoil
Introduction
According to section 40 subsection 2 no. 3 2.2.5 Distribution of pollutants in the sedi-
UVPG, the environmental report includes a de- ment
scription of the characteristics of the environ-
ment and the current state of the environment in 2.2.5.1 Metals
the SEA investigation area. The description of
2.2.5.2 Organic substances
the current state of the environment is necessary
in order to predict its change when the plan is 2.2.5.3 Radioactive substances (radionu-
implemented. The survey considers the factors clides)
listed in section 2 subsection 1 sentence 2 nos.
1 to 4 UVPG and interrelationships between 2.2.5.4 Inherited waste
them. The information is presented in a problem-
oriented fashion. Priority will therefore be given 2.2.6 Status assessment
to potential initial loads, environmental elements
that are particularly worthy of protection, and the 2.2.6.1 Natural factors
factors on which the implementation of the plan
will have a greater impact. In spatial terms, the 2.2.6.2 Anthropogenic factors
description of the environment is based on the
relevant environmental effects of the plan. De- Water
pending on the type of impact and the factor in
2.3.1 Currents
question, these will have differing extents and
may go beyond the limits of the plan (Land- 2.3.2 Swell
mann/Rohmer, 2018).
As at July 2018, 38 offshore wind farms have 2.3.3 Temperature, salinity and seasonal
been approved in the North Sea EEZ (five under stratification
construction and 16 in trial operation), while ap-
2.3.4 Ice conditions
plications have been submitted for an additional
four offshore wind farms. The first offshore wind 2.3.5 Fronts
farm to go into trial operation in 2010 was the
"alpha ventus" offshore test field, with 12 wind 2.3.6 Suspended matter and turbidity
turbines. There are currently 16 wind farms with
958 wind turbines in trial operation, and five wind 2.3.7 Status assessment with regard to nu-
farms with 275 wind turbines are under construc- trient and pollutant distribution
tion.
2.3.7.1 Nutrients
Soil/Area
2.3.7.2 Metals
2.2.1 Data availability
2.3.7.3 Organic substances
26 Description and assessment of state of the environment
2.3.7.4 Radioactive substances (radionu- North Sea EEZ
clides)
2.6.2.2 Red List species
Plankton
2.6.2.3 Symbiotic communities
2.4.1 Data availability
2.6.3 Status assessment of the factor Ben-
2.4.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari- thos
ability of phytoplankton
2.6.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
2.4.3 Spatial distribution and temporal vari- benthic communities
ability of zooplankton
Fish
2.4.4 Status assessment of plankton
2.7.1 Data availability
Biotopes
2.7.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari-
2.5.1 Data availability ability
2.5.2 Legally protected marine biotopes ac- 2.7.2.1 Red List species in the German
cording to section 30 of the Federal North Sea area
Nature Conservation Act and FFH
habitat types 2.7.2.2 Typical regional fish communities
in the EEZ
2.5.2.1 Reefs
2.7.3 Status assessment of the factor Fish
2.5.2.2 Sandbanks
2.7.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
2.5.2.3 Species-rich gravel, coarse sand fish
and shell layers in marine and
coastal areas Marine mammals
2.5.2.4 Seapen and burrowing megafauna 2.8.1 Data availability
communities
2.8.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari-
2.5.3 Status assessment ability
2.5.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for 2.8.2.1 Harbour porpoise
biotopes
2.8.2.2 Seals and grey seals
Benthos
2.8.3 Status assessment of the factor Ma-
2.6.1 Data availability rine mammals
2.6.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari- 2.8.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
ability marine mammals
2.6.2.1 Current species spectrum of the 2.8.3.2 Protection status
Description and assessment of state of the environment 27
2.8.3.3 Hazards 2.10.3.2 Indirect losses
Seabirds and resting birds 2.10.3.3 Climatic changes
2.9.1 Data availability 2.10.3.4 Importance of areas and sites for
migratory birds
2.9.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari-
ability Bats and bat migration
2.9.2.1 Abundance of seabirds and resting 2.11.1 Data availability
birds in the German North Sea
2.11.2 Spatial distribution and status asses-
2.9.2.2 Frequently occurring species and sment
species of special importance for
the nature conservation area "Sylt Biodiversity
Outer Reef – Eastern German
Bight" Air
2.9.2.3 Occurrence of seabirds and rest- Climate
ing birds in the areas
Landscape
2.9.3 Status assessment of seabirds and
resting birds Material assets, cultural heritage
2.9.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for (archaeology)
seabirds and resting birds
Human beings, including human
2.9.3.2 Protection status health
2.9.3.3 Hazards Interrelationships between the
factors
Migratory birds
2.10.1 Data availability
2.10.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari-
ability of migratory birds
2.10.2.1 Bird migration over the German
Bight
2.10.2.2 Species composition
2.10.3 Status assessment of the factor Mi-
gratory birds
2.10.3.1 Anthropogenic influences on bird
migration
28 Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan
3 Expected development in According to section 17d subsection 1 sentence
1 of the Energy Industry Act, the responsible
the event of non-implemen- TSO must ensure the grid connection of offshore
tation of the plan wind farms or, as of 1 January 2019, construct
and operate this connection in accordance with
Expansion of offshore wind energy plays a key the network development plan and the Site De-
role in meeting the German government's cli- velopment Plan according to section 5 Wind-
mate protection and energy policy objectives. SeeG.
Section 6 WindSeeG gives the Federal Maritime It is absolutely necessary to lay the current-car-
and Hydrographic Agency the task of compiling rying subsea cable systems up to the grid con-
and updating a Site Development Plan for the nection points on land in order to allow the elec-
EEZ under the conditions set out in section 4 ff. tricity generated at the offshore wind farms in the
WindSeeG and, if an administrative agreement North Sea EEZ to be fed into the onshore high
is concluded, also for coastal waters. The task of voltage grid. The need to connect offshore wind
the plan, therefore, is to spatially define the ar- farms to the grid would exist even if the plan
eas and sites for wind turbines, the expected were not implemented. This means that even if
generation capacity there and the necessary the plan were not implemented, these uses
routes and locations for the entire required grid would still be exercised in accordance with the
infrastructure or grid topology in the North Sea applicable legal bases.
EEZ. Furthermore, the plan also develops the
temporal component of the expansion by deter- The TSO which is obliged to connect the off-
mining the temporal sequence of the calls for shore wind farms in the North Sea to the grid, is
tender for the sites for offshore wind turbines and pursuing a connection concept based on high-
the calendar years of the commissioning of con- voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission due
necting lines. to the required route lengths, which regularly ex-
ceed 100 km for the EEZ area. When using the
It is necessary to install offshore wind turbines in HVDC, due to the relatively high system power,
order to meet the expansion targets laid down in offshore wind farms are connected as a collec-
section 4 no. 2b of the Renewable Energy tive connection in which several offshore wind
Sources Act. Even if the Site Development Plan farms can be connected to an HVDC grid con-
were not to be implemented, further wind farms nection system consisting of a converter plat-
would still be built and commissioned in accord- form and DC cable. This means that a signifi-
ance with the applicable legal bases. The sec- cantly smaller number of cable systems is re-
toral plan is used for spatially and temporally or- quired compared to a connection using three-
dered, space-saving and efficient expansion of phase current technology, thereby reducing the
offshore wind energy in order to implement frag- space required for the cable systems. As already
mentation by further application outside the ar- explained, these sites are used for subsea cable
eas, and hence to control land usage and systems and converter platforms independently
thereby ensure minimal conflict in the develop- of the implementation of the Site Development
ment of this technology. Therefore, the environ- Plan in the EEZ. Therefore, the environmental
mental effects of the Site Development Plan's effects of the Site Development Plan's specifica-
specifications do not go beyond the effects of the tions do not go beyond the effects of the zero al-
zero alternative (non-implementation of the ternative (non-implementation of the plan), but in
plan), but in fact can be reduced by the Site De- fact can be reduced by the Site Development
velopment Plan on account of its steering effect. Plan by way of steering.
Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan 29
The specification of the direct connection of wind probably be more difficult to ensure the protec-
turbines to the converter platform as a standard tion of the individual factors if the Site Develop-
concept also leads to savings in terms of space ment Plan were not implemented than if the plan
required. This is due to the fact that transformer were implemented.
platforms are no longer necessary and may be
The grid connection of the individual sites pro-
omitted, but a separate platform may be required
vided for in the plan, staggered in terms of time,
for maintenance and accommodation purposes
has the potential to minimise disturbances to
for offshore wind farms. There could also be sav-
protected species in particular. Failure to imple-
ings in terms of subsea cables, depending on the
ment the plan would probably increase area use
spatial location of the future converter platform.
and the associated burden on the marine envi-
The reservation in the draft of the Site Develop-
ronment. Inadequate spatial coordination in the
ment Plan is pointed out regarding the specifica-
event of non-implementation of the plan could,
tion of the 66 kV connection concept based on
for example, lead to significantly more frag-
the outstanding analysis of the costs of this con-
mented wind farm areas and cable crossings
cept.
with corresponding effects – caused by intersec-
The sites for the cabling within the wind farm will tions becoming necessary – on the factors in
be used independently of the implementation of question.
the Site Development Plan in the EEZ. The en-
Although it is not possible to quantify in concrete
vironmental impact of the specifications of the
terms the number of additional land uses or
Site Development Plan does not therefore go be-
crossings and the associated additional land re-
yond the effects of non-implementation of the
quirements, it is clear from the specifications in
plan. Rather, the Site Development Plan may
the Site Development Plan - in particular the ar-
serve to mitigate them due to its steering effect.
eas for wind turbines, routing and gates - that the
The aim of the Site Development Plan is to spec- planning of the TSO has already progressed to
ify the expansion of offshore wind turbines and such an extent due to the earlier system charac-
the grid topology, in particular with regard to grid terised by individual approvals and connections,
connection of offshore wind farms in the EEZ, that complete overall coordination is no longer
coordinated in spatial and temporal terms ac- possible due to existing constraints. Taking
cording to the legal requirements in the sense of these constraints into account, a considerable
a predictive and coordinated overall planning. If number of crossings could no longer be pre-
the Site Development Plan were not to be imple- vented at this planning stage. For future projects,
mented, the previously practised system of pro- the aim is to coordinate these and to plan ahead
ject-specific individual planning and connection in accordance with the planning principles (see
would remain in place; in other words, wind details in chapter 4 of the Site Development
farms and their grid connections would be Plan).
planned and implemented without systematic in-
clusion of the entire area. The required space re- Soil/Area
quirements can be minimised and the potential
environmental impact can be reduced by regu- Water
lating planning and technical principles in the
Site Development Plan. As the plan makes nu- Plankton
merous specifications relating to the most com-
patible possible design of the uses, it would Biotopes
30 Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan
Benthos
Fish
Marine mammals
Seabirds and resting birds
Migratory birds
Bats and bat migration
Biodiversity
Air
Climate
Landscape
Material assets, cultural heritage
(archaeology)
Human beings, including human
health
Interrelationships between the
factors
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site 31
Development Plan on the marine environment
4 Description and assess- 13 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act are
also covered in the assessment of the individual
ment of the likely signifi- objects of protection.
cant effects of the imple- Under Article 5 (2a) WindSeeG, the FEP can
mentation of the Site Devel- also make specifications for "other energy pro-
duction areas" for a total of 40 to 70 km². Accord-
opment Plan on the marine ing to Section 3 No. 8 WindSeeG, another en-
environment ergy production area is an area outside areas
where offshore wind energy plants and other en-
In the following, the description and evaluation of ergy production plants can be erected in spatial
the environmental impacts concentrates on the proximity to each other. The installations may not
objects of protection for which significant im- be connected to the public grid. In the North Sea
pacts cannot be excluded from the outset by the EEZ, the former area N-8.4 is designated in the
implementation of the FEP. FEP 2020 as an other energy production area
According to Article 40 (1) UVPG, the likely sig- (SEN-1). Within the framework of the strategic
nificant environmental impacts of the implemen- environmental assessment, a "classic" offshore
tation of the plan must be assessed. According wind farm is assumed on the basis of previous
to Article 40 (3) UVPG, the environmental im- findings with regard to electricity generation. En-
pacts of the plan are provisionally assessed with vironmental impacts beyond this are strongly de-
a view to effective environmental precautions. pendent on the respective variant of use and are
According to Article 3, sentence 2 UVPG, the en- therefore comprehensively examined at the ap-
vironmental assessment serves to ensure effec- proval level. In this respect, the SEA for the other
tive environmental precautions in accordance energy production areas is carried out in the
with the applicable laws. Within the framework of same way as the assessment of areas for off-
the FEP and the provisions of §§ 4 ff. WindSeeG, shore wind energy.
a hazard to the marine environment must be ex-
cluded in the specifications contained in the plan Soil/Areas
in accordance with Article 5 (3) WindSeeG. The
marine environment includes the objects of pro- 4.1.1 Areas, sites and platforms
tection and their habitat, including possible inter-
4.1.2 Subsea cable systems
actions, described in this environmental report.
Those objects of protection for which a signifi- Benthos
cant impairment could already be excluded in the
previous chapter 2 are not taken into account. 4.2.1 Areas and sites
This applies to plankton, water, air, cultural her-
itage and other material goods as well as to hu- 4.2.2 Platforms
man beings, including human health. Possible
4.2.3 Subsea cable systems
impacts on biological diversity are dealt with un-
der the individual biological assets to be pro-
Biotopes
tected. All the objects of protection listed in Arti-
cle 2 (1) of the UVPG are examined before the
4.3.1 Areas and sites
species protection and site protection assess-
ments are presented. Statements on the general 4.3.2 Platforms
protection of nature and landscape under Article
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site Development
32
Plan on the marine environment
4.3.3 Subsea cable systems 4.10.2 Platforms
Fish Interrelationships
4.4.1 Areas and sites Cumulative effects
4.4.2 Platforms 4.12.1 Soil/area, benthos and biotopes
4.4.3 Subsea cable systems 4.12.2 Fish
Marine mammals 4.12.3 Marine mammals
4.5.1 Areas and sites 4.12.4 Seabirds and resting birds
4.5.2 Platforms 4.12.5 Migratory birds
4.5.3 Subsea cable systems Transboundary impacts
The SEA concludes that, as things stand at pre-
Seabirds and resting birds sent, the provisions of the FEP do not have a
significant impact on the areas of the neighbour-
4.6.1 Areas and sites
ing countries bordering the German North Sea
4.6.2 Platforms EEZ. This also applies with regard to the exten-
sion of areas N-9, N-10, N-12 and N-13 in a
4.6.3 Subsea cable systems north-western direction and the designation of
other energy production areas.
Migratory birds Significant transboundary impacts can be ruled
out in principle for the following assets to be pro-
4.7.1 Areas and sites
tected: soil, water, plankton, benthos, biotope
4.7.2 Platforms types, landscape, cultural heritage and other
material assets, and the human being and hu-
4.7.3 Subsea cable systems man health. Possible significant transboundary
impacts could only arise if all the planned wind
Bats and bat migration farm projects in the area of the German North
Sea for the highly mobile objects of protection
4.8.1 Areas and sites fish, marine mammals, sea birds and resting
birds as well as migratory birds and bats are
4.8.2 Platforms taken into account cumulatively.
4.8.3 Subsea cable systems For fish, the SEA comes to the conclusion that,
according to the current state of knowledge, no
Climate significant transboundary impacts on fish are to
be expected as a result of the implementation of
Landscape the FEP, since on the one hand the areas for
which the FEP has been defined do not have a
4.10.1 Areas and sites prominent function for fish fauna and on the
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site 33
Development Plan on the marine environment
other hand the recognisable and predictable ef-
fects are of a small-scale and temporary nature.
According to the current state of knowledge and
taking into account impact-minimizing and dam-
age-limiting measures, significant transboundary
effects can also be ruled out for the protected
marine mammal species. For example, the in-
stallation of the foundations of wind turbines and
converter platforms is only permitted in the spe-
cific licensing procedure if effective noise reduc-
tion measures are implemented (cf. 4.4.1.7
FEP). With regard to the protection of seabirds
and resting birds, the Danish bird sanctuary
"Sydlige Nordsø", which is directly adjacent to
the German EEZ to the north and also has a high
occurrence of seaweed, must be taken into ac-
count when considering possible significant
cross-border impacts. The non-designation of
the N-5.4 area counteracts a possible impair-
ment of the Danish bird sanctuary, including the
presence of loons.
For migratory birds, the wind turbines and plat-
forms erected on the FEP sites may constitute a
barrier or collision risk. However, as the plat-
forms are individual structures in the immediate
vicinity of offshore wind farms, no significant im-
pairment of bird migration is to be expected from
platforms alone. When considering the collision
risk posed by wind turbines, the existing devel-
opment of some areas in connection with future
development with new types of larger turbines
must be taken into account. The collision risk
must therefore be assessed differently for each
specific area. A final cumulative consideration of
the effects on bird migration, taking into account
all the offshore wind farms to be considered, is
not possible at the present time due to a lack of
information on the actual collision risk.
34 Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations
5 Assessment of wildlife con- takes place at the primary level of the sectoral
plan. A detailed assessment of wildlife conserva-
servation regulations tion regulations for the individual sites and pro-
According to section 37 of the Federal Nature jects must be carried out as part of the assess-
Conservation Act, general wildlife conservation ment of the suitability of specific sites or the indi-
generally includes vidual approval procedure in question.
protection of wild species of fauna and Marine mammals
flora and their communities from human
interference, and safeguarding of their 5.1.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the
other living conditions, Federal Nature Conservation Act
protection of habitats and biotopes of (prohibition of killing and injury)
wild animal and plant species, and
reintroduction of fauna and flora of dis- 5.1.1.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
placed wild species in suitable biotopes turbines
within their natural distribution area.
5.1.1.2 Platforms
Special provisions with prohibitions are applica-
ble to fauna of specially or strictly protected spe- 5.1.1.3 Subsea cable systems
cies. According to section 44 subsection 1 no. 1
of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, wild 5.1.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the
fauna of specially protected species must not be Federal Nature Conservation Act
injured or killed. According to section 44 subsec- (prohibition of disturbance)
tion 1 no. 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation
5.1.2.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
Act, wild fauna of strictly protected species and
energy
European bird species must not be significantly
disturbed during reproduction, rearing, moulting, 5.1.2.2 Platforms
hibernation and migration periods. Significant
disturbance occurs when the conservation sta- 5.1.2.3 Subsea cable systems
tus of the local population of a species deterio-
rates as a result of the disturbance. Avifauna (seabirds, resting birds
It does not matter whether a relevant injury or and migratory birds)
disturbance is due to reasonable grounds; nor do
reasons, motives or subjective tendencies play 5.2.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the
any part in respect of compliance with the prohi- Federal Nature Conservation Act
bitions (LANDMANN/ROHMER, 2018). (prohibition of killing and injury)
Whether the Site Development Plan meets the 5.2.1.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
wildlife conservation requirements of section 44 turbines
of the Federal Nature Conservation Act for spe-
cially protected animal species is examined in 5.2.1.2 Platforms
the context of this study on assessment of wild-
life conservation regulations. It will examine in 5.2.1.3 Subsea cable systems
particular whether the plan violates prohibitions
under wildlife conservation regulations. This as- 5.2.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the
sessment of wildlife conservation regulations Federal Nature Conservation Act
Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations 35
(prohibition of disturbance)
5.2.2.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
turbines
5.2.2.2 Platforms
5.2.2.3 Subsea cable systems
Bats
5.3.1 Section 44 subsection 1 nos. 1 and 2
of the Federal Nature Conservation
Act
5.3.1.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
turbines
5.3.1.2 Platforms
5.3.1.3 Subsea cable systems
36 Assessment of the implications
6 Assessment of the implica- subsection 1 and section 5 subsection 6 of the
Regulation on the designation of the nature con-
tions servation area "Dogger Bank" (NSGDgbV)6).
Within the framework of the present SEA, the ar- These projects and plans are to be examined for
eas, sites, platforms and submarine cable routes their compatibility with the conservation objec-
planned in the FEP will be examined separately tive of the relevant regulation. They are permis-
for their compatibility with the protection pur- sible if, according to section 34 subsection 2 of
poses of the nature reserves. The impact as- the Federal Nature Conservation Act, they can-
sessment carried out here for areas and sites not lead to significant impairments of the compo-
takes place at the planning level and does not nents of the nature conservation area significant
replace the corresponding assessment at the for the conservation objective or if they meet the
level of concrete projects, which is carried out as requirements according to section 34 subsec-
part of the planning approval process. To this ex- tions 3 to 5 of the Federal Nature Conservation
tent, further avoidance and mitigation measures Act (see section 7 subsection 2 of the NSGSylV,
are to be expected if they are deemed necessary section 5 subsection 2 of the NSGBRgV and
by the impact assessment within the framework section 5 subsection 2 of the NSGDgbV). Com-
of planning approval procedures in order to ex- patibility according to the Federal Nature Con-
clude any impairment of the conservation objec- servation Act has to be examined according to
tives of the protected areas by use within or out- the assessment previously carried out for the
side a nature conservation area. fauna-flora-habitat areas (FFH areas). By a de-
cision made by the EU Commission dated
Legal basis 12.11.2007, the nature conservation areas in the
EEZ were previously included under European
The German North Sea EEZ includes the nature
law as FFH sites in the first updated list of sites
conservation areas "Sylt Outer Reef – Eastern
of Community importance in the Atlantic biogeo-
German Bight", "Borkum Reef Ground" and
graphical region according to Art. 4 subsection 2
"Dogger Bank", which were established by de-
of the Habitats Directive (Official Journal of the
cree on 22 September 2018.
EU, 15.01.2008, L 12/1), so an FFH assessment
Essentially, construction of artificial installations of the implications has already been carried out
and buildings in nature conservation areas is within the framework of the Spatial Offshore Grid
prohibited. However, this does not apply to pro- Plan.
jects and plans for the generation of wind energy
Sections 34 and 36 of the Federal Nature Con-
and the laying or operation of subsea cables,
servation Act stipulate that plans or projects
subject to an admissibility check (see section 6
which, individually or in conjunction with other
subsection 1 and section 7 subsection 6 of the
plans or projects, may significantly effect an FFH
Regulation on the designation of the nature con-
and EU bird sanctuary and which do not directly
servation area "Sylt Outer Reef – Eastern Ger-
serve the administration of the site, must be as-
man Bight" (NSGSylV)4; section 4 subsection 1
sessed for their compatibility with the protection
and section 5 subsection 6 of the Regulation on
and conservation objectives of a Natura 2000
the designation of the nature conservation area
site. This is also applicable to projects outside
"Borkum Reef Ground" (NSGBRgV)5; section 4
the site which, individually or in combination with
4 Regulation of 22.09.2017, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 3423. 6 Regulation of 22.09.2017, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 3400.
5 Regulation of 22.09.2017, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 3395.
Assessment of the implications 37
other projects or plans, are likely to significantly specifications defined within the EEZ on the pro-
undermine the conservation objectives of the tected areas in the adjacent 12 nautical mile
sites. With the designation of the nature conser- zone and the adjacent waters of the neighbour-
vation areas, this assessment now refers to the ing states. This also concerns assessment and
conservation objective of these nature conserva- consideration of functional relationships be-
tion areas. The assessment of the implications tween the individual protected areas and the co-
under the Habitats Directive has a narrower herence of the network of protected areas under
scope than the SEA as it is limited to reviewing section 56 subsection 2 of the Federal Nature
the impact using the conservation objectives es- Conservation Act, since the habitats of some tar-
tablished for the protected area. Other environ- get species (e.g. avifauna, marine mammals)
mental effects do not need to be assessed. may extend over several protected areas due to
their large range. Specifically, the protected ar-
The total area of the three nature conservation
eas "Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park"
areas amounts to 7,947 km² (26.8% of the EEZ
and the EU bird sanctuary "Lower Saxon Wad-
zone of the North Sea), the nature conservation
den Sea and adjacent coastal waters" in Lower
site "Sylt Outer Reef – Eastern German Bight"
Saxon coastal waters, the "Schleswig-Holstein
covers an site of 5,603 km² (11.0%), the nature
Wadden Sea National Park", the "Ramsar Area
conservation site "Borkum Reef Ground" covers
Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea and adjacent
an site of 652 km2, and the nature conservation
coastal areas", the FFH area "Steingrund" and
site "Dogger Bank" covers 1,692 km2.
the "Helgoland seabird sanctuary" in Schleswig-
The factors as a whole are the habitat types Holstein coastal waters, as well as the Natura
"reefs" and "sandbanks" according to Annex I of 2000 area "Southern North Sea" in the Danish
the Habitats Directive, certain fish species and EEZ, are taken into account.
marine mammals according to Annex II of the
Apart from the effects within the EEZ, this as-
Habitats Directive (mud lamprey, waite, harbour
sessment of the implications explicitly examines
porpoise, grey seal and seal), as well as various
only possible remote effects of the areas and
bird species according to Annex I of the Birds Di-
sites, platforms and subsea cable routes that are
rective (red-throated diver, black-throated diver,
planned in the EEZ in protected sites in adjacent
little gull, sandwich tern, common tern, Arctic
areas. The planned areas and sites, platforms
tern, fulmar, gannet, common scoter, great skua,
and subsea cable routes are regularly located
pomarine skua, common gull, lesser black-
sufficiently far away from the protected sites in
backed gull, kittiwake, guillemot, razorbill). Spe-
coastal waters, so no significant effects on these
cies listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive,
protected sites can be assumed in this respect.
e.g. the harbour porpoise, must be strictly pro-
However, this consideration is not made with re-
tected everywhere, including outside the defined
gard to routes in coastal waters, which are con-
protected areas.
nected to the gates provided for in the Site De-
Within the framework of the Site Development velopment Plan. This assessment is the subject
Plan, individual areas and sites, platforms, sub- of the coastal states' environmental reports on
sea cable routes and gates are planned in or Spatial Plans or secondary procedures.
near the nature conservation sites "Borkum Reef
Ground" and "Sylt Outer Reef – Eastern German
Bight".
In addition, the assessment of the implications
also takes into account the remote effects of the
38 Assessment of the implications
Assessment of the compatibility the protection purposes and con-
of the FEP with protected spe- servation objectives of Area I of
the nature reserve "Sylter Außen-
cies
riff - Östliche Deutsche Bucht"
6.2.1 Impact assessment pursuant to Arti- with regard to marine mammals
cle 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in conjunc-
6.2.2.2 Assessment of the compatibility of
tion with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats
the FEP for areas N-4, N-5, N-11
Directive and under Article 5 (6) of
and N-13 and associated areas and
the Ordinance on the Establishment
platforms with regard to marine
of the "Borkum Riffgrund" Nature Re-
mammals
serve
6.2.2.3 Assessment of the compatibility of
6.2.1.1 Assessment of the compatibility of
the FEP for areas N-1 to N-3, N-6 to
the FEP for areas N-1 to N-3 and
N-10 and N-12 and associated ar-
associated areas and platforms
eas and platforms with marine
with marine mammals
mammals
6.2.1.2 Assessment of the compatibility of
6.2.2.4 Testing the compatibility of the
the FEP for areas N-4 to N-13 and
FEP for submarine cable systems
associated areas and platforms
with marine mammals
with marine mammals
6.2.2.5 Assessment of the plan's compati-
6.2.1.3 Testing the compatibility of the
bility with the protection purposes
FEP for submarine cable systems
and conservation objectives of
with marine mammals
Area II of the nature reserve "Sylt
6.2.1.4 Assessment of the compatibility of Outer Reef - Eastern German
the FEP for areas N-4 to N-13 and Bight" with regard to the Avifauna
associated areas and platforms
6.2.2.6 Assessment of the compatibility of
with marine mammals
the FEP for the area N-4 and the
6.2.1.5 Testing the compatibility of the associated areas and platforms
FEP for submarine cable systems with regard to protected bird spe-
with marine mammals cies
6.2.2 Impact assessment pursuant to Arti- 6.2.2.7 Assessment of the compatibility of
cle 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in conjunc- the FEP for the area N-5 and the
tion with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats associated areas and platforms
Directive and Article 5 (6) of the Ordi- with regard to protected bird spe-
nance on the Establishment of the cies
"Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern German
6.2.2.8 Assessment of the compatibility of
Bight" Nature Reserve with regard to
the FEP for the area N-5 and the
marine mammals and protected bird
associated areas and platforms
species
with regard to protected bird spe-
6.2.2.1 Assessment of compatibility with cies
Assessment of the implications 39
6.2.2.9 Assessment of the compatibility of Adjacent Coastal Sea" are located in the coastal
the FEP for areas N-1 to N-3, N-6 to sea of Lower Saxony, the "National Park Schles-
N-10 and N-12 and the areas and wig-Holstein Wadden Sea", the "Ramsar Area
platforms belonging to them with Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea and Adjacent
regard to protected bird species Coastal Areas", the FFH area "Steingrund" and
the "Seevo bird sanctuary Helgoland" in the
6.2.2.10 Testing the compatibility of the coastal sea of Schleswig-Holstein as well as the
FEP for submarine cable systems Natu-ra2000 area "Sydlige Nordsø" in the Dan-
with regard to protected bird spe- ish EEZ, the Dutch bird sanctuary "Friese Front"
cies and the Dutch FFH area "Doggersbank".
6.2.3 Impact assessment pursuant to Arti- The protection and conservation objectives for
cle 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in conjunc- the Natu-ra2000 sites outside the EEZ are taken
tion with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats from the following documents:
Directive and Article 5 (7) of the Ordi- - FFH area "Lower Saxony Wadden Sea Na-
nance on the designation of the Dog- tional Park": § 2 in connection with Annex 5 Law
gerbank nature conservation area on the "Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National
Park" (NWattNPG) of 11 July 2001
6.2.3.1 Assessment of the compatibility of (http://www.lexsoft.de/cgi-bin/lexsoft/nieder-
the FEP for areas, sites and asso- sachsen_recht.cgi?chosenIn-
ciated platforms with regard to ma- dex=Dummy_nv_6&xid=173529,3)
rine mammals
- EU Bird Sanctuary "Lower Saxony Wadden
6.2.3.2 Testing the compatibility of the Sea and adjacent coastal sea": Natura 2000
FEP for submarine cable systems sites of the Tideweser in Lower Saxony and Bre-
with marine mammals men (http://www.umwelt.bremen.de/sixcms/me-
dia.php/13/Fachbeitrag-
Natura2000 sites outside the 1_Natura%202000_Teil%203.pdf)
German EEZ - FFH area "Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea
The impact assessment also takes into account National Park and adjacent coastal areas": Con-
the remote effects of the provisions adopted servation objectives for the FFH proposal area
within the EEZ on the protected areas in the ad- DE-0916-391 "NTP S-H Wadden Sea and adja-
jacent 12-mile zone and in the adjacent waters cent coastal areas" (http://www.umwelt-
of neighbouring countries. This also applies to daten.landsh.de/public/natura/pdf/erhaltung-
the assessment and consideration of functional sziele/DE-0916-391.pdf)
relationships between the individual protected - EU Bird Sanctuary "Ramsar Area S-H Wadden
areas and the coherence of the network of pro- Sea and adjacent coastal areas": Conservation
tected areas pursuant to Article 56 (2) of the Fed- objectives for the DE- 0916-491 "Ramsar Area
eral Nature Conservation Act, since the habitat S-H Wadden Sea and adjacent coastal areas"
of some target species (e.g. avifauna, marine (http://www.umweltdaten.landsh.de/pub-
mammals) may extend over several protected lic/natura/pdf/erhaltungsziele/DE-0916-491.pdf)
areas due to their large radius of action.
- "Seabird sanctuary Helgoland": conservation
In detail, the protected areas "National Park objectives for the DE-1813-491 bird sanctuary
Lower Saxony Wadden Sea" and the EU bird
protection area "Lower Saxony Wadden Sea and
40 Assessment of the implications
"Seabird sanctuary Helgo-land" (http://www.um- With regard to seabirds and resting birds, the
weltdaten.landsh.de/pub- Danish bird sanctuary "Sydlige Nordsø", which is
lic/natura/pdf/erhaltungsziele/DE-1813-491.pdf) directly adjacent to the German EEZ to the north
and has a high concentration of loons, must be
- FFH site "Steingrund": conservation objectives
taken into account when considering possible
for the site DE 714-391 "Steingrund", designated
significant impacts on protected areas outside
as a site of Community importance (www.um-
the German EEZ. The non-designation of the N-
weltdaten.landsh.de/pub-
5.4 area counteracts a possible deterioration of
lic/natura/pdf/erhaltungsziele/DE-1714-391.pdf)
the Danish bird sanctuary, including the pres-
- Denmark: FFH and bird sanctuary "Sydlige ence of loons.
Nordsø": EUNIS factsheet (http://eunis.eea.eu-
ropa.eu/sites/DK00VA347) Results of the impact assess-
- Netherlands: "Friese Front" bird sanctuary: ment
EUNIS factsheet (https://eunis.eea.eu- As a result, a considerable impairment of the
ropa.eu/sites/NL2016166) protection purposes of the nature conservation
- The Netherlands: Habitats Area "Doggers- area "Borkum Riffgrund", the protection pur-
bank": EUNIS Factsheet (https://eunis.eea.eu- poses of the nature conservation area "Sylter
ropa.eu/sites/NL2008001). Außenriff - Östliche Deutsche Bucht" and the
protection purposes of the nature conservation
In addition, under Article 12 of the Habitats Di- area "Doggerbank" as well as on protected areas
rective for species listed in Annex IV of the Hab- outside the German EEZ can be excluded with
itats Directive, EU Member States shall take the the necessary certainty by implementing the
necessary measures within and outside pro- FEP and taking into account avoidance and re-
tected areas to establish a system of strict pro- duction measures for FFH habitat type, marine
tection for the above species in their natural mammals, avifauna and other animal groups
range. According to the Habitats Directive, this protected under the FFH.
includes all whale species. The FFH areas are
intended to preserve parts of the feeding habitat. It should be noted that the FFH impact assess-
ment carried out here could not examine project-
In addition to the effects of the plan within the specific properties which are only concretised
EEZ, the present impact assessment explicitly and defined in the course of planning approval
only examines possible remote effects of the ar- procedures by project developers. The impact
eas, surfaces, platforms and submarine cable- assessment is therefore carried out as part of the
ways planned within the EEZ on protected areas planning approval procedure for the project in
in adjacent areas. The planned areas, sites, plat- question with the aim of deriving and defining the
forms and submarine cableways are at a suffi- necessary avoidance and mitigation measures
cient distance from the protected areas in the at project level.
coastal sea so that no significant effects on these
protected areas are to be expected. However, According to the current state of knowledge, a
this consideration is not made with regard to the significant impairment of the FFH-LRT "Reefs"
routes in the coastal sea, which are connected and "Sandbanks with only weak permanent in-
to the border corridors provided for in the FEP. undation by seawater" can be ruled out, even if
This examination is the subject of the environ- the plan and existing projects for the nature con-
mental reports of the coastal countries on the re- servation areas "Borkum Riffgrund", "Sylt Outer
spective regional development plans or subordi- Reef - Eastern German Bight" and "Doggerbank"
nate procedures. are considered cumulatively.
Overall plan evaluation 41
7 Overall plan evaluation conclusively within the framework of the present
SEA or are subject to uncertainties and need to
In summary, with regard to the planned areas be assessed more closely within the framework
and sites, platforms and subsea cable routes of subsequent planning stages.
and the designation of the orther energy produc-
tion side SEN-1, the effects on the marine envi-
ronment will be minimised as far as possible by
means of orderly, coordinated overall planning of
the Site Development Plan. By adhering strictly
to prevention and mitigation measures, in partic-
ular for noise mitigation during the construction
phase, considerable effects can be prevented by
implementing the planned sites, areas and plat-
forms. No areas or sites have been defined in the
nature conservation sites. From a precautionary
point of view, no corresponding specifications
have yet been included in the main concentration
area for divers.
The laying of subsea cable systems can be
made as eco-friendly as possible, e.g. by by-
passing nature conservation areas and pro-
tected biotopes and by choosing a laying method
that is as unobtrusive as possible. The planning
principle for sediment warming should ensure
that significant negative effects of cable heating
on benthic communities are prevented. Prevent-
ing crossings between subsea cable systems as
far as possible also serves to prevent negative
effects on the marine environment, in particular
on the factors Soil, Benthos and Biotopes. Given
the above descriptions and assessments, the
Strategic Environmental Assessment concludes
that, with regard to possible interrelationships,
no significant effects on the marine environment
within the investigation area are to be expected
from the planned specifications on the basis of
current knowledge and the comparatively ab-
stract level of sectoral planning. The potential ef-
fects are frequently small-scale and mostly
short-term, as they are limited to the construction
phase. To date, there is a lack of sufficient sci-
entific knowledge and consistent evaluation
methods for cumulative assessment of the ef-
fects on individual factors such as bat migration.
Therefore, these effects cannot be assessed
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development Plan
42
on the marine environment
8 Measures to prevent, miti- ning level, others only come into play at the spe-
cific implementation stage and are regulated
gate and offset significant there in the individual approval procedure ac-
negative effects of the Site cording to the project and location. With regard
to planning prevention and mitigation measures,
Development Plan the Site Development Plan defines spatial and
on the marine environment textual specifications which, according to the en-
vironmental protection objectives set out in
Introduction chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht
gefunden werden., serve to prevent or mitigate
According to section 40 subsection 2 UVPG, the
significant negative effects in the marine envi-
environmental report includes a description of
ronment due to implementation of the Site De-
the planned measures to prevent, mitigate and,
velopment Plan. This mainly concerns
as far as possible, compensate for significant ad-
verse environmental effects resulting from imple- Consideration of nature conservation areas
mentation of the plan. In principle, the Site De- and legally protected biotopes
velopment Plan will take marine environment exclusion effect of wind turbines in nature
concerns into account more effectively when ex- conservation areas,
exclusion effect of platforms in nature
panding power generation by means of offshore
conservation areas
wind turbines and the corresponding connecting the principle of laying subsea cable sys-
lines. The specifications of the Site Development tems outside these areas as far as pos-
Plan will prevent negative effects on the devel- sible,
opment of the state of the environment of the as little land usage as possible, ensured by
North Sea EEZ. This is due in particular to the the planning principles
fact that there is always a need to expand off- economic area use when arranging wind
shore wind energy and the corresponding con- turbines
maximum possible bundling of subsea
necting lines and that the corresponding infra-
cable routes in the sense of parallel rout-
structure (wind farms, platforms and subsea ca- ing,
ble systems) would have to be created even prevention of cable and pipeline cross-
without an Site Development Plan (see chapter ings,
Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden the planning principle for noise mitigation,
werden.). If the plan were not implemented, the planning principle for sediment warming,
however, the uses would develop without the Reduction of scour protection measures to a
space-saving and resource-conserving steering minimum so as to prevent having to introduce
and coordination effect of the Site Development artificial hard substrate
specifications for the dismantling of structural
Plan.
installations, and
Moreover, the specifications of the Site Develop- consideration of best environmental practice
ment Plan are subject to a continuous optimisa- in accordance with the OSPAR Convention
tion process, as the knowledge obtained on a and the state of the art.
The measures listed below serve to prevent and
rolling basis within the framework of the SEA and
mitigate insignificant and significant negative ef-
the consultation process is taken into account
fects in the specific implementation of the Site
when the plan is compiled.
Development Plan. These mitigation and pre-
While individual prevention, mitigation and com- vention measures are specified and ordered by
pensation measures may begin even at the plan- the competent licensing authority at project level
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development 43
Plan
for the planning, construction and operation e.g. large bubble curtains, hydro silenc-
phases. ers or sheathing. These noise protection
measures must be specified in detail in
Areas and sites for offshore the individual approval procedures for
wind turbines specific locations and installations.
The following measures to prevent and mitigate Adaptation of the pile-driving process to
significant and insignificant negative environ- location- and project-specific conditions
mental effects must be taken into account in the by control of the pile-driving energy and
specific planning and construction of wind tur- impact frequency
bines: Noise prevention measures: use appro-
When installing foundations, suitable priate methods to prevent killing and in-
measures must be implemented to en- juring fauna near the pile-driving site:
sure that noise emissions (sound pres- Use of suitable deterrent devices
sure SEL05) at a distance of 750 m does such as the FaunaGuard system
not exceed 160 decibels (dB re 1 μPa²s) or, in special cases, "pingers" and
and the peak sound pressure level does "seal scarers"
not exceed 190 decibels "Soft-start procedure": delaying
(dB re 1 μPa). the increase of pile-driving en-
Adherence to pile-driving times, including ergy should allow fauna in the vi-
aversive conditioning measures, of no cinity of the pile-driving site to
move away from the construction
more than 180 minutes during the inser-
tion of monopiles and no more than 140 site.
minutes per pile for jacket structures. Coordination of pile-driving work for vari-
ous projects in order to minimise overall
Monitoring activities during the construc- noise output times
tion phase, in particular by recording the
underwater noise level during the instal- Consideration of the noise protection
lation of foundations. Monitoring of noise concept of the Federal Ministry for the
level and compliance with limits must be Environment, Nature Conservation and
carried out by an accredited facility. The Nuclear Safety (2013)
suitability of the measuring equipment is Assessment of alternative, low-noise
to be demonstrated by accreditation in foundation forms, such as "suction buck-
accordance with ets". The environmental impact of alter-
DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 with regard to native forms of foundation must always
ISO 18406:2017 and DIN SPEC be assessed with regard to any additional
45653:2017. significant effects on the marine environ-
Noise mitigation measures: use of the ment, in particular also from the introduc-
relevant best available method according tion of continuous noise.
to the state of the art in science and tech-
nology in order to reduce the level of un- Reduction of shipping traffic for construc-
derwater noise so as to comply with ap- tion and operation of platforms, and the
plicable noise protection specifications associated acoustic and visual impair-
during the installation of foundation piles, ments, to a minimum by optimal con-
struction and time planning
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development Plan
44
on the marine environment
Ensuring that no preventable emissions The following measures to prevent and mitigate
of pollutants, noise or light occur during significant and insignificant negative environ-
the construction or operation of the instal- mental effects must be taken into account in the
lation in accordance with the state of the specific planning and construction of platforms
art (converter platforms, collector platforms, trans-
Lighting that is as compatible as possible former platforms and residential platforms):
with nature during operation of the instal- When installing foundations, suitable
lations in order to reduce attraction as far measures must be implemented to en-
as possible, taking into account the re- sure that noise emissions (sound pres-
quirements of safe shipping and air traffic sure SEL05) at a distance of 750 m does
and occupational safety, e.g. switching not exceed 160 decibels (dB re 1 μPa²s)
obstruction lighting on and off as re- and the peak sound pressure level does
quired, selection of suitable lighting in- not exceed 190 decibels
tensities and spectra or lighting intervals (dB re 1 μPa).
Restriction of the introduction of hard
substrate to a minimum Adherence to pile-driving times, including
Use of low-pollution paints aversive conditioning measures, of no
Use of traffic safety vehicles during the more than 180 minutes during the inser-
construction and commissioning phases tion of monopiles and no more than 140
in order to prevent collisions minutes per pile for jacket structures.
Correct disposal of oil residues from ma- Monitoring activities during the construc-
chinery, faeces, packaging, waste and tion phase, in particular by recording the
wastewater on land. Preparation of a underwater noise level during the instal-
"waste concept" for construction and lation of foundations. Monitoring of noise
operation level and compliance with limits must be
Compilation of emergency plans, includ- carried out by an accredited facility. The
ing for accidents involving water-polluting suitability of the measuring equipment is
substances during the construction and to be demonstrated by accreditation in
operation phases accordance with
If, during planning or installation of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 with regard to
plants, so far undiscovered ordnance is ISO 18406:2017 and DIN SPEC
found on the seabed, corresponding pro- 45653:2017.
tective measures must be taken.
Noise mitigation measures: use of the
Monitoring of possible effects on the
relevant best available method according
marine environment due to the construc-
to the state of the art in science and tech-
tion or operation of the installations by
nology in order to reduce the level of un-
means of mandatory ecological monitor-
derwater noise so as to comply with ap-
ing during the construction and opera-
plicable noise protection specifications
tion phase in accordance with StUK 4
during the installation of foundation piles,
e.g. large bubble curtains, hydro silenc-
The above-mentioned avoidance and reduction
ers or sheathing. These noise protection
measures for areas and land apply accordingly
measures must be specified in detail in
to other energy production areas.
the individual approval procedures for
specific locations and installations.
Platforms
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development 45
Plan
Adaptation of the pile-driving process to the construction or operation of the instal-
location- and project-specific conditions lation in accordance with the state of the
by control of the pile-driving energy and art
impact frequency
Lighting that is as compatible as possible
Noise prevention measures: use appro- with nature during operation of the plat-
priate methods to prevent killing and in- forms in order to reduce attraction as far
juring fauna near the pile-driving site: as possible, taking into account the re-
quirements of safe shipping and air traffic
Use of suitable deterrent devices
and occupational safety, e.g. switching
such as the FaunaGuard system
obstruction lighting on and off as re-
or, in special cases, "pingers" and
quired, selection of suitable lighting in-
"seal scarers"
tensities and spectra or lighting intervals
"Soft-start procedure": delaying
Restriction of the introduction of hard
the increase of pile-driving en-
substrate to a minimum
ergy should allow fauna in the vi-
cinity of the pile-driving site to Use of low-pollution paints
move away from the construction
Use of traffic safety vehicles during the
site.
construction and commissioning phases
Coordination of pile-driving work for vari- in order to prevent collisions
ous projects in order to minimise overall
Correct disposal of oil residues from ma-
noise output times
chinery, faeces, packaging, waste and
Consideration of the noise protection wastewater on land. Preparation of a
concept of the Federal Ministry for the "waste concept" for construction and
Environment, Nature Conservation and operation
Nuclear Safety (2013)
Compilation of emergency plans, includ-
Assessment of alternative, low-noise ing for accidents involving water-polluting
foundation forms for platforms, such as substances during the construction and
"suction buckets" or gravity foundations. operation phases
The environmental impact of alternative
If, during planning or installation of plat-
forms of foundation must always be as-
forms, so far undiscovered ordnance is
sessed with regard to any additional sig-
found on the seabed, corresponding
nificant effects on the marine environ-
protective measures must be taken.
ment, in particular due to the introduction
of continuous noise.
Reduction of shipping traffic for construc- Subsea cable systems (DC and
tion and operation of platforms, and the
AC cable systems)
associated acoustic and visual impair-
ments, to a minimum by optimal con- Measures for prevention and mitigation must be
struction and time planning taken into account as early as the route planning
and technical design stages (see Fehler! Ver-
Ensuring that no preventable emissions weisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.).
of pollutants, noise or light occur during The magnetic field development of the cable sys-
tems is kept to a minimum by the use of HVDC
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development Plan
46
on the marine environment
technology as specified in the Site Development ordnance is found on the seabed, corre-
Plan and the cable configurations specified in ac- sponding protective measures must be
cordance with the state of the art. The planning taken.
principle for sediment warming should ensure
The aim is to implement the following measures
compliance with the "2K criterion", i.e. a maxi-
with a view to achieving the most eco-friendly de-
mum permissible temperature increase of 2 K at
sign possible:
a sediment depth of 20 cm.
Investigation and presentation of the ef-
Moreover, the following measures that help to
fects of platforms and subsea cable sys-
prevent and mitigate environmental effects are
tems on the marine environment within
to be implemented in the specific implementation
the scope of a monitoring operation, in-
of the individual projects:
cluding monitoring of coverage during the
Relocation outside nature conservation operating phase of the cables;
areas and known occurrences of pro-
Evaluation of the monitoring results in re-
tected biotope structures, if possible
spect of cumulative effects or interrela-
Selection of the shortest possible route tionships of various uses;
Bundled cable laying Consideration of the monitoring results
within the framework of the update, i.e.
Optimisation of route selection within the
experience from implementation of the
framework of fine routing in order to pre-
projects is used to continuously improve
vent and not effect known occurrences of
mitigation and prevention measures.
particularly sensitive biotopes as far as
possible in accordance with section 30 of
the Federal Nature Conservation Act
Use of laying methods that protect the
soil as much as possible for installation
of the cable systems, depending on sed-
iment conditions and water depths and
taking into account the required minimum
coverage
Use of cable types that develop electric
and magnetic fields that are as low as
possible
Use of materials in cable systems that
are as eco-friendly as possible
Reduction of intersections to the required
minimum
Use of inert, natural materials for filling
and intersections that become necessary
If, during planning or installation of sub-
sea cable systems, so far undiscovered
Investigated alternatives 47
9 Investigated alternatives jects. Conceptual/strategic design, the spatial lo-
cation and technical alternatives therefore play a
In accordance with Art. 5 subsection 1 sentence part at the planning level.
1 of the SEA Directive in conjunction with the cri-
In principle, it should be noted that preliminary
teria in Annex I of the SEA Directive and section
examination of possible and conceivable alter-
40 subsection 2 no. 8 UVPG, the environmental
natives is already inherent in all specifications in
report contains a brief description of the reasons
the form of standardised technical and planning
for the choice of reasonable alternatives exam-
principles. As can be seen from the justification
ined. The reasonable alternatives under consid-
of the individual planning principles, in particular
eration are explained below. Essentially, differ-
those relating to the environment – such as, for
ent types of alternatives can be considered for
example, Avoiding threats to the marine environ-
an assessment of alternatives; in particular stra-
ment, respecting nature reserves, routing that is
tegic, spatial or technical alternatives. The pre-
as bundled as possible and implementation that
requisite is always that these are reasonable or
is as free from crossings as possible – the prin-
can be seriously considered.
ciple in question is already based on considera-
Thus not all conceivable alternatives need to be tion of possible public concerns and legal posi-
assessed. However, it is no longer sufficient to tions, so that a "preliminary assessment" of pos-
identify, describe and evaluate only those alter- sible alternatives has already been carried out.
natives that "seriously offer" or "impose" them- There are already a large number of different
selves. The obligation to investigate thus ex- uses and legally protected concerns in the EEZ.
tends to all alternatives that "are not obviously ... A "Regulation on Regional Planning in the Ger-
remote" (Landmann/Rohmer, 2018). Assess- man EEZ in the North Sea" of 21 September
ment of alternatives does not explicitly require 2009, which defines objectives and principles,
the development and assessment of particularly also exists in order to regulate the usage inter-
eco-friendly alternatives. Rather, the "reasona- ests within the North Sea EEZ. An overall as-
ble" alternatives in the above sense should be sessment of the uses and functions in the EEZ
presented in a comparative manner with regard has already been carried out as part of the prep-
to their environmental effects, so that considera- aration of the Spatial Plan. The objectives and
tion of environmental concerns becomes trans- principles of the Spatial Plan have largely been
parent when deciding on the alternative to be adopted in the Spatial Plan and are being re-
pursued (S. Balla, 2009). viewed and weighed against the specific regula-
At the same time, the effort required to identify tory issues of the concerns and rights presented
and assess the alternatives under consideration in this procedure.
must be reasonable. This means that the greater Possible reasonable alternatives in detail:
the expected environmental effects and hence
the need for planning conflict resolution, the
more likely it is that comprehensive or detailed
investigations will be required.
By way of example, Annex 4 no. 2 UVPG refers
to the assessment of alternatives with regard to
the design, technology, location, size and scope
of the project, but explicitly refers only to pro-
48 Investigated alternatives
Zero alternative 9.3.2 Comparison of the sites with each
other
Strategic alternatives Within the framework of the FEP (Chapter 5.2.2),
a comparison is made between the areas identi-
Spatial alternatives fied or examined below in the FEP with regard to
the criteria that are decisive for the decision on
9.3.1 Alternative assessment for areas the definition of the areas, among other things
With regard to the assessment of alternatives for with regard to conflicts with other uses. In addi-
areas, reference is made to the comments in the tion to the FEP implementation, possible con-
FEP on the definition of the individual areas flicts are examined in detail here from a nature
(Chapter 5.1). There are no seriously considered conservation perspective.
alternatives to areas N-1 to N-13 on the basis of
The following criteria are used for the nature con-
the provisions of the current regional develop-
servation area comparison:
ment plan for the North Sea EEZ or conflicts with
other uses, such as nature conservation areas or - Distance to the nearest protected area
military training areas. Areas north-west of the in km (FFH and bird sanctuary)
shipping route 10, which has been defined by - Location within/ outside the main con-
spatial planning, are not seriously considered as centration area of loons
alternatives to the areas designated in the FEP. - Location inside / outside the main dis-
With the designated areas N-1 to N-13 (areas N- tribution area of harbour porpoises
4 and N-5 are being examined for possible sub- - Affection of biotopes protected under
sequent use) in the North Sea, there is on the Section 30 BNatSchG and suspected
one hand a contiguous planning area and on the areas on the site
other hand the areas northwest of shipping route - Route of the connecting pipeline
10 are significantly further from the coast. This through a nature reserve (EEZ) in km
results in a significant extension of the respective - Route of the connecting pipeline
necessary connection systems and thus in any through § 30 biotope / suspected areas
case in a greater impact on the seabed. In addi- (EEZ) in km
tion, the available data and information basis for - Significance of the area for the individ-
the area northwest of shipping route 10 is con- ual objects of protection (textual).
siderably worse than for the areas designated in
the FEP due to the lack of project-related moni-
toring data.
In the Baltic Sea EEZ, too, no reasonable alter-
natives to the areas O-1 to O-3 are discernible
due to the provisions of the current spatial plan-
ning plan for the Baltic Sea EEZ. In the territorial
sea of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, areas
O-4, O-5 (area under examination) and O-6 and
a test field will be selected by means of an ad-
ministrative agreement. For these areas, refer-
ence is made to the SEA assessments of the
State Spatial Development Programme Meck-
lenburg-Pomerania.
Investigated alternatives 49
Table 5: Site comparison using nature conservation criteria.
Site Minimum distance Site inside the Site within the Affection of § Connection Connection
(km) to the nearest main concen- main porpoise 30 bio- line through § 30 bio-
protected area af- tration area of distribution topes/sus- through tope / suspected
ter loons area pected areas conserva- areas (share of
FFH-Dir | VS-Dir tion area EEZ route, km)
(EEZ share,
km)
N-3.7 26 21 No No Not known No No
N-3.8 20 22 No No Not known No No
O-1.3 9 13 - - Suspected area No No
not confirmed
N-7.2 28 58 No No Not known No Yes, 2 km suspected
area
N-3.5 14 18 No No Not known No No
N-3.6 11 21 No No Not known No No
N-6.6 27 6 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-6.7 40 33 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-9.1 48 30 No No Not known No No
N-9.2 48 50 No No Not known No No
N-9.3 51 28 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-9.4 50 43 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-10.1 29 70 No No Not known No No
N-10.2 34 66 No No Not known No No
O-2.2 (in 12 23 - - Not known No No
Prüfung)
N-5.4 (in 5 17 Yes Yes Yes Yes, 157 km Yes, approx. 3 km
den FEP- (Chap. sandbank + 13 km
Entwürfen 9.3.3) suspected area
2019 in (Chap. 9.3.3)
Prüfung)
*compare Chapter. 9.3.4
In detail: be medium to - seasonally in spring - high. Mon-
itoring results for the area N-1 to N-3 show a sig-
North Sea
nificantly higher occurrence in the "Borkum
The designated sites N-3.7, N-3.8, N-3.5 and N- Riffgrund" conservation area with decreasing
3.6 in area N-3 are located at a distance of more densities in an easterly direction (section
than 10 km from the nearest nature reserve 2.8.3.1). There are no known occurrences of pro-
"Borkum Riffgrund". The shortest distance to the tected biotopes in the area of the designated
main concentration area of loons is around 40 sites N-3.5, N-3.6, N-3.7 and N-3.8. Due to the
km, and the main distribution area of harbour only slight overlap of the N-3 area with the
porpoises is at least 34 km away from the indi- "Borkum Riff Ground" sandbank and the other-
vidual areas. According to current knowledge, wise predominantly homogeneous, fine to me-
the areas are considered to be of medium im- dium-sand sedimentary conditions, the N-3 area
portance for resting and foraging birds (cf. is considered to be of only slight overall, and av-
2.9.3.1). For harbour porpoises, the importance erage, importance in the south-western sub-area
of the areas in area N-3 is currently assumed to with regard to the protected biotope types. The
50 Investigated alternatives
connecting pipelines for all four areas run in the and ecological importance of the burrowing meg-
EEZ outside nature reserves and outside known afauna, the benthic community in the designated
occurrences of legally protected biotopes. Thus, areas of the N-6 area is considered to be of av-
according to the current state of knowledge, no erage to above-average importance (section
significant nature conservation conflicts are dis- 2.6.3.1). Based on current knowledge, the des-
cernible for the areas designated in area N-3. ignated sites N-6.6 and N-6.7 are not expected
to contain any legally protected biotopes (Sec-
The site N-7.2 is located at a considerable dis-
tion 2.5.3.1). The connecting pipelines for both
tance from nature reserves (min. 28 km). The
areas in area N-6 run completely outside nature
main concentration area of loons and the main
conservation areas in the EEZ, and the routes
distribution area of harbour porpoises are both
cross the protected sandbank biotope type over
more than 50 km away from N-7.2. According to
a length of around 10 km. Based on current
current knowledge, area N-7 is of medium im-
knowledge, potential conflicts with regard to the
portance for harbour porpoises (cf. 2.8.3.1) and
route of the connecting pipeline are therefore
sea and resting birds (cf. 2.9.3.1). This area is
conceivable, but less so with regard to the areas
most frequently used by species of seabirds
themselves. Reference is made to the examina-
which are widespread throughout the North Sea.
tion of alternatives to bypassing the sandbank in
Disturbance-sensitive species such as loons are
Section 9.3.4.
only found in the areas for short periods in
search of food and during the main migration pe- The sites N-9.1 to N-9.4 are at a distance of at
riods. Due to the occurrence of species of bur- least 28 km from the nearest protected area. The
rowing bottom megafauna, the benthic commu- distance to the main distribution area of harbour
nity is assigned average to above-average im- porpoises is around 50 km, and even 54 km to
portance in the area of the N-7.2 site (section the main concentration area of loons. Overall,
2.6.3.1). Based on current knowledge, the occur- the areas are of medium importance for the pro-
rence of legally protected biotopes in the site of tected species of marine mammals and sea and
N-7.2 is not to be expected (Section 2.5.3.1). resting birds. The areas are of average to above-
The connecting pipeline for the N-7.2 site runs average importance for the benthic species pro-
outside of nature conservation areas in the EEZ tected due to the presence of species of digging
at all events, but over a length of around 2 km bottom megafauna. The occurrence of legally
the pipeline crosses suspected areas of "spe- protected biotopes on the sites can be ruled out
cies-rich gravel, coarse sand and schill". Based on the basis of the available information. Despite
on the current state of knowledge, this means the occurrence of sediments with a sometimes
that any potential small-scale conflicts with re- high proportion of silt and types of digging soil
gard to the route of the connecting pipeline can megafauna (Section 2.6.3.1), the absence of sea
be identified. feathers means that the legally protected biotope
type "silt beds with digging soil megafauna" can
Sites N-6.6 and N-6.7 are also located far from
be ruled out. The connecting pipeline NOR-9-2
nature conservation areas (min. 25 km) and at a
runs for just under 10 km through the protected
considerable distance from the main concentra-
sandbank biotope type, although it is completely
tion area of loons and the main distribution area
outside protected areas in the EEZ. Based on
of harbour porpoises (more than 55 km in each
current knowledge, potential conflicts could thus
case). The areas are considered to be of me-
arise with regard to the route of the connecting
dium importance both for harbour porpoises and
pipeline (cf. also the assessment of alternatives
for sea and resting birds. Due to the occurrence
to bypassing the sandbank in Chapter 9.3.4).
Investigated alternatives 51
The sites N-10.1 and N-10.2 are at a distance of 2.8.3.1). For the protection of sea and resting
at least 29 km from the nearest protected area. birds, the very high importance of the surround-
The distance to the main distribution area of har- ing area of the entire N-5 area for the black-
bour porpoises is 30 km and to the main concen- throated and black-throated divers listed in An-
tration area of loons 35 km. The areas are of me- nex I of the Birds Directive must be emphasised
dium importance for the protected species of ma- (cf. 2.9.3.1).
rine mammals and sea and resting birds. Due to
Research and monitoring results unanimously
the ecological importance of the proven species
show that the avoidance behaviour of divers to-
of the burrowing ground megafauna, the benthos
wards offshore wind farms and the associated
in these areas is of average to above-average
habitat loss is much more pronounced than orig-
importance overall. The existence of legally pro-
inally assumed. Current results from the wind
tected biotopes on the sites can be ruled out on
farm projects in the N-5 area show significant
the basis of the available information. Despite
mean avoidance distances of about 15 km in the
the occurrence of sediments with a sometimes
western sub-area (cf. Chapter 5.2.2.1). In ac-
high proportion of silt and species of digging soil
cordance with the precautionary principle and in
megafauna (Section 2.6.3.1), the absence of sea
order to avoid endangering the marine environ-
feathers means that the legally protected biotope
ment within the meaning of Article 5 (3) Wind-
type "silt beds with digging soil megafauna" can
SeeG and causing a significant disturbance
be ruled out.
within the meaning of Article 44 (1) No. 2
The site N-5.4 shown in the (preliminary) drafts BNatSchG with the required degree of certainty,
of the FEP 2019 under review is at a minimum the FEP continues to refrain from designating the
distance of 5 km from the nature conservation site N-5.4, which is currently being examined in
area "Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern German Bight"; the (preliminary) drafts of FEP 2019 (see Chap-
the distance to the nearest bird sanctuary "East- ters 8.4 and 8.5 of the FEP draft).
ern German Bight" is around 17 km. The area
The required connecting pipeline for the site N-
lies both within the main concentration area of
5.4, which is currently being examined in the
loons and in the main distribution area of harbour
(preliminary) drafts of the FEP 2019, runs in the
porpoises. Due to the sometimes extensive oc-
EEZ over a distance of 157 km and thus almost
currence of the biotopes "Sublito-rale Sand-
completely through the nature reserve "Sylt
bank", "Reefs" and "Species-rich gravel, coarse
Outer Reef - Eastern German Bight". This in-
sand and schill beds", the site N-5.4, which is
volves crossing known occurrences of the FFH-
currently being examined in the (preliminary)
LRT "Sandbank" over a length of around 3 km
drafts of FEP 2019, is of great importance with
and over a distance of around 13 km of sus-
regard to the conservation value of biotope
pected areas of the § 30 biotope "Species-rich
types. In view of the relatively high species diver-
gravel, coarse sand and schill grounds". In the
sity and the high structural heterogeneity, the
procedure for the parallel connection system
benthic community can be regarded as above
SylWin1 it became apparent that a bypass of
average in terms of the area as a whole. Accord-
these KGS deposits was problematic. From a
ing to the current state of knowledge, the sur-
nature conservation point of view, this results in
roundings of the site N-5.4, which is currently un-
considerable conflicts with regard to the area N-
der review in the (preliminary) drafts of FEP
5.4, which is being examined in the (preliminary)
2019, are of great importance to harbour por-
drafts of the FEP 2019.
poises and represent the core area of the identi-
fied main distribution range of harbour porpoise For migratory birds, the individual marine areas
in the German North Sea (BMU, 2013; cf. in the area of areas N-1 to N-13 are of average
52 Investigated alternatives
to above-average importance overall. The cur- 2.8.3.1 Baltic Sea Baltic Sea Baltic Sea Unit).
rent state of knowledge does not indicate any For seabirds, all findings to date indicate that the
significant differences between the individual site O-1.3 is of medium importance. Area O-1, in
areas and zones. It is also not possible at which the area is located, has a medium overall
present to draw any final conclusion about a pos- seabird occurrence and also only a medium oc-
sible decrease in migratory intensity with increa- currence of endangered species and species re-
sing distance from the coast. Consequently, the quiring special protection (section 2.9.3.1 Baltic
protection status of migratory birds is no longer Sea Terminal). With regard to migratory birds,
taken into account when comparing the areas in the area of the O-1.3 site is of average im-
the North Sea that have been designated and portance for migrating waterfowl, and of average
those under examination. The same applies to to above-average importance for night migra-
fish, for which the importance of the areas and tors. A differentiated consideration is required for
sites can only be described in general terms on migratory birds. Known main migration routes
the basis of the available catch data and me- are undoubtedly of above-average importance.
thods. The overview of species records by area The neighbouring areas of these main migration
did not show any particular significance of a spe- routes such as the area O-1.3 are probably of
cific area for the constant, common character average to above-average importance depen-
species. ding on wind force and direction. In strong wes-
terly winds, cranes may drift from the main mig-
The result shows that the sites N-9.1 to N-9.4 as
ration route into the area O-1 (Chapter 2.10.3.3
well as N-10.1 and N-10.2 represent a
Baltic Sea sub-area). The route connecting site
reasonable alternative to the area N-5.4 exa-
O-1.3 runs in the EEZ outside protected areas
mined in the (preliminary) drafts of the FEP
and outside known occurrences of protected bi-
2019, at least in terms of the nature conservation
otopes. There are indications of possible con-
issues examined here.
flicts with bird migration in the O-1.3 site, and the
Baltic Sea suitability of the O-1.3 site is currently being re-
The site O-1.3 in the Baltic Sea is located at a viewed. Based on the results of the SEA within
distance of almost 10 km from the nearest pro- the framework of the suitability test, the need for
tected area "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank". Ac- the establishment of guidelines to avoid a signi-
cording to the current state of knowledge, the ficantly increased risk of collision for certain ty-
benthic biocoenosis in the area of site O-1.3 is of pes of migratory birds is seen.
medium importance overall (Section 2.6.3.1 Bal- The site under examination O-2.2 is located at a
tic Sea Environmental Information). In the north- distance of 12 km from the nearest nature re-
eastern area of site O-1.3, a residual sediment serve. The route connecting the area also runs
area with coarser sediments and deposits of in the EEZ outside nature reserves and outside
overgrown stones was identified. This suspected known occurrences of protected biotopes. The
reef area was not confirmed in the course of the site O-2.2 has a low structural richness overall.
suitability test. For harbour porpoises, the area No legally protected biotopes are expected to oc-
of site O-1.3 is of medium to seasonal im- cur in this area (Section 2.5.4.1 Baltic Sea En-
portance in the winter months. The importance vironmental Report). The area is of little signifi-
results from the possible use by individuals of the cance for benthos. The predominant benthic
Baltic Sea's separate and highly endangered species are predominantly composed of species
harbour porpoise population. However, the area that regenerate rapidly (Section 2.6.3.1 Baltic
is used irregularly by harbour porpoises for cros- Sea BU). According to current knowledge, the
sing, staying and as a source of food (section area is used by harbour porpoises as a transit
Investigated alternatives 53
area. On the basis of available information, it is site. Questions which cannot yet be conclusively
currently possible to deduce that the O-2 area is assessed need to be discussed and clarified, for
of medium to high importance for harbour por- example on the issue of bird migration and spe-
poises. The seasonally high importance of the cies protection prohibitions (Article 44 of the Fe-
area is due to the potential use of the separate deral Nature Conservation Act), so that the defi-
and highly endangered Baltic Sea population of nition of the O-2.2 site will be further examined
harbour porpoise by individuals during the winter within the framework of the continuation of the
months (section 2.8.3.1 Baltic Sea BU). All fin- FEP.Alternative routes for gates N-IV and N-V
dings to date indicate that the O-2 area is of mi-
Alternative routes to Lower Saxony for gate N-II
nor importance for seabirds. The area has a low
(Norderney) were assessed for the NOR-7-2
occurrence of endangered species and species
system, in addition to the route proposed in the
requiring special protection (section 2.9.3.1 Bal-
plan for gate N-IV/N-V. These are solely spatial
tic Sea disaster area). Overall, the area of site O-
variants as they do not represent an alternative
2.2 under review is of average to above-average
in temporal terms. Please see the alternative as-
importance for migrating waterbirds. In particu-
sessment of NOR-3-2 and NOR-6-3 for NOR-7-
lar, the baseline survey of the area south of O-
2 in the draft Site Development Plan in chap-
2.2 revealed a high number of common scoter
ter 5.5.2.
individuals. Thus, 8174 animals were counted in
2011. This means that approx. 1.5% of the bio- In BFO-N 2016/2017, instead of NOR-7-2, the
geographic population passed through area O-2, connecting line NOR-5-2 led to boundary corri-
which is of above-average importance for the dor
Common Scoter migration. Most of the nocturnal N-V. Therefore, an alternative consideration of
bird migration takes place across a wide front NOR-7-2 and NOR-5-2 for boundary corridor N-
across the Baltic Sea. Due to the very high num- V is given here (see Fehler! Verweisquelle
bers of expected individuals and the significant konnte nicht gefunden werden.). It should be
proportion of endangered species, Area O-2.2 is noted that the specification of region N-5 and site
of average to above-average importance for N-5.4 is still being assessed (see chapter Feh-
night migration. ler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden
werden.).
A differentiated observation is necessary for
crane migration. A total of 1231 migrating cranes Compared with the NOR-7-2 and NOR-5-2
were recorded in area O-2 during autumn migra- routes for boundary corridor N-V, a significantly
tion in 2008, which corresponds to about 3.1% of higher number of crossings is required with ex-
the resting population of Western Pomerania or isting or planned cables or pipelines for the
1.37% of the biogeographic population. The ma- NOR-7-2 route. However, it also appears that the
jority of these birds may have been displaced by route from NOR-5-2 to gate N-V, at a distance of
north-westerly winds from a flight path from 159 km, would be almost 70% longer than the
southern Sweden to south-eastern Rügen. The NOR-7-2 route (94 km). Moreover, NOR-5-2
site O-2.2 is located close to known main migra- would run almost entirely within the nature con-
tion routes and is therefore probably of average servation area and, in places, within or in the im-
to above-average importance for bird migration, mediate vicinity of known section 30 biotope oc-
depending on wind strength and direction (Chap- currences. Overall, therefore, the proposed
ter 2.10.3.3 Baltic Sea Bird Area). Thus, in rela- NOR-7-2 alternative is expected to have less im-
tion to migratory birds as a protected asset, es- pact on the marine environment than the route of
pecially when viewed cumulatively, nature con- NOR-5-2.
servation conflicts are discernible in the O-2.2
54
Figure 9: Alternative routes for gates N-IV and N-V.
bypassing the sandbank. This concerns the ca-
9.3.3 Bypass sandbank Borkum reef
ble routes of the NOR-6-3 and NOR-9-2. As only
ground
sites located west of gate N-II are connected via
An alternative assessment is carried out for all the said cable routes, a route running west of
cable systems running to boundary corridor N-II area N-2 via the sandbank is significantly shorter
with regard to the routing of cables via the
overall than a route running east of area N-2 (see
Borkum Reef Ground sandbank, compared with
55
Table 6). type "reef" or outside known occurrences of the
section 30 biotope type "Species-rich gravel,
In the western route variant, the Borkum Reef
coarse sand and shell layers" within the sand-
Ground sandbank is crossed (see Figure 10: Al-
bank. The routes in the Site Development Plan
ternative routes for connecting sites ) – depend-
west of area N-2 will be specified due to the sig-
ing on the cable in question – over an average
nificant additional length totalling 75 km when
length of 10 km. However, the FFH habitat type
bypassing the sandbank, and four additional
"sandbank" is crossed outside the protected
crossings required for the NOR-6-3 connection.
area at the eastern spurs of the sandbank and
outside known occurrences of the FFH habitat
56
Table 6: Comparison of the route lengths for the variants via the sandbank versus bypassing the Borkum Reef
Ground sandbank.
Variant via the sand- Variant bypassing the Difference
bank sandbank
Route length, EEZ NOR-6-3: 91 km NOR-6-3: 128 km NOR-6-3: 37 km
NOR-9-2: 142 km NOR-9-2: 180 km NOR-9-2: 38 km
Involvement of section yes No
30 biotopes (if known) Sandbank
NOR-6-3: 10,0 km
NOR-9-2: 9,2 km
Figure 10: Alternative routes for connecting sites N-6.6, N-6.7, N-9.3 und N-9.4.
57
pole, which seems to be expedient with regard
Technical alternatives to system stability at an increased transmission
The standard concept for the connection in the power of 2,000 MW. If the design with metallic
North Sea is a direct current system. The trans- return conductor is no longer planned within the
mission voltage for the connection systems in framework of technical developments, this can
zones 1 and 2 is 320 kV and for zone 3 525 kV. be introduced within the framework of an update
Connection systems with a voltage of 525 kV of the FEP.
have a standard transmission capacity of 2,000
For the connection of offshore wind farms via a
MW.
transformer platform to the converter platforms,
In principle, the length of the line connecting an the 155 kV connection concept has so far been
area or region to the grid connection point on provided for in the BFO-N. The definition of the
land appears to be the decisive factor in the sel- 66 kV connection concept for the direct connec-
ection of the appropriate transmission techno- tion of wind energy plants to the converter plat-
logy for the grid connection of offshore wind form as a standard concept leads to savings of
farms. For line lengths of more than 100 km, required space. This is due to the fact that trans-
reactive power compensation facilities must be former platforms are no longer necessary and
regularly provided for three-phase connections. can be saved, but a separate platform for main-
The transmission losses also increase with the tenance and accommodation purposes of the
length of the cable system. With HVDC transmis- offshore wind farms might be required. Depen-
sion, these losses are significantly lower. For the ding on the spatial location of the future conver-
North Sea EEZ, route lengths of more than 100 ter platform, there could also be a saving of sub-
km are to be expected in the future, with increa- marine cables.
sing distance from the coast also significantly
The increase of the standard transmission vol-
more. When using HVDC transmission, several
tage of the HVDC transmission systems to 525
offshore wind farms or areas can be connected
kV was consulted within the framework of the
due to the relatively high system performance of
FEP 2019 deployment procedure. On the basis
the collective connection, in which an HVDC
of the information now available, the availability
transmission grid connection system - consisting
of the technology (in particular submarine
of a converter platform and a DC submarine
cables) in 2029 can be estimated as realistic. Ac-
cable system - is used. Compared to a connec-
cording to the transmission system operators,
tion using three-phase current technology, a sig-
the space required for the transmission of 2,000
nificantly smaller number of cable systems is re-
MW will increase and with it the size of the con-
quired and the space required for the cable sys-
verter platform, but only one instead of two plat-
tems is thus reduced. Accordingly, the use of
forms will be required to transmit the same
three-phase current technology as transmission
power. The significant increase in transmission
technology in the North Sea EEZ is out of the
capacity from 900 MW to 2,000 MW leads to a
question. In the case of the direct current sub-
significant reduction in the number of corridors
marine cable systems with an increased trans-
required. Against the background of the strong
mission voltage of 525 kV, the bipolar version
spatial restrictions on the routing of connecting
with metallic return conductor is intended. In this
lines on land, the increase in the standard trans-
case, in addition to the two standard submarine
mission capacity therefore appears sensible.
DC cables, a third cable - the so-called metallic
return conductor - must be installed in the The idea of a direct current grid is not yet techni-
bundle. If one pole fails, such a design at least cally feasible. In this case, an alternating direc-
allows continued operation with the remaining
58
tion in the offshore wind energy plants is dispen-
sed with and a pure direct current grid at sea is
established. With the help of DC-DC converters,
the low DC voltage of the wind energy plants is
raised to maximum voltage (e.g. 320 kV or 525
kV), e.g. on a platform for transport on land.
Another concept to be considered would be the
island like installation of several platforms to
connect the wind farms in close proximity to each
other in areas further away from the coast. This
possibility has not currently reached a stage that
justifies a more in-depth examination. This pos-
sibility is therefore obviously still far away at
present.
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 59
10 Measures envisaged for phases of monitoring at the level of individual
projects or clusters of projects developed in a
monitoring the environ- spatial and temporal context. The assessment
mental impacts will also cover the unforeseen significant effects
of the implementation of the plan, the marine en-
The potential significant effects on the environ- vironment and the review of the forecasts in the
ment resulting from the implementation of the environmental report. In this context, in accord-
plan are to be monitored in accordance with sec- ance with section 45 subsection 3 UVPG, the
tion 45 UVPG. The aim is to identify unforeseen Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency will
adverse effects at an early stage and take appro- ask the competent authorities for the monitoring
priate remedial action. results available there; these are required for im-
Accordingly, in accordance with section 40 sub- plementation of the monitoring activities.
section 2 no. 9 UVPG, the environmental report Results from existing national and international
is to specify the measures envisaged for moni- monitoring programmes must also be taken into
toring the significant environmental effects of im- account, also with a view to preventing duplica-
plementation of the plan. Monitoring is the re- tion of work. The monitoring of the conservation
sponsibility of the Federal Maritime and Hydro- status of certain species and habitats required
graphic Agency, which is the authority responsi- under Art. 11 of the Habitats Directive must also
ble for strategic environmental assessment (see be included, as must the investigations to be car-
section 45 subsection 2 UVPG). As intended by ried out in the context of the management plans
Art. 10 subsection 2 of the SEA Directive and for the nature conservation areas "Sylt Outer
section 45 subsection 5 UVPG, existing monitor- Reef – Eastern German Bight" and "Borkum
ing mechanisms may be used to prevent dupli- Reef Ground". It will also provide links with the
cation of monitoring work. According to section measures provided in the Marine Strategy
45 subsection 4 UVPG, the results of the moni- Framework Directive and the Water Framework
toring activities are to be taken into account in Directive.
the updating of the Site Development Plan.
In summary, the planned measures for monitor-
With regard to the planned monitoring activities, ing the potential effects of the plan can be sum-
it should be noted that the actual monitoring of marised as follows:
the potential effects on the marine environment
can only begin when the Site Development Plan Consolidation of data and information for the
description and evaluation of the status of ar-
is implemented, i.e. when the decisions made
eas, factors and possible effects from the de-
within the framework of the plan are imple- velopment of individual projects,
mented. Nevertheless, the natural development
Development of suitable procedures and cri-
of the marine environment, including climate teria for evaluation of the results from effect
change, should not be disregarded when as- monitoring of individual projects,
sessing the results of monitoring activities. How-
Development of procedures and criteria for
ever, general research cannot be carried out evaluation of cumulative effects,
within the framework of monitoring. Therefore,
Development of procedures and criteria for
project-related monitoring of the effects of the forecasting possible effects of the plan in a
uses regulated in the plan is of particular im- spatial and temporal context,
portance.
Development of procedures and criteria for
The main function of plan monitoring is to bring evaluating the plan and adapting or, where
together and evaluate the results of different
60 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts
appropriate, optimising it as part of the up- Data from monitoring activities as
date, part of the implementation of the
Evaluation of measures to prevent and miti- Marine Strategy Framework Di-
gate significant effects on the marine envi- rective,
ronment, Data from the monitoring of
Development of norms and standards. Natura 2000 sites,
Data provided by States from
monitoring activities in coastal
The following data and information are required waters,
in order to assess the possible effects of the
Data from other authorities re-
plan: sponsible for authorising uses at
1. Data and information available to the sea according to other legal ba-
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic ses, such as the Federal Mining
Agency within the scope of its responsi- Act, maritime traffic monitoring
bility: (AIS), fisheries monitoring (VMS)
Data resources from previous EIS
and monitoring of offshore pro- 3. Data and information from Federal and
jects that are available to the Fed- State research projects, e.g.:
eral Maritime and Hydrographic HELBIRD / DIVER,
Agency for review (according to
the Offshore Installations Ordi- Sediment EEZ
nance), 4. Data and information from evaluations
carried out within the scope of interna-
Data resources from the right of
tional committees and conventions:
subrogation (according to Wind-
SeeG), OSPAR
Data resources from the prelimi- ASCOBANS
nary investigations (according to AEWA
WindSeeG),
BirdLife International
Data resources from the con-
struction and operation monitor- For reasons of practicability and appropriate im-
ing of offshore wind farms and plementation of requirements from the strategic
other uses environmental assessment, the Federal Mari-
Data from national monitoring, time and Hydrographic Agency will pursue an
collected by or on behalf of the approach focusing on the interdisciplinary com-
Federal Maritime and Hydro- pilation of information on the marine environ-
graphic Agency, ment that is as ecosystem-oriented as possible
Data from Federal Maritime and when monitoring the possible effects of the plan.
Hydrographic Agency research To be able to assess the causes of planned
projects. changes in parts or individual elements of an
ecosystem, the anthropogenic variables from
2. Data and information from the areas of spatial observation (e.g. technical information on
responsibility of other Federal and State shipping traffic from AIS data resources) must
authorities (on request): also be considered and included in the assess-
Data from national monitoring of ment.
the North Sea and the Baltic Sea
(formerly BLMP),
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 61
When combining and evaluating the results from entire duration of the construction phase and for
monitoring at project level and from other na- a period of between three and five years. No
tional and international monitoring programmes, special monitoring is required during the operat-
and from the accompanying research, it will be ing phase.
necessary to review the gaps in knowledge and
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
uncertain forecasts presented in the environ-
implements many projects as part of its accom-
mental report. This applies in particular to fore-
panying research into the possible impacts of off-
casts concerning assessment of significant ef-
shore wind turbines on the marine environment.
fects on the marine environment from the uses
regulated in the Site Development Plan. The cu- The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agen-
mulative effects of defined uses are to be as- cy's research projects directly related to the pos-
sessed regionally and supraregionally. sible effects on factors and the development of
norms and standards include the following:
Monitoring of the potential ef- Project ANKER "Approaches to cost re-
fects of the areas and sites for duction in the surveying of monitoring
offshore wind turbines data for offshore wind farms", FKZ
The investigation of the potential environmental 0325921, with funding from the Federal
effects of areas and sites for offshore wind en- Ministry for Economic Affairs and En-
ergy is to be carried out at the secondary project ergy/PtJ,
level, on the basis of the standard "Investigation R&D study BeMo "Evaluation ap-
of impacts of offshore wind turbines (StUK4)" proaches for underwater noise monitor-
and in coordination with the Federal Maritime ing in connection with offshore licensing
and Hydrographic Agency. The results from the procedures, regional development and
investigations of the future offshore wind farm the Marine Strategy Framework Di-
projects are to be used as a basis for assess- rective", with funding from the Federal
ment of the locations with regard to the biological Ministry of Transport and Digital Infra-
factors. Monitoring during construction of foun- structure/Federal Maritime and Hydro-
dations by means of pile-driving work involves graphic Agency,
measuring underwater noise and acoustic re- R&D project "Sound mapping", with
cordings of the effects of pile-driving noise on funding from the Federal Ministry of
marine mammals using POD measuring instru- Transport and Digital Infrastructure/Fed-
ments. Additional monitoring measures are also eral Maritime and Hydrographic Agency,
planned in order to assess the effects of the R&D cooperation, NavES "Eco-friendly
stratification of the water under certain hydro- offshore developments", with funding
graphic conditions on the propagation of pile- from the departmental research plan of
driving noise in the Baltic Sea, and to allow fur- the Federal Ministry for the Environ-
ther measures to be implemented if necessary. ment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear
These measures may include additional noise Safety; several sub-projects belong to
measurements coupled with CTD measure- NavES:
ments at different water depths in order to detect o MultiBird, investigation of the col-
possible changes in noise propagation attenua- lision risk of migratory birds,
tion due to stratification of the water body. o ProBird, forecast of migratory
bird activity,
Investigations are required for all factors in ac-
o ERa, field report on pile-driving
cordance with the requirements of StUK4 for the
noise,
62 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts
o Schall [Noise] I and II, develop- topes that are protected in accordance with sec-
ment of a specialist information system tion 30 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
for underwater noise, must also be examined in terms of spatial delim-
o Schall [Noise] I and II, evaluation itation in accordance with the current mapping
of underwater noise measurements. instructions from the Federal Agency for Nature
Conservation.
The measures implemented to date include de-
velopment of measurement regulations for After the cable system has been laid, its position
measuring underwater noise (2011), develop- must be indicated annually to the licensing au-
ment of measurement regulations for determin- thority during the first five years of operation, in
ing the effectiveness of noise mitigation systems accordance with current licensing practice, by
(2013), and cooperation on the development of implementing at least one survey of the depth of
ISO 18406:17 and DIN SPEC 45653. the system. The number of surveys in subse-
quent years is determined by the licensing au-
The results from ongoing Federal Maritime and
thority on a case-by-case basis. Investigations
Hydrographic Agency projects will be directly in-
with regard to the marine environment are to be
corporated into the further development of
carried out in coordination with the licensing au-
standards, such as the development of StUK5.
thority on a project-specific basis. The investiga-
Monitoring of potential effects of tion methods are to be presented, as far as pos-
sible, as described in the "Standard – Investiga-
platforms
tion of the impacts of offshore wind turbines on
The same monitoring measures as stated in the marine environment (StUK4)". Investigations
Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden of the benthic communities on the same tran-
werden. are to be applied to the platforms pro- sects as in the baseline survey are to be carried
vided for in the Site Development Plan. out one year after commissioning of the subsea
cable systems in order to examine possible ef-
Monitoring of the potential ef- fects from the construction and operation
fects of sea cables phases.
The potential effects of subsea cable systems on In addition, measures are planned for monitoring
the marine environment can only be assessed in the implementation of the plan. These will help
specific projects. For the first time, StUK4 (stand- to verify established forecasts with regard to sig-
ard examination concept 4) also includes mini- nificant effects of offshore wind energy and,
mum requirements for investigation of subsea where necessary, to adapt utilisation strategies
cable routes with regard to benthos, biotope and planned prevention and mitigation
structure and biotopes during the baseline sur- measures, or to review assessment criteria, in
vey and the operating phase of the subsea cable particular with regard to cumulative effects.
systems. Thus, during the baseline survey, each
biotope structure identified by sediment surveys New findings from the environmental impact
along the cable route must be documented with studies and the joint evaluation of research and
at least three transverse transects for the benthic EIS data will be used as part of the strategic en-
surveys. Additional transverse transects must vironmental assessment for the plan (see chap-
also be defined at the start and end points of the ter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefun-
den werden.). Joint evaluation of research and
route. In turn, each transverse transect consists
of five stations. Identified suspected sites of bio- EIS data will also allow products to be developed
that provide a better overview of the distribution
of biological factors in the EEZ. Consolidation of
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 63
information is leading to an increasingly solid ba-
sis for impact forecasting.
In general, the intention is to ensure that data
from research, projects and monitoring is con-
sistent and make this available for competent
evaluation. In particular, attempts should be
made to create common overview products in or-
der to review the effects of the plan. The existing
geodata infrastructure at the Federal Maritime
and Hydrographic Agency, which includes data
from physics, chemistry, geology, biology and
uses of the sea, will be used as a basis for con-
solidating and evaluating ecologically relevant
data and will be further developed accordingly.
With regard to the consolidation and archiving of
ecologically relevant data from project-related
monitoring activities and accompanying re-
search, it is specifically provided that data col-
lected within the scope of accompanying ecolog-
ical research will also be consolidated at the
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency and
archived on a long-term basis. The Federal Mar-
itime and Hydrographic Agency is already col-
lecting and archiving the data on biological fac-
tors from the baseline surveys of offshore wind
energy projects and the monitoring of construc-
tion and operating phases in the MARLIN
(MarineLife Investigator), a specialist information
network for environmental assessments.
64 Non-technical summary
11 Non-technical summary The FEP has the character of a sectoral plan. As
an important control instrument, the sectoral
Subject and occasion plan is designed to plan the use of offshore wind
In accordance with sections 4 et seq. of the Wind energy in a targeted and as optimal as possible
Energy at Sea Act (WindSeeG), the BSH pre- by defining areas and sites as well as sites, route
pares a site development plan (FEP) in agree- and route corridors for grid connections or for
ment with the Federal Network Agency and in cross-border submarine cable systems.
coordination with the Federal Agency for Nature The FEP contains provisions for the expansion
Conservation, the Directorate-General for Wa- of offshore wind energy plants and the offshore
terways and Shipping and the coastal Länder. connection lines required for this purpose for the
The FEP was first drawn up in 2018 and 2019 period from 2026 to at least 2030 with the aim of
and was published on 28 June 2019 and is cur- to achieve the expansion target under § 4
rently being updated. When the FEP was drawn No. 2b of the EEG,
up, a detailed environmental assessment was expand electricity generation from offshore
carried out in accordance with the Environmental wind turbines in a spatially ordered and
Impact Assessment Act (UVPG), the so-called space-saving manner, and
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). to ensure the orderly and efficient use and
The environmental reports were also published utilisation of offshore connecting lines and to
on 28.06.2019. The performance of a Strategic plan, construct, commission and use offs-
Environmental Assessment with the preparation hore connecting lines in parallel with the ex-
of an environmental report is based on § 35 para. pansion of electricity generation from wind
1 no. 1 UVPG in conjunction with No. 1.17 of An- turbines at sea.
nex 5, as site development plans are subject to
the SEA obligation under Article 5 WindSeeG. In Within the framework of the central model, the
principle, this also applies if the FEP is updated FEP is the control instrument for the orderly ex-
or amended. pansion of offshore wind energy in a staged
planning process. The FEP SEA is linked to up-
The SEA for the FEP 2019 does not formally in- stream and downstream environmental assess-
clude new areas and the definition of new areas ments. The FEP is classified as sectoral plan-
or other energy production areas. Thus, a strate- ning after the superordinate MRO. In the next
gic environmental assessment must be carried step, the areas for offshore wind energy plants
out for the definitions that have not yet been re- defined in the FEP are pre-examined. If the
viewed, as it is in any case not possible to rule suitability of a site for the use of offshore wind
out the possibility of anticipated significant en- energy is determined, the site is put out to tender
vironmental impacts. Insofar as new findings on and the winning bidder can submit an application
existing provisions are available and relevant, for approval (plan approval or plan permit) for the
these will also be taken into account. construction and operation of wind energy plants
The main document of the Strategic Environ- on the site. There is no preliminary investigation
mental Assessment is the present Environmen- for the defined platform sites and cable routes.
tal Report. It identifies, describes and assesses In view of the character of the FEP as a control-
the likely significant effects that the implementa- ling planning instrument, the depth of the inves-
tion of the FEP will have on the environment and tigation of presumably significant environmental
possible planning alternatives, taking into ac- impacts is characterised by a greater investiga-
count the essential purposes of the plan. tion breadth and, in principle, a lower investiga-
tion depth. As with the MSP instrument, the
Non-technical summary 65
focus of the assessment is on the evaluation of The assessment of the likely significant environ-
cumulative effects and the examination of alter- mental effects of the implementation of the FEP
natives. includes secondary, cumulative, synergistic,
short-, medium- and long-term, permanent and
The establishment, updating and amendment of
temporary, positive and negative effects in terms
the FEP and the implementation of the SEA will
of the goods to be protected. A detailed descrip-
be carried out with due regard for the objectives
tion and assessment of the state of the environ-
of environmental protection. These provide infor-
ment is the basis for the assessment of possible
mation on the environmental status that is to be
effects. The SEA has been carried out with re-
achieved in the future (environmental quality ob-
gard to the following protected assets:
jectives). The objectives of environmental pro-
tection can be seen in an overall view of the in-
Area
ternational, Community and national conven-
tions and regulations which deal with marine en- Floor
vironmental protection and on the basis of which Water
the Federal Republic of Germany has committed
itself to certain principles and objectives. Plankton
Strategic Environmental Assessment metho- Biotope types
dology Benthos
In the present environmental report, the metho-
Fish
dology of the SEA of the Federal Sectoral Plans
Offshore (BFO), which has already been used as Marine mammals
a basis, is built on and further developed with a Avifauna
view to the additional specifications made in the
FEP that go beyond the BFO. bats
The methodology is based primarily on the pro- Biological diversity
visions of the plan to be examined. Within the Air
framework of this SEA, it is determined, descri-
bed and evaluated for each of the specifications Climate
whether the specifications are likely to have sig- Landscape
nificant impacts on the objects of protection con-
cerned. The subject matter of the environmental cultural heritage and other tangible assets
report corresponds to the specifications of the people, in particular human health
FEP as listed in Article 5 para 1 WindSeeG. Interactions between protected goods
However, it is not so much the specifications in
terms of time as the chronological order of the
call for tenders or the calendar years of commis- The description and assessment of the likely sig-
sioning that are relevant here, since these do not nificant environmental impacts is carried out se-
cause any further environmental impacts com- parately for areas and land, platforms and sub-
pared to the spatial specifications. Although marine cable systems. Furthermore, where ne-
some planning and engineering principles serve, cessary, a differentiation is made according to
among other things, to reduce environmental im- different technical designs. The description and
pacts, they may also lead to impacts themselves, assessment of the probable significant impacts
so that an assessment is required. of the implementation of the FEP on the marine
66 Non-technical summary
environment also refers to the protected assets of offshore wind energy installations to be instal-
described. All plan contents which may potenti- led is to be specified in the FEP for the areas or
ally have significant environmental impacts are specifically for the areas. Although one or more
examined. layouts for offshore wind farm planning are not
taken as a basis for determining the expected in-
The effects of construction and dismantling as
stalled capacity, certain parameters such as
well as the effects of plant and operating conditi-
number of turbines, hub height, height of the lo-
ons are considered. In addition, effects that may
wer rotor tip, rotor diameter, total height, diame-
arise in the course of maintenance and repair
ter of foundation types and scour protection are
work are also taken into account. This is followed
assumed in this SEA for a consideration related
by a description of possible interactions, a
to the protection of the environment.
consideration of possible cumulative effects and
potential cross-border impacts. Also, when examining the sites for platforms,
certain parameters are taken as a basis, such as
An assessment of the impacts caused by the FE-
the number of platforms or the length of the
P's specifications is carried out on the basis of
park's internal cabling. When determining routes
the status description and status assessment
and route corridors for submarine cable systems,
and the function and significance of the indivi-
certain widths of the cable trench and the num-
dual areas, sites and routes for the individual ob-
ber and area of the crossing structures and con-
jects of protection on the one hand, and the im-
verter platforms are assumed.
pacts emanating from these specifications and
the resulting potential impacts on the other. A fo- According to § 5 Para. 2a WindSeeG, the FEP
recast of the project-related impacts when the can also make specifications for "other energy
FEP is implemented is based on the criteria of production areas" for a total of 40 to 70 km². Pur-
intensity, scope and duration of the effects. suant to § 3 No. 8 WindSeeG, another energy
production area is an area outside areas where
Within the framework of the impact prognosis,
offshore wind energy turbines and other energy
specific framework parameters for areas and si-
production facilities can be erected in a spatial
tes, for platform locations and for cable routes
context. The installations may not be connected
are used as a basis for evaluation. Although no
to the public grid. In the North Sea EEZ, the for-
wind farm layouts are specified in the FEP to de-
mer area N-8.4 is designated in the FEP 2020 as
termine the expected installed capacity, certain
another energy production area (SEN-1). In the
parameters are assumed in the SEA for the
framework of the Strategic Environmental As-
consideration of the protected areas. In order to
sessment, a "classical" offshore wind farm is as-
depict the spectrum of possible (realistic) deve-
sumed on the basis of the existing knowledge re-
lopments, the assessment is essentially based
garding electricity generation. Additional en-
on a range of individual parameters. This enab-
vironmental impacts are highly dependent on the
les the most comprehensive possible description
respective use variant and will therefore be com-
and assessment of the current planning status
prehensively assessed at approval level. In this
with regard to the protected interests.
respect, the SEA for the other areas of energy
With regard to the areas, a total of 13 areas are generation is carried out in the same way as the
assumed to be worst-case scenarios, irrespec- assessment of areas for offshore wind energy.
tive of the concrete definition in the plan and the
Benthos
probability of realisation. In accordance with § 5
para. 1 no. 5 WindSeeG, the expected capacity The EEZ of the North Sea is not of major im-
portance in terms of the species inventory of
Non-technical summary 67
benthic organisms. Nor do the benthic communi- Benthic habitats are directly overbuilt in the area
ties identified show any special features, as they of necessary stone fills for cable crossings. The
are typical of the North Sea EEZ due to the pre- resulting habitat loss is permanent but small-
dominant sediments. Investigations of macro- scale. A non-native hard substrate is created,
zoobenthos within the framework of the licensing which can cause changes in the species compo-
procedures for offshore wind farms and from sition on a small scale.
AWI projects from 1997 to 2014 have revealed
Due to operational conditions, a warming of the
communities typical of the German North Sea.
uppermost sediment layer of the seabed can oc-
The species inventory found and the number of
cur directly above the cable system. If the cable
Red List species indicate an average importance
is laid at sufficient depth and taking into account
of the study area for benthic organisms.
that the effects will occur on a small scale, no
Deep foundations of wind turbines and platforms significant impacts on benthic communities are
cause disturbances of the seabed, sediment tur- expected according to current knowledge. With
bulence and the formation of turbidity plumes. the planning principle for sediment warming, the
The resuspension of sediment and the subse- FEP stipulates that the 2 K criterion must be met.
quent sedimentation can lead to an impairment According to the BfN, this precautionary value
or damage of the benthos in the immediate vi- ensures with sufficient probability, based on cur-
cinity of the foundations for the duration of rent knowledge, that significant negative impacts
construction activities. However, due to the of cable heating on the marine environment will
prevailing sediment composition, these impair- be avoided.
ments will only have a small-scale effect and are
As things stand at present, the planned conver-
limited in time. As a rule, the concentration of the
ter platforms and submarine cable routes are not
suspended material decreases very quickly with
expected to have any significant impacts on the
removal. Depending on the plant, changes in
benthic material to be protected if the 2 K crite-
species composition may occur due to local land
rion is met. The ecological impacts are small-
sealing and the introduction of hard substrates in
scale and mostly short-term.
the immediate vicinity of the structures.
Biotope types
Due to the laying of the submarine cable sys-
tems, only small-scale and short-term distur- Possible impacts of converter platforms and sub-
bances of the benthos by sediment upheavals marine cables on protected biotopes may result
and turbidity plumes in the area of the cable from direct use of these biotopes, their covering
route are also to be expected. Possible effects by sedimentation of material released during
on the benthos depend on the installation me- construction, or potential habitat changes.
thods used. With the comparatively gentle instal- Due to the predominant sediment composition,
lation using the flushing method, only minor dis- impairments caused by overburdening are likely
turbances of the benthos in the area of the cable to be small-scale and temporary, as the released
route are to be expected. Local sediment shifts sediment will settle quickly. Permanent habitat
and turbidity plumes are to be expected for the changes are limited to the immediate area of
duration of laying the submarine cable systems. foundations and crossing structures for cable
Due to the predominant sediment composition in crossings. Required cable crossings are secured
the North Sea EEZ, most of the sediment relea- with a stone fill which permanently represents a
sed will settle directly at the construction site or hard substrate unfamiliar to the site. This provi-
in its immediate vicinity. des new habitats for benthic organisms that love
hard substrates and can lead to a change in the
68 Non-technical summary
species composition. These small-scale habitat cable systems, the fish fauna may be temporarily
changes are not expected to have any significant impaired in small areas by sediment turbulence
impact on the protected habitat types. In addi- and the formation of turbidity plumes. Due to the
tion, the risk of negative impacts on the benthic prevailing sediment and current conditions, the
soft soil community by species untypical of the turbidity of the water is expected to decrease ra-
area is low, since it is highly likely that the spe- pidly. Based on current knowledge, the impair-
cies will be recruited from natural hard substrate ments will therefore remain small-scale and tem-
habitats. porary. Overall, small-scale impacts on adult fish
can be expected to be minimal. In addition, the
Permanent habitat changes are limited to the im-
fish fauna is adapted to the natural sediment up-
mediate vicinity of foundations and rock fills,
heavals caused by storms that are typical for this
which are required in the case of cable laying on
area. Furthermore, during the construction
the seabed and cable crossings. Stone rubble
phase, fish may be temporarily frightened away
permanently represents a hard substrate that is
by noise and vibrations. Noise during the
foreign to the site. This provides new habitats for
construction phase must be reduced by approp-
benthic organisms and can lead to a change in
riate measures. Further local impacts on the fish
the species composition. These small-scale
fauna may be caused by the additional hard sub-
areas are not expected to have any significant
strates introduced as a result of possible chan-
impact on the protected biotope types. In addi-
ges in benthos. Sediment warming and magnetic
tion, the risk of a negative impact on the benthic
fields that could emanate from submarine cables
soft soil community by species untypical of the
are also not expected to have any lasting effects
area is low, since it is highly likely that the spe-
on mobile fish fauna.
cies will be recruited from natural hard substrate
habitats. Marine mammals
Fish According to the current state of knowledge, it
can be assumed that the German EEZ is used
The fish fauna shows a typical species composi-
by harbour porpoises for traversing, staying and
tion in the areas and areas, converter platforms
also as a food and area-specific breeding
and sea cable routes. In all areas, the demersal
ground. On the basis of the available informa-
fish community is dominated by flatfish, which is
tion, it can be concluded that the EEZ is of me-
typical for the German Bight. According to cur-
dium to high importance for harbour porpoises in
rent knowledge, the areas and sites do not re-
certain areas. The use of the EEZ varies in the
present a preferred habitat for any of the protec-
various sub-areas. This also applies to harbour
ted fish species. As a result, the fish stock in the
seals and grey seals. Areas 1, 2 and 3 are of
planning area is not ecologically significant in
medium to high importance for harbour porpoi-
comparison with neighbouring marine areas. Ac-
ses (seasonally in spring) and low to medium im-
cording to current knowledge, the planned
portance for grey seals and harbour seals. Area
construction of wind farms and the associated
4 is located in the identified main concentration
converter platforms and submarine cable routes
area of harbour porpoise in the German Bight
is not expected to have a significant impact on
during the summer months and is therefore of
the protected fish species. The effects on the fish
high importance. For harbour seals and grey se-
fauna from the construction of the wind farms,
als, Area 4 is of medium importance. The areas
converter platforms and submarine cable sys-
of Area 5 are located in a large area which is
tems are limited in space and time. During the
used both as a feeding and breeding area for
construction phase of the foundations, the con-
verter platforms and the laying of the submarine
Non-technical summary 69
harbour porpoises - even though the main con- no marine mammals are present in the vicinity of
centration area is located within Area I of the na- the pile-driving site.
ture reserve "Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern German
Current technical developments in the field of re-
Bight". In general, it can be assumed that area 5
ducing underwater noise show that the effects of
is of great importance for harbour porpoises. For
noise input on marine mammals can be signifi-
harbour seals and grey seals, Area 5 is of me-
cantly reduced by the application of appropriate
dium importance. Areas 6 to 11 are of medium
measures. In addition, the BMUB noise abate-
importance for harbour porpoises. However,
ment concept has been in force since 2013. Ac-
parts of area 11 and area 13 are intensively used
cording to the noise abatement concept, pile dri-
by harbour porpoises as a feeding ground in
ving activities must be coordinated in such a way
summer. They are located in the immediate vi-
that sufficiently large areas, especially within the
cinity of the contiguous main concentration area
protected areas and the main distribution area of
of harbour porpoise in the German Bight and are
harbour porpoise in the summer months, are
therefore of great importance for harbour porpoi-
kept free of impacts caused by impact noise. Ac-
ses in the summer months. For harbour seals
cording to current knowledge, significant effects
and grey seals, areas 6 to 13 are of minor im-
on marine mammals caused by the operation of
portance. This assessment of importance for
offshore wind turbines and converter platforms
marine mammals remains unchanged even if the
can be excluded.
plan as amended by the extension of areas N-9,
N-10, N12 and N-13 is implemented. The FEP's exclusion of the construction of offs-
hore wind turbines and converter platforms in
Hazards to marine mammals can be caused by
Natura 2000 sites contributes to reducing the risk
noise emissions during pile driving of the foun-
to harbour porpoises in important feeding and
dations of offshore wind turbines and converter
breeding areas.
platforms. Without the use of noise abatement
measures, significant disturbance to marine After implementation of the reduction measures
mammals during pile driving could not be to be ordered in the individual procedure to com-
excluded. In the specific approval procedure, ply with applicable noise protection values in ac-
therefore, the driving of piles of offshore wind tur- cordance with the planning principle, no signifi-
bines and converter platforms will only be per- cant adverse effects on marine mammals are
mitted if effective noise-reduction measures are currently to be expected from the construction
used. For this purpose, the FEP makes a textual and operation of the planned offshore wind turbi-
stipulation with the principle of noise reduction. nes and converter platforms. No significant im-
pacts on marine mammals are expected from the
This states that the installation of the foundations
laying and operation of submarine cable sys-
must be carried out using effective noise reduc-
tems. This impact assessment remains unchan-
tion measures to comply with applicable noise
ged for marine mammals even if the plan as
protection values. In the specific approval proce-
amended by the extension of areas N-9, N-10,
dure, extensive noise reduction measures and
N12 and N-13 is implemented, subject to the pre-
monitoring measures are ordered to comply with
vention and mitigation measures laid down in the
applicable noise protection values (sound event
downstream procedures.
level (SEL) of 160 dB re 1µPa²s and maximum
peak level of 190 dB re 1µPa at a distance of 750 Seabirds and resting birds
m around the pile driving or placement site). Ap- The different areas for offshore wind energy in
propriate measures must be taken to ensure that the North Sea EEZ are of different importance
for sea birds and resting birds. For breeding
70 Non-technical summary
birds, the areas have no particular importance the necessary safety. A possible collision risk
due to the distance from the coast and the is- from construction vehicles can be classified as
lands with breeding colonies as feeding grounds. very low due to the short-term nature of the
Protected bird species listed in Annex I of the construction phase.
Birds Directive are found in the vicinity of the si-
Migratory birds
tes in varying densities. All available information
indicates that areas N-1, N-2 and N-3 are of me- The North Sea EEZ has an average to above
dium importance for seabirds, including species average importance for bird migration. It is ex-
listed in Annex I of the Directive. Although area pected that significant proportions of the song-
N-4 is of medium importance for most species of birds breeding in northern Europe migrate
seabirds and resting birds, loons occur in high across the North Sea. No specific migratory cor-
densities in the north-west of the area in spring. ridors can be identified for any migratory bird
Because of its location within the main concent- species in the area of the North Sea EEZ, as bird
ration area of loons, the N-4 area is of high im- migration is either guideline-oriented and takes
portance. Area N-5 has a high concentration of place close to the coast or in an unspecified
seabird species, in particular protected species broad-fronted migration across the North Sea.
of Annex I of the Directive, such as sturgeon- There are indications that the intensity of migra-
sensitive loons. The N-5 area is located in the tion decreases with distance from the coast, but
main distribution area of loons in the German this is not clear for the mass of songbirds migra-
Bight and is therefore of great importance for se- ting at night.
abirds (BMU 2009). The potential impact of the planned areas and
The area of the N-6 to N-13 zones is outside the platforms on migratory birds may be that they
concentrations of various bird species listed in constitute a barrier or a risk of collision. In the
Annex I of the directive, such as loons, terns, clear weather conditions preferred by birds for
little gulls and petrels. their migration, the probability of collision with a
wind turbine or platform is low. Poor weather
Direct disruptions during the construction phase
conditions increase the risk. On the basis of cur-
due to scare effects are to be expected at most
rent knowledge, it is unlikely that there will be a
locally and temporarily. Due to the high mobility
significant impact on bird migration. It can be as-
of the birds, significant effects can be ruled out
sumed that any negative effects can be reduced
with a high degree of certainty. Wind turbines will
by lighting that is as compatible as possible
have a permanent disturbing and chasing effect
during operation. Potential cumulative effects
on species sensitive to disturbance such as red-
are dealt with in the chapter on "cumulative
throated and black-throated divers. Current fin-
effects".
dings show a more pronounced avoidance beha-
viour of loons towards existing wind farms than During the construction phase, which is limited in
was originally anticipated. There are no findings time, no significant impacts on migratory birds
on habituation effects to date. are to be expected either from the construction
of the planned offshore wind turbines or conver-
Due to the exclusionary effect of wind turbines
ter platforms or from the laying of the planned
and platforms in nature reserves, habitat losses
submarine cable systems, according to current
in important habitats will be reduced.
knowledge. A possible collision risk from
The effects of the planned submarine cable sys- construction vehicles can be classified as very
tems on sea birds and resting birds due to instal- low due to the short-term nature of the construc-
lation, plant and operation can be excluded with tion phase.
Non-technical summary 71
bats in a region. Possible impacts on biodiversity are
dealt with in the environmental report for the in-
Migratory movements of bats across the North
dividual protected assets. In summary, accord-
Sea are still poorly documented and largely un-
ing to current knowledge, the planned expansion
explored. There is a lack of concrete information
of offshore wind energy and the corresponding
on migratory species, migration corridors, migra-
grid connections is not expected to have a signi-
tion heights and migration concentrations. Previ-
ficant impact on biological diversity.
ous findings merely confirm that bats, especially
long-distance migratory species, fly over the Interactions
North Sea.
In general, impacts on a protected good lead to
Hazards to individual individuals from collisions various consequences and interactions between
with wind turbines and platforms cannot be ruled the protected goods. The essential interdepen-
out. According to the current state of knowledge, dence of the biotic objects of protection exists via
there are no findings on possible significant im- the food chains. Possible interactions during the
pairments of the bat migration over the North construction phase result from sediment shifting
Sea EEZ. It can also be assumed that any ad- and turbidity plumes, as well as noise emissions.
verse effects on bats can be avoided by the However, these interactions occur only very
same prevention and mitigation measures used briefly and are limited to a few days or weeks.
to protect bird migration. Impacts on bats from
Plant-related interactions, e.g. through the intro-
the laying and operation of the planned subma-
duction of hard substrate, are permanent, but
rine cable systems can be excluded with
only locally to be expected. This could lead to a
certainty.
small-scale change in the food supply.
Air quality
Due to the variability of the habitat, interactions
The construction and operation of the platforms can only be described in a very imprecise man-
and the laying of submarine cable systems as ner overall. In principle, it can be stated that, ac-
part of the implementation of the FEP will have cording to the current state of knowledge, no in-
no measurable impact on air quality. teractions are discernible that could result in a
threat to the marine environment.
Biological diversity
Cumulative effects
Biological diversity encompasses the diversity of
habitats and biotic communities, the diversity of Soil, benthos and biotope types
species and genetic diversity within species (Art.
A significant proportion of the environmental im-
2 Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992). The
pacts caused by the areas and surfaces, plat-
public focus is on species diversity.
forms and submarine cable systems on the pro-
With regard to the current state of biodiversity in tected assets soil, benthos and biotope types will
the North Sea, there is ample evidence of chan- occur exclusively during the construction period
ges in biodiversity and species composition at all (formation of turbidity plumes, sediment shifting,
systematic and trophic levels in the North Sea. etc.) and on a spatially narrowly defined area.
These are mainly due to human activities, such Particularly due to the gradual implementation of
as fishing and marine pollution, or to climate the construction projects, construction-related
change. Red lists of endangered animal and cumulative environmental impacts are unlikely.
plant species have an important monitoring and Possible cumulative impacts on the seabed,
warning function in this context, as they show the which could also have a direct impact on the
status of the populations of species and biotopes benthic material to be protected and on specially
72 Non-technical summary
protected biotopes, result from the permanent di- transition system, assuming that no installations
rect land use of the foundations of the wind of the dimension of Scenario 2 are yet realised
energy plants and platforms and from the cable in the transition system. The calculation of the
systems laid. The individual impacts are basi- loss of function due to the in-farm cabling was
cally small-scale and local. carried out in accordance with the reported capa-
city, assuming a 1 m wide cable trench. On the
To estimate direct land use, a rough calculation
basis of this conservative estimate, the FEP de-
is made on the basis of the areas and sites, plat-
finitions, plans within the framework of the tran-
forms and submarine cable systems planned in
sitional system and the existing systems will re-
the RDP in conjunction with existing installations
quire approx. 315 ha of space for the areas and
and planning under the transitional system. The
sites or, in the case of the park internal cabling,
calculated land use is based on ecological as-
will be temporarily impaired.
pects, i.e. the calculation is based on the direct
ecological loss of function or the possible struc- On the basis of a model assumption, the plan-
tural change in the area caused by the installa- ning of the FEP and the transitional system, as
tion of the foundations and cable systems. In the well as the actual stock of wind turbines, subma-
area of the cable trench, however, the impact on rine cables, rockfill and platforms, occupy or, in
sediment and benthic organisms will be essenti- the case of submarine cables, temporarily impair
ally temporary. In the case of the crossing of par- a total area of approx. 686 ha, which corres-
ticularly sensitive biotope types such as reefs or ponds to approx. 0.25‰ of the total EEZ area.
species-rich gravel, coarse sand and schill beds, The nature reserves account for a total area of
permanent impairment would have to be assu- around 27% of the North Sea EEZ. As the
med. construction of wind energy plants and converter
platforms in nature reserves is generally not per-
According to a model assumption, there is a
mitted, the spatial use of the protected areas is
mostly temporary loss of function on an area of
limited to submarine cable routes and crossing
about 335 ha due to existing cables, cables in
structures and the exceptional case of Buten-
the transition system and the submarine cable
diek. No statement can be made on the use of
systems provided for in the FEP. The calculation
specially protected biotopes under Article 30
is based on the assumption of a cable trench of
BNatSchG due to the lack of a reliable scientific
1 m width. To this must be added the necessary
basis. A detailed, comprehensive sediment and
crossing structures. Based on an area of approx.
biotope mapping of the EEZs currently being car-
900 m² per crossing structure, the direct land use
ried out will provide a more reliable basis for fu-
of approx. 400 crossing structures amounts to a
ture assessments.
total of approx. 36 ha. In addition, there is a total
of 0.96 ha of land taken up by 16 converter plat- In addition to the direct use of the seabed and
forms with associated scour protection (600 m² thus of the habitat of the organisms that have
per platform). The FEP definitions in the areas settled there, the foundations and crossing struc-
were based on a conservative estimate of the tures lead to an additional supply of hard sub-
parameters of scenario 2 of the model wind farm strate. The hard substrate introduced also me-
(number of turbines calculated according to the ans that the benthic fauna adapted to soft soils
stated output, diameter of the foundation and di- loses habitat. However, since both the grid infra-
ameter of any scour protection required, number structure and the wind farms will use up the area
of platforms). In contrast, the model wind farm ‰, no significant impairments are to be expected
parameters of Scenario 1 were used for the cal- in the cumulative area, even in the cumulation,
culation of land use within the framework of the
Non-technical summary 73
which would endanger the marine environment species in sub-area II of the nature reserve "Sylt
in terms of the seabed and benthos. Outer Reef - Eastern German Bight" and species
for which avoidance behaviour towards struc-
Marine mammals
tures has already been established must be
Cumulative effects on marine mammals, in par- considered with regard to cumulative effects.
ticular harbour porpoises, may occur mainly due
When assessing the cumulative effects of the re-
to noise exposure during pile driving of the foun-
alisation of offshore wind farms, special attention
dations. For example, these assets could be sig-
must be paid to the group of loons, with the end-
nificantly affected by the fact that, if pile-driving
angered and at the same time disturbance-sen-
takes place simultaneously at different locations
sitive species of red-throated and black-throated
within the EEZ, there may not be sufficient space
divers. GARTHE & HÜPPOP (2004) certify that di-
to evade and retreat. So far, there is a lack of
vers are very sensitive to structures. For the
sufficient experience regarding the temporal and
consideration of cumulative effects, both neigh-
spatial overlap in the propagation of ramming
bouring wind farms and those located in the
noise.
same coherent functional spatial unit defined by
Cumulative effects of the FEP on the population physically and biologically significant charac-
of harbour porpoise are considered in ac- teristics for a species should be taken into ac-
cordance with the requirements of the BMUB's count. In addition to the structures themselves,
2013 noise abatement concept. Pile driving acti- impacts from shipping traffic (including for the
vities that have the potential to cause distur- operation and maintenance of cables and plat-
bances due to noise inputs in the main concent- forms) must also be taken into account. Recent
ration area of harbour porpoise during the sensi- findings from studies confirm the scare effect on
tive season are coordinated in such a way that divers caused by ships. Star divers and black-
the proportion of the affected area remains be- throated divers are among the most sensitive
low 1% at all times. bird species in the German North Sea to ship-
It is also clear from the FEP's presentations that ping traffic (MENDEL et al. 2019, FLIESSBACH et
the grid connection systems and the individual al. 2019, BURGER et al. 2019).
offshore wind farms will be built gradually, i.e. in Until 2007, the assessment of cumulative effects
stages, over the coming years, rather than simul- on divers caused by offshore wind farms was
taneously. carried out in BSH's approval practice on the ba-
Seabirds and resting birds sis of quantitative criteria and taking into account
the state of knowledge at the time. In order to
Effects are considered site- and project-specifi- assess the significance of this quantitatively as-
cally in the environmental impact assessment sumed effect and to be able to answer the ques-
and are monitored in the subsequent monitoring tion of the existence of the reason for the failure
of the construction and operation phase of offs- to protect the marine environment, population bi-
hore wind farm projects. For resting birds, habitat ological limit values and a suitable relevant refe-
loss due to cumulative effects of several struc- rence value for such a limit value were defined.
tures or offshore wind farms can be particularly In the literature, it has been suggested for birds
significant. that an intervention should be considered inad-
In order to assess the significance of cumulative missible if 1% of the biogeographical population
effects on seabirds, any effects must be asses- is affected by habitat loss. Reference is made to
sed on a species-specific basis. In particular, criteria of the 1971 Ramsar Convention on the
species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive,
74 Non-technical summary
Evaluation of Waterbird Resting Areas, accord- wind farm "Horns Rev I" in 2006 provided an op-
ing to which a resting area is of international im- portunity to review the assessment of cumulative
portance if it hosts 1% of the biogeographical po- effects in the light of the new findings. The inves-
pulation of a waterbird species at least once a tigations showed that avoidance effects on loons
year (DIERSCHKE et al. 2003). up to 4 km from the wind farm were detectable
and significant (PETERSEN et al.2006).
This 1% criterion can also be found in the classi-
fication of Important Bird Areas (IBA). An area is The extensive data base from German marine
called IBA by Birdlife International if it contains areas, consisting of environmental impact stu-
more than 1% of the biogeographical population dies, research and monitoring, which was al-
(HEATH AND EVANS 2000). However, this 1% ready available in 2007, and the findings from
threshold value of the Ramsar Convention can- the Danish wind farm were evaluated in a scien-
not be derived from population biology when it tific study. On the basis of the new findings of this
comes to assessing the significance of interven- study, it was possible to identify and delimit a
tions or disturbances (DIERSCHKE et al. 2003). main concentration area for loons in the German
Since the Ramsar Convention uses the 1% cri- North Sea EEZ.
terion to assess the significance of a wetland, it
The main concentration area takes into account
does not appear to be technically and scientifi-
the period of particular importance for the spe-
cally justifiable to apply this criterion to the as-
cies, spring. On the basis of the data available at
sessment of an intervention, due to the very dif-
the time the main concentration area was defi-
ferent intentions.
ned in 2009, the main concentration area was
Nevertheless, in approval practice until 2007, the home to around 66% of the German North Sea
1% criterion was considered at least suitable for loon population and around 83% of the EEZ po-
approaching the quantification of an intervention pulation in spring and is therefore, among other
in the absence of other reliable criteria. In order things, of particular importance in terms of popu-
to take into account the ecological and functional lation biology (BMU 2009) and an important
importance of the German EEZ for loons, the so- functional component of the marine environment
called Northwest European Winter Resting Po- with regard to sea birds and resting birds.
pulation (NW European Winter Resting Popula- Against the background of current stock assess-
tion) was established in consultation with the Fe- ments, the importance of the main concentration
deral Agency for Nature Conservation and ex- area for loons in the German North Sea and
perts as the relevant reference population for as- within the EEZ has further increased (SCHWEM-
sessing cumulative effects on divers. The size of MER et al. 2019). The delineation of the main
this population is 110,000 individuals (LEOPOLD concentration area for loons is based on the data
et al. 1995, SKOV et al. 1995). Applied to the NW situation, which is considered to be very good,
European winter resting population, 1% of this and on expert analyses that have gained broad
population corresponds to 1,100 individuals. scientific acceptance. The area includes all
areas of very high and the majority of areas with
Until 2007, the addition of the number of loons
a high density of loons in the German Bight. The
affected in the context of the calculation of cu-
definition of the main concentration area of loons
mulative effects also took into account the area
in the German North Sea EEZ as part of BMU's
of a project area including a 2 km fence distance.
position paper (2009) is an important measure to
However, the publication of the results from the ensure species protection of the sturgeon-sensi-
operational monitoring of the Danish offshore tive species red-throated and black-throated di-
ver. The BMU decreed that in future licensing
Non-technical summary 75
procedures for offshore wind farms, the main comprehensively and jointly evaluate the exten-
concentration area should be used as a bench- sive data basis from the operational monitoring
mark for the cumulative assessment of diver ha- of offshore wind farms and from research and
bitat loss. monitoring of Natura 2000 sites. The overall ob-
jective of the contract was to assess the cumula-
Since 2009, the BSH has carried out the qualita-
tive effects of the operation of the offshore wind
tive assessment of cumulative effects on loons
farms on the occurrence of loons. Interim results
within the framework of licensing procedures, u-
of this study by FTZ were presented at the BSH's
sing the main concentration area in accordance
Marine Environment Symposium 2018. The eva-
with the BMU position paper (2009).
luations have since been published (GARTHE et
In the years 2010 to 2013 inclusive, a number of al. 2018, SCHWEMMER et al. 2019). The cumula-
approved offshore wind farm projects carried out tive consideration of the avoidance behaviour of
the third year of the baseline survey as part of loons compared to offshore wind farms resulted
the implementation process. The Federal in a calculated complete habitat loss of 5.5 km
Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and the and a statistically significant decrease in a-
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency bundance up to a distance of 10 km, starting
(BSH) took the completion of the baseline sur- from the periphery of a wind farm (GARTHE et al.
veys as an opportunity to jointly commission a 2018). The statistically significant decrease in a-
study to evaluate the findings on the main con- bundance is not a total avoidance but a partial
centration area, taking into account all data avoidance with increasing densities of loons up
available at that time on the occurrence of loons to a distance of 10 km from a wind farm. The cal-
in the German Bight prior to the start of construc- culated total habitat loss of 5.5 km is used to
tion and operation of offshore wind farms in the quantify the habitat loss in analogy to the former
German EEZ. The results of the study confirmed shunning distance of 2 km. It is based on the pu-
the importance and delimitation of the main con- rely statistical assumption that there are no loons
centration area of loons in spring (GARTHE et al. within 5.5 km of an offshore wind farm. A further
2015). cross-project study on the occurrence and distri-
The current results from the operational monito- bution of, and effects of offshore wind farm pro-
ring of offshore wind farms and from research jects on loons in the German North Sea commis-
projects, some of which used investigation me- sioned by the BWO provided comparable results
thods independent of the standardised monito- for all wind farm projects realised, with a signifi-
ring according to the Standard Investigation cant avoided distance of 10 km and a calculated
Concept (StUK) (e.g. telemetry study within the total habitat loss of approx. 5 km. The results
framework of the DIVER project), unanimously from GARTHE et al. (2018) regarding the
show that the avoidance behaviour of loons to- avoidance behaviour of loons are thus confirmed
wards offshore wind farms is far more pro- by an independent study (BIOCONSULT SH et al.
nounced than had been anticipated in the origi- 2020).
nal approval decisions of the wind farm projects The current state of knowledge from the above-
(cf. Chapter 4.6.) mentioned study by FTZ on behalf of BfN and
As a result, the Federal Agency for Nature Con- BSH will from now on be taken into account in
servation and the Federal Maritime and Hydro- sectoral planning as well as in BSH decisions.
graphic Agency again commissioned a study as The definition of suitable measures will be exa-
part of ongoing research projects in order to mined in cooperation with the nature conserva-
tion authority.
76 Non-technical summary
Against this background, based on the calcula- in the range of the mean observed in previous
ted total habitat loss of 5.5 km, the wind farm pro- years (BIOCONSULT SH et al. 2020).
jects already implemented and taken into ac-
Both studies confirm the overall high and special
count in the position paper mean that approx.
functional importance of the main concentration
19% of the 7,036 km2 main concentration area
area as a habitat for loons in the German North
is no longer available for loons due to avoidance
Sea (SCHWEMMER et al. 2019, BIOCONSULT SH
behaviour. Based on the assumptions made in
et al. 2020). This is particularly true against the
the position paper (BMU 2009) of a 2 km shun-
background of the pronounced avoidance beha-
ning distance, a 9 % loss of area in the main con-
viour and associated habitat loss.
centration area was anticipated. This means that
even at this stage the area impairment in this im- The main concentration area represents a parti-
portant habitat is greater than originally assu- cularly important component of the marine en-
med. vironment in terms of seabirds and resting birds,
in particular the group of loons. Taking into ac-
In summary, the results of the monitoring and re-
count the new findings, further cumulative
search projects show that the avoidance behavi-
effects on the stock of loons can be expected
our of loons towards offshore wind farms is much
from the implementation of further wind farm pro-
more pronounced than previously assumed. A
jects in the main concentration area. This alone
stock calculation for the main concentration area
- irrespective of the question of admissibility un-
within the scope of the FTZ's sea diver study
der species protection law - constitutes a threat
commissioned by BfN and BSH showed an in-
to the marine environment pursuant to Article 5
crease in the red-throated diver population for
para 3 WindSeeG. For this reason, the designa-
the period 2002 to 2012, which has remained at
tion of the area N-5.4 is still not permissible, also
a relatively constant high level since 2012. How-
against the background of another study now
ever, a decrease in the red-throated diver popu-
available on loons in the German North Sea.
lation has been observed for the entire German
Areas N-5 and N-4 remain under review for sub-
North Sea, whose sub-areas have different local
sequent use (see Chapter 8.4 and 8.5 of the draft
significance as a habitat for loons, since 2012
FEP). The detailed assessment and justification
(observation period until 2017) (SCHWEMMER et
is explained in Chapter 5.2 of the environmental
al. 2019). The study commissioned by the BWO
report.
yields qualitatively and quantitatively compa-
rable population figures and population trends Migratory birds
for the main concentration area and the German A potential hazard for migratory birds results on
North Sea. Differences can be attributed to diffe- the one hand from the risk of collision with the
rent methods of stock calculation and modified individual offshore wind turbines and platforms,
categorisation bases. It is assumed that the data and on the other hand from adverse effects on
basis has a greater influence (BIOCONSULT SH the fitness of the animals due to forced changes
et al. 2020). Moreover, at the time of the evalua- in flight paths.
tions by BIOCONSULT SH et al. (2020), data from
the 2018 study year were already available, Under normal migratory conditions favoured by
which meant that an additional year could be ta- migratory bird species, no evidence has been
ken into account in this study. For the red- found so far for any species that the birds typi-
throated diver population in the German North cally migrate in the danger zone of the installati-
Sea, there were indications of an increase in the ons and/or do not recognise and avoid these
population in that year, and in the main concent- obstacles. Under the clear weather conditions
ration area there were indications of a fluctuation
Non-technical summary 77
preferred by birds for their migration, the proba- which are not yet suitable to satisfactorily safe-
bility of collision with wind turbines or converter guard the basis for the protected asset. Gaps in
platforms is therefore very low. knowledge exist in particular with regard to spe-
cies-specific migration behaviour. Despite exten-
A potential hazard situation is caused by unex-
sive research activities, it has not yet been pos-
pectedly occurring fog and rain, which leads to
sible to close these gaps.
poor visibility and low flight altitudes. The coin-
cidence of bad weather conditions with so-called Due to the gaps in knowledge mentioned above,
mass migration events is particularly problema- a final cumulative consideration of all offshore
tic. The risk of collision for birds migrating during wind farms to be considered, including all desig-
the day and seabirds is generally considered to nated areas as well as further offshore wind
be low. They orient themselves visually and are farms outside the German EEZs, is not possible
usually able to land on water. The risk of bird at this stage.
strikes could therefore be more likely to occur
Transboundary effects
with songbird populations that migrate at night
and are rich in individuals. The SEA concludes that, as things stand at
present, the provisions of the FEP do not have a
In order to avoid or minimise the risk, the instal-
significant impact on the areas of neighbouring
lations shall be designed in such a way that light
countries bordering the German North Sea EEZ.
emissions are avoided as far as possible during
construction and operation, unless such emissi- Significant transboundary impacts can generally
ons are required and unavoidable by safety re- be ruled out for the following assets to be protec-
quirements of shipping and air traffic as well as ted: soil, water, plankton, benthos, biotope ty-
occupational safety. pes, landscape, cultural heritage and other ma-
terial goods, and the human being and human
Cumulative effects of offshore wind farms in the
health. Possible significant transboundary im-
areas and zones planned in the FEP and of con-
pacts could only arise if all planned wind farm
verter platforms could, in addition to the risk of
projects in the area of the German North Sea for
bird strikes, also lead to an extension of the mig-
the highly mobile objects of protection - fish, ma-
ratory route for migrating birds. A possible barrier
rine mammals, sea birds and resting birds, mig-
effect could divert the migratory path and thus
ratory birds and bats - are considered cumula-
extend it. It is known that wind farms are avoided
tively.
by birds, i.e. they are flown around or over hori-
zontally. With regard to fish as a protected asset, the SEA
comes to the conclusion that, according to the
On the basis of the available information on the
current state of knowledge, no significant trans-
migratory behaviour of the various bird species,
boundary impacts on the protected asset are to
the usual flight altitudes and the distribution of
be expected as a result of the implementation of
bird migration over the day, the implementation
the FEP, since on the one hand the areas for
of the FEP is unlikely to pose a threat to bird mig-
which the FEP makes stipulations do not have a
ration according to the current state of know-
prominent function for the fish fauna and on the
ledge. At this stage, a possible bypassing of the
other hand the recognisable and predictable
projects is not expected to have a significant ne-
effects are of a small-scale and temporary na-
gative effect on the further development of the
ture. Based on current knowledge and taking into
populations. It should be noted that, according to
account impact-minimizing and damage-limiting
the current state of science and technology, this
measures, significant transboundary impacts
forecast is made on the basis of assumptions
can also be ruled out for the protected marine
78 Non-technical summary
mammal species. For example, the installation of In order to exclude a significant species protec-
the foundations of wind turbines and converter tion-related disturbance within the meaning of
platforms is only permitted in the specific li- §44 para. 1 No. 2 BNatSchG, the area N-5.4,
censing procedure if effective noise reduction which is currently being examined in the (preli-
measures are implemented (cf. 4.4.1.7 FEP). minary) drafts of FEP 2019, remains excluded
With regard to the protection of seabirds and from further planning for offshore wind energy
resting birds, the Danish bird sanctuary "Sydlige plants on the basis of the results of the assess-
Nordsø", which is directly adjacent to the Ger- ment of the cumulative adverse impacts on the
man EEZ to the north and also has a high occur- conservation status of the local population of
rence of loons, must be taken into account when loons (see Chapter 8.4 and 8.5 of the FEP draft).
considering possible significant transboundary Areas N-4 and N-5 are being examined for sub-
impacts. The non-designation of area N-5.4 sequent use.
counteracts a possible impairment of the Danish
Impact assessment
bird sanctuary, including the presence of loons
there. Under the present SEA, the areas, sites, plat-
forms and submarine cable routes planned in the
For migratory birds, the wind turbines and plat-
FEP will be subject to a separate assessment of
forms erected on the FEP sites may constitute a
their compatibility with the conservation purpo-
barrier or a risk of collision. However, as the plat-
ses of the nature reserves.
forms are individual structures in the immediate
vicinity of offshore wind farms, platforms alone The German North Sea EEZ contains the nature
are not expected to significantly disturb the mig- reserves "Sylter Außenriff - Östliche Deutsche
ration of birds. When considering the collision Bucht", "Borkum Riffgrund" and "Doggerbank",
risk posed by wind turbines, the existing develo- which were established by decree on 22 Sep-
pment of some areas in connection with future tember 2017. Compatibility in accordance with
development with new types of larger turbines the BNatSchG must be examined in line with the
must be taken into account. The collision risk assessment previously carried out for the FFH
must therefore be assessed differently for each areas. The nature conservation areas in the EEZ
specific area. However, a final cumulative had previously been included under European
consideration of the effects on bird migration, in- law as FFH areas in the first updated list of sites
cluding all offshore wind farms to be considered, of Community importance in the Atlantic biogeo-
is not possible at the present time due to a lack graphical region pursuant to Article 4 (2) of the
of information on the actual collision risk. Habitats Directive (Official Journal of the EU,
15.01.2008, L 12/1) by a decision of the Euro-
Species protection law examination
pean Commission of 12.11.2007, so that an FFH
The environmental report also contains an exa- impact assessment has already been carried out
mination under species protection law in ac- under the BFO.
cordance with Article 44 (1) of the Federal Na-
§§ Sections 34 and 36 of the Federal Nature
ture Conservation Act. On the more abstract le-
Conservation Act (BNatSchG) stipulate that
vel of sectoral planning, this comes to the con-
plans or projects which, individually or in con-
clusion that, according to the current state of
junction with other plans or projects, may signifi-
knowledge, the offshore wind farms, platforms
cantly affect a Habitats and EU Bird Protection
and submarine cable routes planned in the FEP
Area and which do not directly serve the ma-
will not have any significant negative impacts on
nagement of the area, must be assessed for their
the species protection-related prohibitions under
species protection law.
Non-technical summary 79
compatibility with the protection and conserva- of the conservation objectives of the nature con-
tion objectives of a Natura 2000 site. This also servation areas can be ruled out with the neces-
applies to projects outside the site which, either sary certainty by implementing the ordered noise
individually or in combination with other projects protection measures.
or plans, are likely to significantly affect the site's
The FEP lays down various measures to protect
conservation objectives. With the designation of
loons. In addition to the preventive measure of
the nature conservation areas, this assessment
BMU (2009) by restricting offshore wind energy
now relates to the conservation purpose of these
within the main concentration area of loons, the
sites.
FEP provides for an avoidance measure by
The protected areas as a whole are the LRT excluding the area N-5.4 designated in the (pre-
"reefs" and "sandbanks" listed in Annex I of the liminary) drafts of FEP 2019. The exclusion of
Habitats Directive, certain fish species and ma- the offshore wind farm "Butendiek" for a possible
rine mammals listed in Annex II of the Habitats subsequent use also constitutes a significant mi-
Directive (river lamprey, feint, harbour porpoise, tigation measure, which is a direct consequence
grey seal and common seal) and various bird of objective 3.5.1. (3) of the North Sea EEZ ROV.
species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive According to this, the realisation of offshore wind
(red-throated diver), Black-throated Diver, Little farms in Natura 2000 areas is prohibited, except
Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, in the cases mentioned in the objective. Finally,
Northern Fulmar, Northern Gannet, Black Sco- the requirement to examine the possible subse-
ter, Skua, Pomarine Gull, Common Gull, Black- quent use of areas N-4 and N-5 is a further mo-
backed Gull, Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Common nitoring measure.
Guillemot, Razorbill). Species listed in Annex IV
Taking into account the measures included in the
of the Habitats Directive, such as the harbour
FEP, which ensure the protection of the loons in-
porpoise, must be strictly protected everywhere,
side but also outside the nature reserve "Sylt Ou-
including outside the established protected
ter Reef - Eastern German Bight", a significant
areas.
impairment of the conservation objectives can
Within the framework of the FEP, individual be ruled out with the necessary certainty.
areas and sites, platforms, submarine cable rou-
Assessment of the compatibility of the planned
tes and border corridors are planned in or in the
areas, sites and platforms
immediate vicinity of the nature reserves
"Borkum Riffgrund" and "Sylt Outer Reef - Eas- The impact assessment comes to the conclusion
tern German Bight". Two planned cross-border that, according to current knowledge, a signifi-
submarine cable systems cross the "Dog- cant impairment of the conservation objectives
gerbank" nature reserve. with regard to protected species by the erection
and operation of offshore wind turbines and
The impact assessment also takes into account
transformer and converter platforms within the
the remote effects of the provisions adopted
areas and sites defined in the FEP can be ruled
within the EEZ on the protected areas in the ad-
out, taking into account strict impact-minimising
jacent 12-mile zone and in the adjacent waters
measures and applying the requirements of the
of neighbouring countries.
noise protection concept of the BMU (2013). For
The assessment of the FEP's compatibility with this purpose, the FEP makes textual specifica-
regard to the strictly protected species of harbour tions, especially with regard to noise reduction.
porpoise has shown that, according to the cur- A detailed impact assessment is the responsibi-
rent state of knowledge, a significant impairment lity of the individual approval procedure.
80 Non-technical summary
Assessment of the compatibility of the planned the route will be adjusted accordingly within the
cable routes and border corridors framework of the FEP update.
Possible effects of submarine cables are usually In order to avoid the impairment of FFH-LRT, an
limited to the laying phase and are therefore li- alternative assessment has been carried out for
mited in time and space. Impacts on nature con- all routes which use nature conservation areas
servation areas in their components relevant to and for which bypassing the protected area is
the conservation objectives or the protection pur- possible and appropriate in the light of the prin-
pose are only to be expected if the cable routes ciple of proportionality.
run through a protected area or in the immediate
According to current knowledge, significant im-
vicinity thereof; according to the current state of
pairment of the FFH-LRT "reefs" and "sand-
knowledge, no remote effects are to be assu-
banks with only weak permanent inundation by
med. For this reason, only cable routes that
seawater" can be ruled out even if the plan and
cross nature conservation areas or run in the im-
existing projects for the nature conservation
mediate vicinity, e.g. directly parallel to the edge
areas under review are considered cumulatively.
of protected areas, will be taken into account for
the impact assessment following a detailed pre- measures to prevent, reduce and offset sig-
liminary assessment. nificant negative impacts of the land-use plan
on the marine environment
In particular, the small size of the area and the
short duration of the relocation mean that any In accordance with the requirements of the SEA
significant impact on the conservation objectives Directive, the measures planned to prevent, re-
for protected marine mammal and bird species duce and as far as possible offset significant ne-
can be excluded. gative environmental impacts resulting from the
implementation of the FEP are presented.
Occurrences of the FFH-LRT "reefs" and "sand-
banks" or other biotopes protected under Article In principle, the FEP's provisions will avoid ne-
30 may occur along individual routes. If the oc- gative impacts on the development of the en-
currence of particularly sensitive biotopes is vironmental status of the North Sea EEZ. In the
identified in the course of the preliminary site in- event of non-implementation of the plan, the u-
vestigations or in the specific approval proce- ses would develop without the FEP's steering
dure, efforts should be made to bypass these bi- and coordinating effect, which would save space
otopes. Experience from the implemented pro- and resources.
jects "NordLink", "AC-Anbindung Butendiek" or Specifically, the FEP lays down spatial and tex-
"SylWin1 and SylWin alpha" shows that small- tual specifications which, in accordance with the
scale bypassing of e.g. reef occurrences within environmental protection objectives set out in
the framework of fine routing in the individual ap- Chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht
proval procedure is possible at least in places. gefunden werden.of the environmental report,
If bypassing sensitive FFH-LRT does not appear serve to avoid or reduce significant negative im-
possible, considerable impairment of these bio- pacts of the implementation of the FEP on the
topes cannot be ruled out at present. On the ba- marine environment. This mainly concerns tex-
sis of available data from the route surveys, it tual specifications on space-saving planning, on
must be examined in the specific individual pro- avoiding the use of protected areas and legally
cedure whether there is significant impairment. If protected biotopes pursuant to Article 30 of the
new findings from route surveys are available, Federal Nature Conservation Act, on noise re-
duction, on compliance with the 2C criterion, on
the dismantling of structures, and on the
Non-technical summary 81
consideration of best environmental practice and In addition to the zero alternative, this environ-
the respective state of the art. mental report examines in particular spatial and
technical alternatives.
Reduction and avoidance measures are spe-
cified and ordered by the competent licensing Measures planned to monitor the environ-
authority at project level for the planning, mental impact of implementing the site deve-
construction and operation phases. With regard lopment plan
to the planned areas for wind energy plants and
The potential significant impacts on the environ-
platforms and other energy generation areas,
ment resulting from the implementation of the
this concerns in particular noise reduction and
FEP must be monitored in accordance with Ar-
noise prevention measures as well as environ-
ticle 45 (1) UVPG. This is intended to enable un-
mentally compatible lighting during the operation
foreseen negative impacts to be identified at an
of the structures. Measures to avoid and reduce
early stage and suitable remedial measures to
the possible effects of submarine cable systems
be taken. The monitoring also serves to verify
must be taken into account in the route planning
the gaps in knowledge or the forecasts with
and technical design. In order to avoid significant
uncertainties as presented in the environmental
negative effects of cable heating on benthos, the
report. According to Article 45 para. 4 UVPG, the
FEP contains a planning principle for sediment
results of the monitoring are to be taken into ac-
heating.
count in the updating of the FEP. The actual mo-
Alternative testing nitoring of potential impacts on the marine en-
vironment can only begin once the uses regula-
In accordance with Art. 5 para. 1 sentence 1 of
ted under the plan have been realised. There-
the SEA Directive in conjunction with the criteria
fore, project-related monitoring of the impacts of
in Annex I of the SEA Directive and Art. 40 para.
offshore wind farms, platforms and submarine
2 no. 8 UVPG, the environmental report contains
cable systems is of particular importance. The
a brief description of the reasons for the choice
main task of monitoring is to bring together and
of the reasonable alternatives examined. At the
evaluate the findings of the various monitoring
plan level, the conceptual/strategic design, spa-
results at project level. In addition, existing nati-
tial and technical alternatives play a major role.
onal and international monitoring programmes
In principle, it should be noted that all specifica- must be taken into account, also to avoid dupli-
tions in the form of standardised technology and cation of work.
planning principles already involve a preliminary
The investigation of the potential environmental
examination of possible and conceivable alter-
impacts of areas and sites for offshore wind
natives. As can be seen from the justification of
energy or of platforms has to be carried out at
the individual planning principles, in particular
project level in accordance with the standard
those relating to the environment - e.g. route de-
"Untersuchung von Auswirkungen von Offshore-
sign that is as bundled as possible, implementa-
Windenergieanlagen (StUK4)" (Investigation of
tion with as few intersections as possible - the
the impacts of offshore wind energy plants) and
respective principle is already based on a
in coordination with the BSH. Monitoring during
weighing up of possible public interests and legal
the construction of foundations by means of pile
positions affected, so that a "preliminary exami-
driving includes measurements of underwater
nation" of possible alternatives has already been
noise and acoustic recordings of the impact of
carried out.
pile driving on marine mammals using POD
measuring instruments. In addition, additional
monitoring measures are planned to record the
82 Non-technical summary
effects of the stratification of the water under and biotope types during the baseline survey
certain hydrographic conditions on the propaga- and the operational phase. Identified suspected
tion of impact noise in the Baltic Sea and to be areas of biotope types protected under Article 30
able to take further measures if necessary. of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(BNatSchG) must also be investigated in ac-
The BSH is carrying out a whole series of pro-
cordance with the current mapping instructions
jects as part of the accompanying research into
of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
the possible effects of offshore wind turbines on
(BfN). After the cable system has been laid, its
the marine environment. These include the AN-
location must be checked by operational monito-
KER project "Approaches to cost reduction in the
ring measures. One year after commissioning of
collection of monitoring data for offshore wind
the submarine cable systems, investigations of
farms", the R&D study BeMo "Evaluation ap-
the benthic biocoenoses must be carried out on
proaches for underwater noise monitoring in
the same transects as in the baseline survey.
connection with offshore licensing procedures,
regional planning and MSRL" and various sub- The pooling of information creates an increasin-
projects within the R&D network NavES "Nature- gly solid basis for impact forecasting. The rese-
compatible developments at sea". The results of arch projects serve the continuous further deve-
the BSH's current projects will be directly incor- lopment of a uniform, quality-assured basis of
porated into the further development of stan- marine environmental information for the asses-
dards and norms, such as the development of sment of possible impacts of offshore installati-
the StUK5. ons and form an important basis for updating the
FEP.
For the first time, StUK4 also contains monitoring
requirements for the investigation of sea-ca-bed
routes with regard to benthos, biotope structure
References 83
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Draft environmental report for the draft
Site Development Plan 2020
for the German Baltic Sea
Exclusive Economic Zone
Hamburg, 4 September 2020
Content I
Content
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Legal basis and tasks of the environmental assessment 1
1.2 Brief description of the content and most important objectives of
the Site Development Plan 1
1.3 Relationship to other relevant plans, programmes and projects 1
1.4 Presentation and consideration of environmental protection
objectives 5
1.4.1 International conventions on the protection of the marine environment 5
1.4.2 Environmental and nature conservation requirements at EU level 6
1.4.3 Environmental and nature conservation requirements at national level 6
1.4.4 The Federal Government's energy and climate conservation aims 7
1.5 Strategic Environmental Assessment methodology 8
1.5.1 Introduction 8
1.5.2 Area of investigation 8
1.5.3 Implementation of the environmental assessment 10
1.5.4 Criteria for status description and status assessment 12
1.5.5 Specific assumptions for the assessment of likely significant
environmental impacts 16
1.5.6 Cumulative consideration 18
1.5.7 Interactions 18
1.5.8 Specific assumptions for the assessment of likely significant
environmental impacts 19
1.6 Data sources and indications of difficulties in compiling the
documents 22
1.6.1 Overview of data source 23
1.6.2 Indications of difficulties in compiling the documents 24
2 Description and assessment of state of the environment 27
2.1 Introduction 27
2.2 Soil/Area 27
2.2.1 Object of protection soil/area 27
2.2.2 Data availability 27
2.2.3 Geomorphology 27
II Content
2.2.4 Sediment distribution on the seabed 27
2.2.5 Geological structure of the near-surface subsoil 27
2.2.6 Distribution of pollutants in the sediment 27
2.2.7 Status assessment 27
2.3 Water 27
2.3.1 Currents 27
2.3.2 Swell and water level fluctuations 27
2.3.3 Surface temperature and temperature stratification 27
2.3.4 Surface salinity and salinity stratification 27
2.3.5 Ice conditions 27
2.3.6 Suspended matter and turbidity 27
2.3.7 Status assessment with regard to nutrient and pollutant distribution 27
2.4 Plankton 27
2.4.1 Data availability and monitoring programmes 27
2.4.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of phytoplankton 28
2.4.3 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of zooplankton 28
2.4.4 Status assessment of plankton 28
2.5 Biotopes 28
2.5.1 Data availability 28
2.5.2 Biotopes in the German Baltic Sea 28
2.5.3 Legally protected marine biotopes according to section 30 of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act and FFH habitat types 28
2.5.4 Status assessment 28
2.6 Benthos 28
2.6.1 Data availability 28
2.6.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 28
2.6.3 Status assessment of the factor Benthos 28
2.7 Fish 28
2.7.1 Data availability 28
2.7.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 28
2.7.3 Status assessment of the factor Fish 28
2.8 Marine mammals 28
Content III
2.8.1 Data availability 28
2.8.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 28
2.8.3 Status assessment of the factor Marine mammals 28
2.9 Seabirds and resting birds 29
2.9.1 Data availability 29
2.9.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 29
2.9.3 Status assessment of seabirds and resting birds 29
2.10 Migratory birds 29
2.10.1 Data availability 29
2.10.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of migratory birds 29
2.10.3 Status assessment of the factor Migratory birds 29
2.11 Bats and bat migration 30
2.11.1 Data availability 30
2.11.2 Migration and migratory movements of bats over the Baltic Sea 30
2.11.3 Conservation status of potentially migratory bat species in countries
adjacent to the Baltic Sea 30
2.11.4 Hazards to bats 30
2.12 Biodiversity 30
2.13 Air 30
2.14 Climate 30
2.15 Landscape 30
2.16 Cultural heritage and material assets 30
2.17 Human beings, including human health 30
2.18 Interrelationships between the factors 30
3 Expected development in the event of non-implementation of
the plan 31
3.1 Soil/Area 32
3.2 Water 32
3.3 Plankton 33
3.4 Biotopes 33
3.5 Benthos 33
3.6 Fish 33
IV Content
3.7 Marine mammals 33
3.8 Seabirds and resting birds 33
3.9 Migratory birds 33
3.10 Bats and bat migration 33
3.11 Biodiversity 33
3.12 Air 33
3.13 Climate 33
3.14 Landscape 33
3.15 Cultural heritage and material assets 33
3.16 Human beings, including human health 33
3.17 Interrelationships between the factors 33
4 Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of
the implementation of the Site Development Plan on the
marine environment 34
4.1 Soil/Areas 34
4.1.1 Areas, sites and platforms 34
4.1.2 Subsea cable systems 34
4.2 Benthos 34
4.2.1 Areas and sites 34
4.2.2 Platforms 34
4.2.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.3 Biotopes 35
4.3.1 Areas and sites 35
4.3.2 Platforms 35
4.3.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.4 Fish 35
4.4.1 Areas and sites 35
4.4.2 Platforms 35
4.4.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.5 Marine mammals 35
4.5.1 Areas, sites and platforms 35
4.5.2 Subsea cable systems 35
Content V
4.6 Seabirds and resting birds 35
4.6.1 Areas and sites 35
4.6.2 Platforms 35
4.6.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.7 Migratory birds 35
4.7.1 Areas and sites 35
4.7.2 Platforms 35
4.7.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.8 Bats and bat migration 35
4.8.1 Areas and sites 35
4.8.2 Platforms 35
4.8.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.9 Climate 35
4.10 Landscape 35
4.10.1 Areas and sites 35
4.10.2 Platforms 35
4.11 Interrelationships 35
4.12 Cumulative effects 35
4.12.1 Soil/Area, benthos and biotopes 35
4.12.2 Fish 35
4.12.3 Marine mammals 35
4.12.4 Seabirds and resting birds 35
4.12.5 Migratory birds 35
4.13 Transboundary impacts 35
5 Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations 37
5.1 Marine mammals 37
5.1.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of killing and injury) 37
5.1.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of disturbance) 37
5.2 Avifauna (seabirds, resting birds and migratory birds) 37
5.2.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of killing and injury) 37
VI Content
5.2.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of disturbance) 38
5.3 Bats 38
5.3.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 and no. 2 of the Federal Nature
Conservation Act 38
6 Assessment of the implications 39
6.1 Legal basis 39
6.2 Assessment of the compatibility of the FEP with regard to
habitat types 40
6.2.1 Assessment of compatibility with the protective purpose of the nature
reserve "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank 40
6.2.2 Assessment of the compatibility of planned cable routes with the
protective purpose of the "Fehmarnbelt" nature reserve 41
6.3 Assessment of the compatibility of the FEP with protected
species 42
6.3.1 Assessment of the compatibility of areas, surfaces, platforms and sea
cable systems with the protective purpose of the nature conservation
area "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank 42
6.3.2 Assessment of the compatibility of areas, sites, platforms and sea cable
systems with the protective purpose of the "Fehmarnbelt" nature
conservation area 42
6.3.3 Assessment of the compatibility of areas, surfaces, platforms and sea
cable systems with the protective purpose of the "Kadetrinne" nature
conservation area 42
6.4 Natura2000 sites outside the German EEZ 42
6.5 Outcome of the impact assessment 44
7 Overall plan evaluation 44
8 Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative
effects of the Site Development Plan on the marine
environment 46
8.1 Introduction 46
8.2 Areas and sites for offshore wind turbines 47
8.3 Platforms 49
8.4 Sea cable systems 50
9 Investigated alternatives 52
9.1 Zero alternative 53
Content VII
9.2 Strategic alternatives 53
9.3 Spatial alternatives 53
9.3.1 Assessment of alternatives for areas 53
9.3.2 Comparison of the sites with each other 54
9.4 Technical alternatives 60
10 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental
impacts 61
10.1 Monitoring of potential effects of areas and sites for offshore
wind turbines 63
10.2 Monitoring of potential effects of platforms 64
10.3 Monitoring of the potential effects of sea cables 64
11 Non-technical summary 66
VIII Content
List of figures
Figure 1: Overview of the staged planning and approval process in the central model. ................... 3
Figure 2: Overview of the protected assets in the environmental assessments. .............................. 4
Figure 6: Overview of the standards of the relevant legal acts for the SEA. .................................... 7
Figure 7: Presentation of the SEA study area for the Baltic Sea for the site development plan. ...... 9
Figure 8: General methodology for assessing likely significant environmental impacts. ................ 12
Figure 9: Exemplary cumulative effect of similar uses (effects of energy on underwater sound and
marine mammals). ........................................................................................................................ 18
Content IX
List of tables
Table 1: Project-related effects in the implementation of the FEP. ................................................ 16
Table 2: Parameters for the consideration of areas and sites ........................................................ 20
Table 3: Parameters for the consideration of network connections and platforms ......................... 20
Table 4: Parameters for the consideration of sea cable systems................................................... 22
Table 5. Site comparison using nature conservation criteria. ........................................................ 54
X Content
List of abbreviations
AC Alternating current
AIS Automatic Identification System (for ships)
ASCOBANS Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas
AWI Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
BBergG Federal Mining Act
BfN Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
BFO Spatial Offshore Grid Plan
BFO-N Spatial Offshore Grid Plan North Sea
BFO-O Spatial Offshore Grid Plan Baltic Sea
BGBI Federal Law Gazette
BIAS Baltic Sea Information on the Acoustic Soundscape
BMU Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety
Act concerning nature conservation and landscape management (Federal Nature
BNatSchG
Conservation Act)
Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and
BNetzA
Railway
BSH Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
CTD Conductivity, Temperature, Depth Sensor
DC Direct current
DEPONS Disturbance Effects on the Harbour Porpoise Population in the North Sea
DDT Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EIA Environmental impact assessment
EIS Environmental impact study
Recording of marine mammals and seabirds in the German North Sea and Baltic
EMSON
Sea EEZs
ERASNO Recording of resting birds in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs
EnWG Act concerning electricity and gas supply (German Energy Act)
EUROBATS Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats
FEP Site Development Plan
FFH Flora Fauna Habitat
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural
FFH-RL
habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive)
Compatibility testing according to Art. 6 subsection 3 of the Habitats Directive or
FFH-VP
section 34 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
FPN North Sea Research Platform
HELCOM Helsinki Convention
HCB Hexachlorobenzene
IBA Important bird area
ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
IfAÖ Institute for Applied Ecosystem Research
IHC NMS Noise mitigation System from IHC
Content XI
IOW Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
IWC International Whaling Commission
K Kelvin
CI Confidence interval
kn Knots
LRT Habitat type according to the Habitats Directive
Automated monitoring network of stations in the German Bight and western Baltic
MARNET
Sea
MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
Marine warm-blooded animals in the North and Baltic Seas: Foundations for
MINOS
assessment of offshore wind farms
Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and the Council dated 17 June
MSRL 2008 for the establishment of a Framework for Community Action in the field of
Marine Environment (Marine Strategy Framework Directive)
NAO North Atlantic Oscillation
n.m. Nautical mile
NN Sea level
O-NDP Offshore network development plan
OSPAR Oslo-Paris Agreement
OWP Offshore wind farm
PAH Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyl
POD Porpoise Click Detector
PSU Practical Salinity Units
R&D Research and Development
RL Red List
SAMBAH Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise
SCANS Small Cetacean Abundance in the North Sea and Adjacent Waters
Ordinance concerning offshore installations for defining German coastal waters
SeeAnlV
(Offshore Installations Ordinance)
SEL Sound event level
SPA Special Protected Area
Species of European Conservation Concern (important species for bird
SPEC
conservation in Europe)
SPLp-p Peak emission sound pressure level (peak-peak)
StUK4 Standard "Investigation into the impacts of offshore wind turbines"
"Accompanying ecological research at the alpha ventus offshore test area
StUKplus
project"
SEA Strategic environmental assessment
Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June
SEA Directive 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the
environment (SEA Directive)
TFEU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
TSO Transmission system operator
XII Content
TOC Total Organic Carbon
UBA Federal Environment Agency
UVPG Act concerning the environmental impact assessment
VARS Visual Automatic Recording System
Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30
V-RL
November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Wild Birds Directive)
WEA Wind turbine
Act concerning the development and promotion of offshore wind energy
WindSeeG
(Offshore Wind Energy Act - WindSeeG)
Introduction 1
1 Introduction According to Art. 1 of the SEA Directive
2001/42/EC, the objective of strategic
environmental assessment is to ensure a high
1.1 Legal basis and tasks of the
level of environmental protection in order to
environmental assessment promote sustainable development, and thereby
In accordance with sections 4 et seq. of the to contribute to ensuring that environmental
Wind Energy at Sea Act (WindSeeG), the BSH considerations are taken into account in an
draws up a site development plan (FEP) in appropriate manner well in advance of concrete
consultation with the Federal Network Agency project planning, when the plans are compiled
(BNetz-A) and in agreement with the Federal and adopted. The Strategic Environmental
Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), the Assessment has the task of identifying,
Directorate-General for Waterways and describing and evaluating the likely significant
Shipping (GDWS) and the coastal Länder. The environmental effects of the implementation of
FEP was drawn up for the first time in 2018 and the plan. It serves as an effective environmental
2019 and published on 28 June 2019 and is precaution in accordance with the applicable
currently being updated. laws and is implemented according to
When the FEP was drawn up, a detailed consistent principles, and with public
environmental assessment was carried out in participation. All factors in accordance with
accordance with the law on environmental section 2 subsection 1 of the Environmental
impact assessment (UVPG), the so-called Impact Assessment Act must be considered:
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Human beings, in particular human
The environmental reports were also published health,
on 28.06.2019. The performance of a strategic
Fauna, flora and biodiversity,
environmental assessment and the preparation
of an environmental report is governed by Area, soil, water, air, climate and
landscape,
Article 35 (1) No. 1 UVPG in conjunction with
No. 1.17 of Appendix 5, as site development Cultural heritage and other material
plans are subject to the SEA obligation under assets, and
Article 5 WindSeeG. In principle, this also Interrelationships between the above-
applies if the FEP is updated or amended. mentioned factors.
The SEA for FEP 2019 does not formally The main content document of the Strategic
include new area layouts and the definition of Environmental Assessment is this draft
new areas or other energy production areas. environmental report. This identifies, describes
Thus, a strategic environmental assessment and assesses the likely significant
must be carried out for the specifications that environmental impact of the implementation of
have not yet been reviewed, as it is not possible the Site Development Plan, as well as possible
to exclude the possibility of significant planning alternatives, taking into account the
environmental impacts. As far as new findings essential purposes of the plan.
on existing specifications are available and
relevant, these will also be taken into account. 1.2 Brief description of the content
The SEA for updating the FEP is based on the
and most important objectives of
environmental reports from 2019 and will the Site Development Plan
closely follow the existing SEA in terms of
methodology and content. 1.3 Relationship to other relevant
plans, programmes and projects
2 Introduction
The FEP is related to other plans and industry, science and research as well as
programmes within the EEZ, in adjacent areas, protection claims. A strategic environmental
in particular in the Coastal Sea, and to plans assessment must be carried out when the
and projects at upstream and downstream spatial development plan is drawn up.
planning and licensing levels.
The next stage is the FEP. Within the
1.3.1 Regional development plans in framework of the so-called central model, the
adjacent areas FEP is the control instrument for the orderly
expansion of offshore wind energy and
In the interests of coherent planning,
electricity grids in a phased planning process.
coordination processes with the plans of
The FEP has the character of a sectoral plan.
neighbouring states and coastal federal states
The sectoral plan is designed to plan the use of
are advisable and must be taken into account in
offshore wind energy and the electricity grids in
the cumulative assessment of impacts on the
a targeted manner and as optimally as possible
marine environment. In particular, close
under the given framework conditions - in
coordination is required with the coastal federal
particular the requirements of regional planning
states with regard to the onshore connection of
- by defining areas and sites as well as
the offshore wind farms and the routing of the
locations, routes and route corridors for grid
routes through the coastal sea. At present, the
connections or for cross-border submarine
state spatial planning is being updated for both
cable systems. In principle, a strategic
Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein.
environmental assessment is carried out to
1.3.1.1 Lower Saxony accompany the establishment, updating and
1.3.1.2 Schleswig-Holstein modification of the FEP.
1.3.2 MSRL programme of measures In the next step, the areas for offshore wind
energy plants defined in the FEP will be pre-
1.3.3 Management plans for the North Sea examined. If the requirements of § 12 para 2
EEZ nature reserves WindSeeG are met, the preliminary
1.3.4 Staged planning procedure for investigation is followed by a determination of
offshore wind energy and power lines the suitability of the site for the construction and
(central model) operation of offshore wind energy plants. A
strategic environmental assessment shall also
Within the framework of the central model, the
be carried out to accompany the preliminary
FEP is the steering instrument for the orderly
investigation.
expansion of offshore wind energy in a staged
planning process. The SEA for the FEP is If the suitability of a site for the use of offshore
related to upstream and downstream wind energy is determined, the site is put out to
environmental assessments. tender and the winning bidder or the
correspondingly entitled party can submit an
In an overall view of the central model, the
application for approval (planning approval) for
planning process for the area of the EEZ is
the construction and operation of wind energy
divided into several stages:
plants on the site specified in the FEP. As part
At the highest and superordinate level is the of the planning approval procedure, an
instrument of maritime spatial planning. The environmental impact assessment is carried out
spatial development plan is the forward-looking if the prerequisites are met.
planning instrument which coordinates the most
While the areas defined in the FEP are pre-
diverse interests of users in the fields of
examined and put out to tender for the use of
Introduction 3
offshore wind energy, this is not the case for The same applies to cross-border submarine
defined sites, routes and route corridors for grid cable systems.
connections or cross-border submarine cable
Under Article 1 (4) UVPG, the UVPG also
systems. Upon application, a planning approval
applies if federal or Länder legislation does not
procedure including environmental assessment
specify the environmental impact assessment in
will be carried out for the construction and
more detail or does not comply with the
operation of grid connection lines in the Re-gel.
essential requirements of the UVPG.
Figure 1: Overview of the staged planning and approval process in the central model.
In the case of multi-stage planning and environmental impacts, technical requirements,
approval processes, it follows from the relevant as well as the content and subject matter of the
legislation (e.g. Spatial Planning Act, Wind- plan are to be taken into account.
SeeG and BBergG) or, more generally, from
In the case of subsequent plans and
Article 39 (3) UVPG that, in the case of plans, it
subsequent approvals of projects for which the
should be determined at the stage of defining
plan sets a framework, the environmental
the scope of the investigation at which certain
assessment pursuant to Article 39 (3) sentence
environmental impacts are to be assessed in
3 UVPG shall be limited to additional or other
particular. In this way, multiple assessments are
to be avoided. The nature and extent of the
4 Introduction
significant environmental impacts as well as to description and assessment of the significant
necessary updates and further details. impacts of a project or a plan or programme on
the objects of protection. They serve to ensure
Within the framework of the staged planning
effective environmental protection in
and approval process, all reviews have in
accordance with the applicable laws and are
common that environmental impacts on the
carried out according to uniform principles and
objects of protection listed in § 2 para. 1 UVGP
with public participation.
are considered, including their interactions.
In the offshore sector, the following sub-
According to the definition in § 2 para. 2 UVPG,
categories of the legally protected assets:
environmental impacts within the meaning of
animals, plants and biological diversity have
the UVPG are direct and indirect effects of a
become established as sub-categories of the
project or the implementation of a plan or
legally protected assets: avifauna:
programme on the protected assets.
seabirds/resting and migratory birds, benthos,
According to Article 3 UVPG, environmental biotope types, plankton, marine mammals, fish
impact assessments comprise the identification, and bats.
Figure 2: Overview of the protected assets in the environmental assessments.
Introduction 5
In detail, the staged planning process is as marine environment in whole or in
follows: part
International Convention for the
1.3.1.1 Maritime spatial planning (EEZ)
Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973
1.3.1.2 Site Development Plan as modified by the Protocol of 1978
(MARPOL 73/78)
1.3.1.3 Preliminary investigation Convention on the Prevention of Marine
Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and
1.3.1.4 Approval procedure (planning
Other Matter (London, 1972) and
approval and planning permission
Protocol, 1996
procedure) for offshore wind
turbines United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea dated 1982
1.3.1.5 Approval procedure for grid
connections (converter platforms 1.4.1.2 Regional conventions on the
and subsea cable systems) protection of the marine
environment
1.3.1.6 Cross-border cables Convention for the Protection of the
Marine Environment of the Baltic Area
1.4 Presentation and consideration 1992
of environmental protection (Helsinki Convention)
objectives UNECE Convention on the EIA in a
The establishment, updating and amendment of transboundary context (Espoo-
the Site Development Plan and implementation Konvention1)
of the SEA take into account the environmental UNECE-Protokoll on SEA to the
protection objectives. These provide information convention on EIA in a transboundary
on what state of the environment is being context (SEA-Protokoll)
sought in the future (environmental quality
targets). The environmental protection 1.4.1.3 Agreements specific to factors
objectives can be gathered in an overall view
Convention on the Conservation of
from the international, common and national
European Wildlife and Natural Habitats,
conventions and regulations which deal with
1979 (Bern Convention)
protection of the marine environment and on
the basis of which the Federal Republic of Convention on the Conservation of
Germany has committed itself to certain Migratory Species of Wild Animals, 1979
principles and objectives. (Bonn Convention)
Within the framework of the Bonn Convention,
1.4.1 International conventions on the
regional agreements for the conservation of the
protection of the marine environment
species listed in Annex II were concluded in
The Federal Republic of Germany is a party to
all relevant international conventions on
protection of the marine environment. 1 Convention from 25. 2. 1991 about the EIA in a
transboundary context, implemented by the Espoo-Act of
1.4.1.1 Conventions in force throughout 7. 6. 2002, BGBl. 2002 II, S. 1406 ff. and the Second
the world that serve to protect the Espoo-Act from 17. 3. 2006, BGBl. 2006 II, S. 224 f
6 Introduction
accordance with Art. 4 no. 3 of the Bonn habitats and of wild fauna and flora
Convention: (Flora and Fauna Habitats Directive)3,
Agreement on the Conservation of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European
African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, Parliament and the Council dated 23
1995 (AEWA) October 2000 for the establishment of a
Framework for Community Action in the
Agreement on the Conservation of Small
field of Water Policy (Water Framework
Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas,
Directive, WRRL)
1991 (ASCOBANS)
Directive 2001/42/EC of the European
Agreement on the Conservation of Seals
Parliament and of the Council of 27
in the Wadden Sea, 1991
June 2001 on the assessment of the
Agreement on the Conservation of effects of certain plans and programmes
Populations of European Bats, 1991 on the environment (Strategic
(EUROBATS) Environmental Assessment Directive,
SEA Directive)
Convention on Biological Diversity, 1993
Directive 2008/56/EC of the European
1.4.2 Environmental and nature Parliament and the Council dated 17
conservation requirements at EU June 2008 for the establishment of a
level Framework for Community Action in the
The material scope of application of the TFEU2 field of Marine Environment (Marine
and thus in principle also that of secondary law Strategy Framework Directive, MSRL)
is extended if the Member States experience an
Directive 2009/147/EC of the European
increase in rights in an area outside their
Parliament and of the Council on the
territory which they have transferred to the EU
conservation of wild birds (Birds
(ECJ, Commission/United Kingdom, 2005). In
Directive)
the field of protection of the marine
environment, nature conservation or water Richtlinie 2009/147/EG des Europäischen
protection, the applicability of the legal EU Parlaments und Rates über die Erhaltung
requirements is also valid for the EEZ. der wildlebenden Vogelarten (V-RL)
The relevant EU legislation is to be taken into 1.4.3 Environmental and nature
account: conservation requirements at
Council Directive 337/85/EEC of 27 national level
June 1985 on the assessment of the There are various legal provisions at a national
effects of certain public and private level, too, and their specifications must be
projects on the environment taken into account in the environmental report.
(Environmental Impact Assessment
Act for regulating water resources
Directive, EIA Directive)
(WHG)
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May
1992 on the conservation of natural
3 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the
2 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, OJ EC conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and
no. C 115, dated 09.05.2008, p. 47. flora, OJ L 206 dated 22.07.1992.
Introduction 7
Act concerning nature conservation and Protected region regulations
landscape management (Federal Nature
Conservation Act - BNatSchG) 1.4.4 The Federal Government's energy
and climate conservation aims
Act concerning the environmental
impact assessment (UVPG)
Act concerning the development and
promotion of offshore wind energy
(Offshore Wind Energy Act - WindSeeG)
Figure 3: Overview of the standards of the relevant legal acts for the SEA.
8 Introduction
environmental effects, they can also lead to
1.5 Strategic Environmental
effects, making a review necessary.
Assessment methodology
The following specifications are each examined
1.5.1 Introduction with regard to their anticipated significant
environmental effects relating to factors:
When carrying out the Strategic Environmental
Assessment, various approaches to the
Areas and sites for offshore wind
planning status can be considered within the
energy, including specification of the
framework of the methodology. This
anticipated capacity
environmental report builds on the methodology
already used for the Strategic Environmental Routes and corridors, including gates
Assessment of the 2019 Site Development Locations for platforms (converter
Plan.
and collector platforms and
The methodology is based primarily on the transformer platforms)
specifications of the plan that are to be
Designation of other
assessed. Within the framework of this SEA,
whether the specifications are likely to have Energy production areasRelevant
significant effects on the factors in question is planning and technical principles
identified, described and evaluated for the
individual specifications. In accordance with
1.5.2 Area of investigation
section 1 subsection 4 of the Environmental
Impact Assessment Act in conjunction with The description and assessment of the state of
section 40 subsection 3 of the Environmental the environment relates primarily to the Baltic
Impact Assessment Act, in the environmental Sea EEZs, for which the FEP essentially makes
report the competent authority provisionally specifications. The SEA study area covers the
assesses the environmental effects of the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea (Figure 7).
specifications with regard to effective Since the FEP does not define the western part
environmental precautions in accordance with of the Baltic Sea EEZ up to the Fehmarnbelt
applicable laws. According to the special legal nature reserve, this part of the EEZ is not
standard of section 5 subsection 3 WindSeeG, included in the SEA in detail. In the adjacent
the specifications must not endanger the territorial sea, areas are also designated via an
marine environment. administrative agreement with the state of
The subject matter of the environmental report Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. These definitions
corresponds to the provisions of the Site are also part of the study area and will be
Development Plan as stated in section 5 reviewed for their cumulative effects with the
subsection 1 WindSeeG (see 1.3). However, definitions in the EEZ.
the relevant factors here are not so much the The adjoining territorial sea and the adjacent
specifications in concrete temporal terms, as areas of the riparian states are not directly
the chronological order of the call for tenders or covered by this plan, but they are included in
the calendar years of commissioning, as there the cumulative and transboundary
are no further environmental effects in this consideration in the context of this SEA.
regard compared with the environmental
specifications. Although some planning and
technical principles serve to mitigate
Introduction 9
Figure 4: Presentation of the SEA study area for the Baltic Sea for the site development plan.
10 Introduction
Also relevant are the characteristics of the plan,
1.5.3 Implementation of the environmental in particular
assessment
- the extent to which the plan sets a framework
The assessment of the likely significant for projects and other activities in terms of
environmental effects of the implementation of location, type, size and operating conditions or
the FEP includes secondary, cumulative, through the use of resources
synergistic, short-, medium- and long-term,
permanent and temporary, positive and - the extent to which the plan influences other
negative effects in terms of the goods to be plans and programmes, including those in a
protected. Secondary or indirect effects are planning hierarchy;
understood to be those which are not - the relevance of the plan for the integration of
immediate and therefore may take effect only environmental considerations, in particular with
after some time and/or in other places. a view to promoting sustainable development;
Occasionally we also speak of consequential
effects or interactions. - the environmental issues relevant to the plan;
Possible impacts of plan implementation are - the relevance of the plan for the
described and assessed in relation to the implementation of Community environmental
protected property. A uniform definition of the legislation (e.g. plans and programmes
term "significance" does not exist, since it is a concerning waste management or water
"individually determined significance" which protection) (Annex II SEA Directive).
cannot be considered independently of the The sectoral legislation provides further details
"specific characteristics of plans or on when an impact reaches the materiality
programmes" (SOMMER, 2005, 25f.). In threshold. Threshold values have been
general, significant impacts can be understood developed under the legislation in order to be
to be effects that are serious and significant in able to make a delimitation.
the context under consideration.
The description and assessment of potential
According to the criteria of Annex 6 of the environmental impacts is carried out separately
UVPG, which are decisive for the assessment for areas and sites, platforms, submarine cable
of likely significant environmental impacts, systems and other energy production areas,
significance is determined by taking into account the assessment of their
- "the probability, duration, frequency and status. Furthermore, a differentiation according
irreversibility of the effects to different technical designs is made where
necessary. The description and assessment of
- the cumulative nature of the effects; the probable significant impacts of the
- the transboundary nature of the impacts; implementation of the plan on the marine
environment also relate to the protected
- the risks to human health or the environment interests described. All contents of the plan that
(e.g. in the event of accidents); could potentially have significant environmental
- the magnitude and spatial extent of the impacts are examined.
effects; In this context, both the construction and
- the importance and sensitivity of the area deconstruction as well as the plant-related and
likely to be affected, due to its specific natural operational impacts are considered. In addition,
characteristics or cultural heritage, the effects that may arise within the scope of
exceedance of environmental quality standards maintenance and repair work are taken into
or limit values and intensive land use; account. This is followed by a description of
possible interactions, a consideration of
- the impact on areas or landscapes whose possible cumulative effects and potential
status is recognised as protected at national, transboundary impacts.
Community or international level".
Introduction 11
The following objects of protection are In general, the following methodological
considered with regard to the assessment of approaches are used in environmental
the environmental status: assessment:
- Area/ soil - Qualitative descriptions and assessments
- Water - Quantitative descriptions and assessments
- Plankton - Evaluation of studies and technical literature,
- Biotope types expert opinions
- Benthos - Visualizations
- Fish - Worst-case assumptions
- Marine mammals - trend assessments (e.g. on the state of the art
of installations)
- Avifauna
- Assessments by experts/the professional
- bats
public
- Biological diversity
An assessment of the impacts caused by the
- Air FEP's specifications is carried out on the basis
- Climate of the status description and status assessment
and the function and significance of the
- Landscape
individual areas, sites and routes for the
- cultural heritage and other tangible individual objects of protection on the one hand,
assets and the impacts emanating from these
specifications and the resulting potential
- people, in particular human health
impacts on the other. A forecast of the project-
- Interactions between protected related impacts when the FEP is implemented
goods is made on the basis of the criteria of intensity,
scope and duration of the effects (cf. Figure 8).
12 Introduction
Figure 5: General methodology for assessing likely significant environmental impacts.
marine mammals, the criteria used are
1.5.4 Criteria for status description and
protection status, assessment of occurrence,
status assessment
assessment of spatial units and prior
The condition of the individual protected assets contamination. For migratory birds, the aspects
is assessed on the basis of various criteria. For of rarity, endangerment and existing pressures
the protected assets of area/soil, benthos and are taken into account, as are the aspects of
fish, the assessment is based on the aspects of
occurrence assessment and the area's
rarity and vulnerability, diversity and peculiarity, significance for bird migration over a large area.
and existing impacts. The description and
assessment of marine mammals and marine The following is a summary of the criteria used
and resting birds is based on the aspects listed for the status assessment of the respective
in the figure. Since these are highly mobile protected property. This overview deals with the
species, an approach analogous to that for the protected assets that are considered in the
protected goods area/soil, benthos and fish is focus area.
not appropriate. For seabirds, resting birds and
Introduction 13
Area/soil
Aspect: Rarity and endangerment
Criterion: Percentage of sediments on the seabed and distribution of the morphological inventory of
forms.
Aspect: Diversity and specificity
Criterion: Heterogeneity of the sediments on the seabed and formation of the
morphological inventory of forms.
Aspect: Preload
Criterion: Extent of the anthropogenic preload of the sediments on the sea floor and the
morphological inventory of forms.
Benthos
Aspect: Rarity and endangerment
Criterion: Number of rare or endangered species based on the Red List species identified (Red List
by RACHOR et al. 2013).
Aspect: Diversity and individuality
Criterion: Number of species and composition of the species communities. The extent to which
species or communities characteristic of the habitat occur and how regularly they occur is assessed.
Aspect: Preload
For this criterion, the intensity of fishing exploitation, which is the most effective disturbance variable,
will be used as a benchmark. Eutrophication can also affect benthic communities. For other
disturbance variables, such as vessel traffic, pollutants, etc., there is currently a lack of suitable
measurement and detection methods to be able to include them in the assessment.
Biotope types
Aspect: Rarity and endangerment
Criterion: national conservation status and endangerment of biotope types according to the Red List
of Endangered Biotope Types in Germany (FINCK et al., 2017).
Aspect: Preload
Criterion: Hazard due to anthropogenic influences.
14 Introduction
Fish
Aspect: Rarity and endangerment
Criterion: Proportion of species considered endangered according to the current Red List marine fish
(THIEL et al. 2013) and for the diadromous species on the Red List freshwater fish (FREYHOF 2009)
and assigned to Red List categories.
Aspect: Diversity and specificity
Criterion: The diversity of a fish community can be described by the number of species (α-Diversity,
'Species richness'). The species composition can be used to assess the specific nature of a fish
community, i.e. how regularly habitat-typical species occur. Diversity and specificity are compared
and assessed between the Baltic Sea as a whole and the German EEZ, as well as between the EEZ
and individual areas.
Aspect: Preload
Criterion: The naturalness of a fish community is defined as the absence of anthropogenic influences.
Through the removal of target species and by-catch, as well as the impact on the seabed in the case
of bottom-dwelling fishing methods, fisheries are considered the most effective disturbance to the fish
community and therefore serve as a measure of the bias of fish communities in the Baltic Sea. There
is no assessment of stocks on a smaller spatial scale. The input of nutrients into natural waters is
another way in which human activities can affect fish communities. Eutrophication is therefore used to
assess the biota.
Marine mammals
Aspect: Protection status
Criterion: Status under Annex II and Annex IV of the Habitats Directive and the following international
protection agreements: Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn
Convention, CMS), ASCOBANS (Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic
and North Seas), Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern
Convention)
Aspect: Assessment of the occurrence
criteria: Stock, stock changes/trends based on large-scale surveys, distribution patterns and density
distributions
Aspect: Evaluation of spatial units
criteria: Function and importance of the German EEZ and the areas defined in the FEP for marine
mammals as transit areas, feeding grounds or breeding grounds
Aspect: Preloas
Criterion: Hazards due to anthropogenic influences and climate change.
Introduction 15
Seabirds and resting birds
Aspect: Protection status
Criterion: Annex I status Species of the Birds Directive, European Red List from BirdLife International
Aspect: Assessment of the occurrence
criteria: Baltic Sea stock and EEZ stock, large-scale distribution patterns, abundances, variability
Aspect: Evaluation of spatial units
criteria: Function of the areas defined in the FEP for relevant breeding birds, migrants, as resting
areas, location of protected areas
Aspect: Preload
Criterion: Hazards due to anthropogenic influences and climate change.
Migratory birds
Aspect: The importance of bird migration over a large area
Criterion: Guidelines and areas of concentration
Aspect: Assessment of the occurrence
Criterion: draught and its intensity
Aspect: Rarity and endangerment
Criterion: Number of species and endangered status of the species involved according to Annex I of
the Birds Directive, Bern Convention of 1979 on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural
Habitats, Bonn Convention of 1979 on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, AEWA
(African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement) and SPEC (Species of European Conservation Concern).
Aspect: Preload
Criterion: Prior pollution/hazards due to anthropogenic influences and climate change.
16 Introduction
the basis of the status assessment described
1.5.5 Specific assumptions for the
above. The following table lists, on the basis of
assessment of likely significant
the key impact factors, those potential
environmental impacts
environmental impacts which form the basis for
The description and assessment of the the assessment of the likely significant
probable significant impacts of the environmental impacts. The effects are
implementation of the FEP on the marine distinguished according to whether they are
environment will be carried out separately for caused by construction, decommissioning,
areas and land, platforms, submarine cable operation or the installation itself.
systems and other energy production areas on
Table 1: Project-related effects in the implementation of the FEP.
Object of Effect Potential impact
(De)Con
struction
Commis
Turbine
protection
sioning
Areas/ Sites and Platforms
Soil Placement of hard substrate change of habitats X
(foundations)
permanent land use change of habitats X
Scouring/sediment relocation change of habitats X
Benthos formation of turbidity plumes Impact on benthic species X
Resuspension of sediment Impairment or damage to benthic X
and sedimentation species or communities
Placement of hard substrate Change of habitats, habitat loss X
Fish Sediment swirls and turbidity Physiological effects and frightening X
plumes effects
Noise emissions during pile Averting X
driving
Land use Local habitat loss X
Placement of hard substrate Attraction effects, increase in X
species diversity
Seabirds Visual unrest due to Local scaring and barrier effects X
and construction activity
resting
Obstacle in airspace Scaring effects => habitat loss X
Introduction 17
birds Lightemissions Attraction effects X X
Maintenance-related ship Scaring effects => habitat loss X
traffic
Migratory Obstacle in airspace Bird strike X
birds
Barrier effect
Lightemissions Attraction effects => bird strike X X
Marine Noise emission during pile Danger if no prevention and X
mammals driving reduction measures are taken
Sea cable systems
Soil Placement of hard substrate change of habitats X
(Stone pile)
Benthos Heat emissions Impairment/displacement of cold- X
water loving species
magnetic fields Impact on benthic species X
formation of turbidity plumes Impact on benthic species X
Insertion of hard substrate change of habitats, habitat loss X
(cable crossing)
Fish formation of turbidity plumes Physiological effects and frightening X
effects
magnetic fields Impairment of the orientation X
behaviour of individual migratory
species
18 Introduction
In addition to the impacts on the individual can be caused by the coincidence of effects in
objects of protection, cumulative effects and time and space. Impacts of the construction
interactions between objects of protection are phase are mainly of a short-term and temporary
also examined nature, while plant-related and operational
impacts can occur permanently. The impact
1.5.6 Cumulative consideration may be intensified by similar uses or different
According to Art.5 (1) SEA Directive, the uses with the same effect, thus increasing the
environmental report also includes an impact on one or more protected assets.
assessment of cumulative effects. Cumulative The focus in the environmental report on the
effects arise from the interaction of various FEP is on the cumulative consideration of
independent individual effects which either add similar uses, namely those for which the FEP
up through their interaction (cumulative effects)
makes stipulations. A cumulative consideration
or reinforce each other and thus generate more of different uses, i.e. intersectoral, is carried out
than the sum of their individual effects within the framework of the SEA at the higher
(synergistic effects) (e.g. SCHOMERUS et al., level of the spatial development plan for the
2006). Both cumulative and synergetic effects
EEZ.
Figure 6: Exemplary cumulative effect of similar uses (effects of energy on underwater sound and marine
mammals).
In order to examine the cumulative effects, it is
1.5.7 Interactions
necessary to assess the extent to which the
provisions of the plan, when taken together, can In general, impacts on a protected good lead to
be expected to have a significant adverse various consequences and interactions
effect. An examination of the areas is between the protected goods. The essential
performed at the level of this sectoral plan on interdependence of the biotic objects of
protection exists via the food chains. Due to the
the basis of the current state of knowledge
within the meaning of Art. 5 para. 2 SEA variability of the habitat, interactions can only
Directive. An important assessment basis for be described in very imprecise terms overall.
this is the noise abatement concept of the BMU
(2013).
Introduction 19
1.5.8 Specific assumptions for the - installations already in operation or in the
assessment of likely significant licensing procedure (as reference and existing
environmental impacts load)
In detail, the analysis and examination of the - Transfer of the average parameters of the
respective provisions is as follows: installations commissioned in the last 5 years to
Areas and Sites, including the expected the areas to be planned in the central model
capacity to be installed: - Assumption that existing projects will be
Regarding the areas, irrespective of the realised on the basis of effective authorisation
concrete definition in the plan and the during the transition period (worst-case
probability of realisation, a total of 13 areas are scenario)
assumed in the sense of a worst-case - Forecast of certain technical developments.
consideration. In accordance with section 5 (1)
The following tables provide an overview of the
no. 5 WindSeeG, the expected installed
capacity of offshore wind turbines is to be parameters to be used. It should be noted here
determined in the FEP for the areas. For this that these are only partly estimation-based
purpose, the sites within the areas are assumptions, as project-specific parameters are
not or cannot be checked at SEA level.
essentially assigned to two categories within
the framework of the legal requirements on the In order to depict the spectrum of possible
basis of criteria such as area geometry, wind realistic developments, the Strategic
speed, state of the art of offshore wind energy Environmental Assessment is essentially based
installations and grid connection capacity. On on a range of the above-mentioned model
the basis of these parameters and parameters.
assumptions, the power density to be applied is
In contrast to the approach used in the SEA for
determined in megawatt/km² per area.
the FEP 2019, the individual parameters are
To support the plausibility check of the presented in the form of a possible bandwidth
methodology for determining the expected and not, as in 2019, as separate model wind
power to be installed on the respective areas, farms in the form of two scenarios. This
wind farm planning is simulated in the form of approach allows for greater flexibility in the
models with, among other things, wind turbines subsequent assessment within the scope of the
that may be available in the future. Although suitability test and the approval procedures by
one or more layouts for offshore wind farm more frequently assuming "worst-case"
planning are not used as a basis for considerations. The respective worst case must
determining the expected installed capacity, be defined for the individual objects of
certain parameters are assumed in this SEA for protection. For the 2021 tender year (sites O-1-
a consideration related to the protection of the 3, N-3.7 and N-3-8), the parameters from the
environment. In detail, these are, for example, FEP 2019 assessment framework and
the number of turbines, hub height [m], height environmental report remain valid. Due to the
of the lower rotor tip [m], rotor diameter [m], year of commissioning in 2026, an adjustment
total height [m] of the turbines, diameter of does not appear necessary.
foundation types [m] and diameter of scour
Furthermore, the parameters will be adapted to
protection [m].
the advancing state of the art. In the currently
The Strategic Environmental Assessment takes ongoing approval procedures for OWPs, it can
particular account of these factors: be seen that a nominal capacity of 10 MW can
20 Introduction
already be considered state of the art for wind advancing state of the art, especially in the later
farms in the transitional system. Similarly, the years of commissioning.
parameters in the upper range of the bandwidth
are being raised to take account of the
Table 2: Parameters for the consideration of areas park internal
and sites cabling [km/MW]
Number converter 1 1 1
Range
platforms
from to
Area Foundation ca. 600 ca. 600 ca. 600
Power pro turbine [MW] 10 20
Converter platform
Hub Height [m] 125 200
[m²]
Height lower rotor tip [m] 25 50
Number 0 2 0
Rotor diameter [m] 200 300
transformer
Total height [m] 225 platform
350
Diameter foundation [m]* 10 15
Number 2 0 2
Diameter scour protection 50 accomodation
75
[m] platforms
* The calculation of the land use is based on the Diameter ca. 2 x ca. 2 x ca. 2 x
assumption of a monopile foundation. However, it is foundation [m]** 10 10 10
assumed that monopile and jacket together have Area foundation ca. 160 ca. 160 ca. 160
about the same total land use on the sea bed. excl. scour
protection [m2]
Sites for platforms (transformer or residential
Diameter scour ca. 2 x ca. 2 x ca. 2 x
platforms) 50 50 50
protection [m]
A similar approach is followed for the Area foundation ca. ca. ca.
assessment of the sites for platforms incl. scour 4.000 4.000 4.000
(transformer, converter or residential platforms). protection [m]
Here, too, certain parameters such as the * The figures for transformer/residential platforms
number of platforms, length of the internal refer to the number of transformer/residential
cabling [km], diameter of one or more platforms per grid connection (only for completions
from 2026) for the different connection concepts.
foundations [m] and area for foundations
Only the length of the park-internal cabling depends
(including scour protection) [m²] are assumed
on the expected installed capacity of the respective
Table 3: Parameters for the consideration of network area and was determined on the basis of existing
connections and platforms plans.
320 kV 525 ** The calculation of the land use is based on the
kV assumption of a monopile foundation. It is assumed
Network that monopile and Jacket each have approximately
connection 66 kV 155 kV 66 kV the same total land use on the sea bed.
converter
platforms, Routing and route corridors for submarine cable
Transformer / systems
accomodation
platforms* The definition of route and route corridors for
specific length ca. 0,12 ca. 0,12 ca. submarine cable systems (connecting lines,
0,12 cross-border submarine cable systems and
Introduction 21
interconnections) is based on the assumption of
certain widths of the cable trench [m] and a
certain area of the crossing structures [m2]. In
particular, the environmental impacts caused by
construction, operation and repair are
considered.
22 Introduction
Table 4: Parameters for the consideration of sea
cable systems
Sea Cable
System
Width cable trench ca. 1
[m]
Area of intersection ca. 900
buildings [m2]
With regard to the technical principles for the
grid connection of offshore wind farms in the
Other energy production areas
Baltic Sea for the area of the EEZ, a connection
For the definition of "other energy production concept based on three-phase current
areas", the Strategic Environmental technology with a transmission voltage of +/-
Assessment is based on the assumption of a 220 kV will be used, analogous to the existing
"classical" offshore wind farm on the basis of grid connections, when the transmission grid
existing knowledge of electricity production. operator uses the transformer platform. This
Environmental impacts going beyond this are has already been defined within the framework
highly dependent on the respective type of use of the BFO Baltic Sea and was accordingly
and should therefore be comprehensively already the subject of the reviews in the
examined at approval level. In this respect, the environmental reports on the BFO Baltic Sea.
SEA for other energy production areas is
carried out in the same way as the assessment 1.6 Data sources and indications of
of areas for offshore wind energy and is based difficulties in compiling the
on the same model parameters.
documents
Relevant planning and technical principles A description and assessment of the state of
By regulating planning and technology the environment in the investigation area form
principles in the FEP, the required land use can the basis for the SEA. All factors must be
be minimised and potential environmental included. The data source forms the basis for
impacts reduced to a minimum. The the as-sessment of the likely significant
predominant number of planning principles environmental effects, assessment of natural
serve to avoid or reduce environmental impacts habitat and wild-life conservation regulations
and are not expected to lead to significant and the alternative assessment.
impacts. According to section 39 subsection 2 sentence
The FEP also contains some planning 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act,
principles that do not relate to the reduction of the environmental report contains the infor-
environmental impacts. If these are based on mation that can be obtained with reasonable
regional planning objectives, they must be effort, taking into account the current state of
adhered to simply because the regional knowledge and public statements known to the
planning objectives are binding. Remaining authority, generally accepted assessment
planning principles are examined for likely methods, content and level of detail of the plan
significant environmental impacts on protected and its position in the decision-making process.
assets.
Introduction 23
According to section 40 subsection 4 of the En-
Human beings and human health
vironmental Impact Assessment Act, infor-
mation available to the competent authority Interrelationships between factors.
from other procedures or activities may be in-
cluded in the environmental report if it is
suitable for the intended purpose and
sufficiently up-to-date.
1.6.1 Overview of data source
The environmental report will be based on the The data and knowledge situation has improved
environmental assessments that were carried considerably in recent years, particularly as a
out when the FEP 2019 was established. result of the extensive data collection within the
The draft environmental report will describe and framework of environmental compatibility stud-
assess the current state of the environment and ies and the construction and operation monitor-
present the likely development in the event of ing for the offshore wind farm projects and the
non-implementation of the plan. On the other accompanying ecological research.
hand, it will forecast and assess the likely signif- In general, the following data are used as a ba-
icant environmental impacts resulting from the sis for the environmental report:
implementation of the plan.
- Data and findings from the operation of off-
A detailed description and assessment of the shore wind farms
state of the environment is the basis for the as-
sessment of possible effects. The description - Data and findings from approval procedures
and assessment of the current state of the envi- for offshore wind farms, submarine cable sys-
ronment and the probable development in the tems
event of non-implementation of the plan will be - Results from the preliminary area survey
carried out with regard to the following objects
- Results of the monitoring of Natura 2000 sites
of protection:
- Mapping instructions for §30 biotope types
Area/Soil
- MSRL initial and progress evaluation
Water
- HELCOM status reports
Plankton
- Findings and results from R&D projects com-
Biotopes missioned by BfN and/or BSH and from ac-
companying ecological research
Benthos
- Results from EU cooperation projects, such as
Fish
Pan-Baltic Scope and SEANSE
Marine mammals
- Studies/ Technical literature
Resting and migratory birds - Current red lists
Air - Comments of the technical authorities
Climate - Comments from the (specialist) public
Landscape A detailed overview of the individual data and
Cultural heritage, other material assets knowledge bases can be found in the Annex
(Chapter 8) of the framework study.
24 Introduction
Since the data basis may vary depending on currently being prepared within the
the protected property, the data basis is framework of ongoing BfN R&D projects
discussed at the beginning of Chapter 2
with a spatial focus on nature
1.6.2 Indications of difficulties in compiling conservation areas. To date, there is a
the documents
lack of detailed mapping of biotope
Indications of difficulties arising when compiling
types, including legally protected
the data, such as technical gaps or lack of
knowledge, are to be presented according to biotopes under Article 30 BNatSchG, in
section 40 subsection 2 no. 7 UVPG. The the EEZ outside nature conservation
description and evaluation of the individual
areas.
factors (chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte
nicht gefunden werden.) make it clear that For the assessment of compliance with
there are still gaps in knowledge in places. requirements regarding temperature
Information gaps exist in particular with regard increases in sediment, reference is
to the following points: made to planning principle 4.4.4.8.
Long-term effects from the operation of 1.6.2.2 Benthos
offshore wind farms and associated It is not possible to predict reliably the
systems, such as converter platforms anticipated effects of the introduction of
Data for assessment of the state of the hard substrate on the development of
environment of the various factors in the benthic communities.
area of the outer EEZ.
1.6.2.3 Fish
1.6.2.1 Soil/area and biotope types There is a lack of more detailed information
To date, a detailed area-wide mapping on pelagic fish.
of the sediment distribution in the EEZ Information on the reaction of fish to noise
outside the nature reserves is missing. emissions is available only to a very limited
extent.
The description and assessment of
environmental impacts with regard to The likely effects of habitat change on the
development of fish fauna due to the
the soil as a protected resource is based introduction of hard substrate are still
primarily on the evaluation of selective largely unknown.
data collection. In particular, there is a
1.6.2.4 Seabirds and resting birds
lack of a comprehensive sediment
The species-specific risk of seabirds
description with regard to the detailed colliding with offshore wind turbines can
distribution of coarse-sand-fine gravel only be partially predicted and is currently
being recorded with the investigations
areas and residual sediments in the
according to StUK4 in the operating phase,
form of gravel, stones and blocks. but also in ongoing research projects. In
A detailed and area-wide mapping of particular, suitable technology for recording
effects is being developed.
marine biotope types in the EEZ is
Introduction 25
Behavioural changes and habituation offshore wind farms. Data is collected
effects among disturbance-sensitive regularly as part of the monitoring of nature
species in the German EEZ have only been conservation areas on behalf of the Federal
investigated since the commissioning of the Agency for Nature Conservation. Finally,
first large, commercial wind farms, research projects provide data on specific
including the converter platforms. issues. SCANS observations are providing
Operational monitoring is still ongoing. information for the entire distribution area
of harbour porpoise so as to allow the
There is still insufficient knowledge of the
abundance of the entire population of
effects of disturbances or habitat loss at
harbour porpoise to be assessed.
species population level, and these will
only be investigated on the basis of the 1.6.2.7 Bats
data currently being collected.
There is a lack of knowledge about the
1.6.2.5 Migratory birds quality and quantity of migratory bat
populations in the North Sea.
There is currently a lack of sufficient
knowledge of the effects of offshore There is currently a lack of sufficient
construction in some areas. Knowledge knowledge of the effects of offshore
from coastal waters and on land is only construction. Knowledge from coastal
transferable to a very limited extent due to waters and on land is only transferable to a
the different conditions. very limited extent due to the different
conditions.
The species-specific risk of migratory birds
colliding with offshore wind turbines is The species-specific risk of bats colliding
largely unknown. with offshore wind turbines is largely
unknown.
Possible barrier impacts of offshore wind
turbines on species-specific sea migration 1.6.2.8 Summary
routes are largely unexplored.
In principle, forecasts on the development of
Whether the intensity of broad front the living marine environment after
migration of songbirds decreases implementation of the Site Development Plan
according to the distance from the coast is are subject to specific uncertainties. Long-term
not clear for the bulk of songbirds that data series or analytical methods are often
migrate at night. lacking, e.g. for intersection of extensive
information on biotic and abiotic factors so as to
1.6.2.6 Marine mammals provide a better understanding of complex
The data availability can currently be interrelationships in the marine ecosystem.
described as very good: the data is
In particular, there is a lack of extensive,
systematically quality-assured and used for
detailed sediment and biotope mapping outside
studies, so the current state of knowledge the nature conservation areas of the EEZ. As a
on the occurrence of marine mammals in result, there is no scientific basis to permit
German waters can also be classified as
assessment of the effects of the possible use of
good.
strictly protected biotope structures. Research
The most comprehensive data source is and university institutions, and an
provided by data from environmental environmental consultancy, are currently
impact studies and the monitoring of carrying out sediment and biotope mapping with
26 Introduction
spatial emphasis in the nature conservation
areas on behalf of the Federal Agency for
Nature Conservation and in cooperation with
the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.
Furthermore, there are no scientific assessment
criteria for some factors, both with regard to the
assessment of their status and with regard to
the effects of anthropogenic activities on the
development of the living marine environment,
to allow cumulative effects to be considered in
both temporal and spatial terms.
Various R&D studies on assessment
approaches, including for underwater noise, are
currently being developed on behalf of the
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.
These projects are being used for continuous
refinement of a consistent, quality-assured
basis of information on the marine environment
for assessment of possible effects of offshore
installations.
Overall, the following recommendations can be
made for the development of criteria for
assessment of effects and the status of
protected biological assets:
Consolidation of results and evaluation
of all existing data relating to factors,
Intersection of biological data with
information from marine physics, marine
chemistry, marine geology and marine
meteorology,
Review of methods, in particular with
regard to possible cumulative or
transboundary impacts, for developing
assessment criteria with regard to the
condition of the living marine
environment,
Evaluation of effect monitoring so as to
be able to record possible effects on
factors.
Description and assessment of state of the environment 27
2 Description and 2.2.6.1 Metals
assessment of state of the 2.2.6.2 Organic substances
environment 2.2.6.3 Radioactive substances
(radionuclides)
2.1 Introduction
According to section 40 subsection 2 no. 3 of 2.2.6.4 Inherited waste
the Environmental Impact Assessment Act,
the environmental report includes a description 2.2.7 Status assessment
of the characteristics of the environment and
2.2.7.1 Natural factors
the current state of the environment in the SEA
investigation area. The description of the 2.2.7.2 Anthropogenic factors
current state of the environment is necessary in
order to predict its change when the 2.3 Water
plan/programme is implemented. The survey
considers the factors listed in section 2 2.3.1 Currents
subsection 1 sentence 2 nos. 1 to 4 and
interrelationships between them. The 2.3.2 Swell and water level fluctuations
information is presented in a problem-oriented
fashion. Priority will therefore be given to 2.3.3 Surface temperature and temperature
potential initial loads, environmental elements stratification
that are particularly worthy of protection, and
the factors on which the implementation of the 2.3.4 Surface salinity and salinity
plan will have a greater impact. In spatial terms, stratification
the description of the environment is based on
2.3.5 Ice conditions
the relevant environmental effects of the plan.
Depending on the type of impact and the factor 2.3.6 Suspended matter and turbidity
in question, these will have differing extents and
may go beyond the limits of the plan 2.3.7 Status assessment with regard to
(Landmann/Rohmer, 2018). nutrient and pollutant distribution
2.2 Soil/Area 2.3.7.1 Nutrients
2.2.1 Object of protection soil/area 2.3.7.2 Oxygen
2.2.2 Data availability 2.3.7.3 Metals
2.2.3 Geomorphology 2.3.7.4 Organic pollutants
2.2.4 Sediment distribution on the seabed 2.3.7.5 Radioactive substances
(radionuclides)
2.2.5 Geological structure of the near-
surface subsoil 2.4 Plankton
2.2.6 Distribution of pollutants in the 2.4.1 Data availability and monitoring
sediment
28 Description and assessment of state of the environment
programmes 2.6.2.1 The macro-zoobenthos of the
German Baltic Sea
2.4.2 Spatial distribution and temporal
variability of phytoplankton 2.6.2.2 Benthic communities
2.4.3 Spatial distribution and temporal 2.6.2.3 Red List species
variability of zooplankton
2.6.2.4 Benthic algae
2.4.4 Status assessment of plankton
2.6.3 Status assessment of the factor
2.5 Biotopes Benthos
2.5.1 Data availability 2.6.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
benthic communities
2.5.2 Biotopes in the German Baltic Sea
2.7 Fish
2.5.3 Legally protected marine biotopes
according to section 30 of the Federal 2.7.1 Data availability
Nature Conservation Act and FFH
habitat types 2.7.2 Spatial distribution and temporal
variability
2.5.3.1 Reefs
2.7.2.1 Fish fauna in the German EEZ
2.5.3.2 Sandbanks
2.7.2.2 Red List species in the German
2.5.3.3 Seagrass beds and other marine EEZ
macrophyte stocks
2.7.3 Status assessment of the factor Fish
2.5.3.4 Species-rich gravel, coarse sand
and shell layers in marine and 2.7.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
coastal areas fish
2.5.4 Status assessment 2.8 Marine mammals
2.5.4.1 Importance of areas and sites for 2.8.1 Data availability
biotopes
2.8.2 Spatial distribution and temporal
2.6 Benthos variability
2.6.1 Data availability 2.8.2.1 Harbour porpoise
2.6.2 Spatial distribution and temporal 2.8.2.2 Seals and grey seals
variability
2.8.3 Status assessment of the factor
Marine mammals
Description and assessment of state of the environment 29
2.8.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for 2.10.2.1 Bird migration over the western
marine mammals Baltic Sea
2.8.3.2 Protection status 2.10.2.2 Species composition
2.8.3.3 Hazards 2.10.3 Status assessment of the factor
Migratory birds
2.9 Seabirds and resting birds
2.10.3.1 Anthropogenic influences on bird
2.9.1 Data availability migration
2.9.2 Spatial distribution and temporal 2.10.3.2 Climatic changes
variability
2.10.3.3 Importance of areas and sites for
2.9.2.1 Abundance of seabirds and resting migratory birds
birds in German waters in the
Baltic Sea
2.9.2.2 Common species and species of
special importance for the nature
conservation area "Pomeranian
Bight – Rönnebank"
2.9.2.3 Occurrence of seabirds and
resting birds in the areas
2.9.3 Status assessment of seabirds and
resting birds
2.9.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
seabirds and resting birds
2.9.3.2 Protection status
2.9.3.3 Hazards
2.10 Migratory birds
2.10.1 Data availability
2.10.2 Spatial distribution and temporal
variability of migratory birds
30 Description and assessment of state of the environment
2.11 Bats and bat migration
2.11.1 Data availability
2.11.2 Migration and migratory movements
of bats over the Baltic Sea
2.11.3 Conservation status of potentially
migratory bat species in countries
adjacent to the Baltic Sea
2.11.4 Hazards to bats
2.12 Biodiversity
2.13 Air
2.14 Climate
2.15 Landscape
2.16 Cultural heritage and material
assets
2.17 Human beings, including human
health
2.18 Interrelationships between the
factors
Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan 31
3 Expected development in implementation of the plan), but in fact can be
reduced by the Site Development Plan on
the event of non- account of its steering effect.
implementation of the plan According to section 17d subsection 1 sentence
Expansion of offshore wind energy plays a key 1 of the Energy Industry Act, the responsible
role in meeting the German government's TSO must ensure the grid connection of
climate protection and energy policy objectives. offshore wind farms or construct and operate
them in accordance with the requirements of
Section 6 WindSeeG gives the Federal the O-NDP confirmed by the Federal Network
Maritime and Hydrographic Agency the task of Agency or, as of 1 January 2019, construct and
compiling and updating an Site Development operate this connection in accordance with the
Plan for the EEZ under the conditions set out in network development plan and the Site
section 4 ff. WindSeeG and, if an administrative Development Plan according to section 5 of the
agreement is concluded, also for coastal Offshore Wind Energy Act.
waters. The task of the plan, therefore, is to
spatially define the areas and sites for wind It is absolutely necessary to lay the current-
turbines as well as the expected generation carrying subsea cable systems up to the grid
capacity there and the necessary routes and connection points on land to allow the electricity
locations for the entire required grid generated at the offshore wind farms in the
infrastructure or grid topology in the Baltic Sea Baltic Sea EEZ to be fed into the onshore high
EEZ. Furthermore, the plan also develops the voltage grid. The need to connect offshore wind
temporal component of the expansion by farms to the grid would exist even if the plan
determining the temporal sequence of the calls were not implemented. This means that even if
for tender for the sites for offshore wind turbines the plan were not implemented, these uses
and the calendar years of the commissioning of would still be exercised in accordance with the
connecting lines. applicable legal bases.
It is necessary to install offshore wind turbines The TSO, which is obliged to connect the
in order to meet the expansion targets laid offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea to the grid,
down in section 4 no. 2b of the Renewable has so far pursued a connection concept based
Energy Sources Act. Even if the Site on three-phase current technology. When using
Development Plan were not to be implemented, the three-phase current technology, offshore
further wind farms would still be built and wind farms are connected to the grid by
commissioned in accordance with the combining the electricity generated by the
applicable legal bases. The sectoral plan is individual wind turbines from one or more wind
used for spatially and temporally ordered, farms at a transformer platform, and from here
space-saving and efficient expansion of it is routed directly ashore via AC cable and on
offshore wind energy in order to implement to the grid connection point. In contrast to the
fragmentation by further application outside the HVDC concept, this means that no separate
areas, and hence to control land usage and converter platform is required for the grid
thereby ensure minimal conflict in the connection itself. However, for discharging a
development of this technology. Therefore, the given output, a higher number of cable systems
environmental effects of the Site Development is required when using three-phase technology
Plan's specifications do not go beyond the due to the lower transmission capacity of AC
effects of the zero alternative (non- cable. Due to the expected low wind farm
capacity in the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea
32 Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan
for commissioning activities from 2026 principles in the Site Development Plan. As the
compared to the capacity of an HVDC system, plan makes numerous specifications relating to
a connection by means of a direct current the most compatible possible design of the
system would probably lead to permanent uses, it would probably be more difficult to
vacancies. As already explained, these sites ensure the protection of the individual factors if
are used for subsea cable systems and the Site Development Plan were not
converter platforms independently of the implemented than if the plan were
implementation of the Site Development Plan in implemented.
the EEZ. Therefore, the environmental effects
The grid connection of the individual sites
of the Site Development Plan's specifications
provided for in the plan, staggered in terms of
do not go beyond the effects of the zero
time, has the potential to minimise disturbances
alternative (non-implementation of the plan), but
to protected species in particular. Failure to
in fact can be reduced by the Site Development
implement the plan would probably increase
Plan by way of steering.
area use and the associated burden on the
The design for a voltage level of 220 kV marine environment. Inadequate spatial
enables the highest possible transmission coordination in the event of non-implementation
capacity per cable system – for three-phase of the plan could, for example, lead to
connection – to be achieved and allows significantly more fragmented wind farm areas
transmission to take place with as few cable and cable crossings with corresponding effects
systems as possible. The sites for the cabling – caused by intersections becoming necessary
within the wind farm will be used independently – on the factors in question.
of the implementation of the Site Development
Although it is not possible to quantify in
Plan in the EEZ. The environmental impacts of
concrete terms the number of additional land
the specifications of the Site Development Plan
uses or crossings and the associated additional
do not therefore exceed the effects of non-
land requirements, it is clear from the
implementation of the plan. Rather, the Site
specifications in the Site Development Plan - in
Development Plan may serve to mitigate them
particular the areas for wind turbines, routing
with its steering effect.
and the gates - that the planning of the TSO
The aim of the Site Development Plan is to has already progressed to such an extent due
specify the expansion of offshore wind turbines to the earlier system characterised by individual
and the grid topology, in particular with regard approvals and connections, that complete
to grid connection of offshore wind farms in the overall coordination is no longer possible due to
EEZ, coordinated in spatial terms in the sense existing constraints. Taking these constraints
of predictive and coordinated overall planning. If into account, a considerable number of
the Site Development Plan were not crossings could no longer be prevented at this
implemented, the previously practised system planning stage. For future projects, the aim is to
of project-specific individual planning and coordinate these and to plan ahead in
connection would remain in place; in other accordance with the planning principles
words, wind farms and their grid connections (see details in chapter 5 of the Site
would be planned and implemented without Development Plan).
systematic inclusion of the entire area. The
required space requirements can be minimised 3.1 Soil/Area
and the potential environmental impact can be
reduced by regulating planning and technical 3.2 Water
Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan 33
3.3 Plankton
3.4 Biotopes
3.5 Benthos
3.6 Fish
3.7 Marine mammals
3.8 Seabirds and resting birds
3.9 Migratory birds
3.10 Bats and bat migration
3.11 Biodiversity
3.12 Air
3.13 Climate
3.14 Landscape
3.15 Cultural heritage and material
assets
3.16 Human beings, including human
health
3.17 Interrelationships between the
factors
.
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site
34
Development Plan on the marine environment
4 Description and conservation law are presented. Statements on
the general protection of nature and landscape
assessment of the likely in accordance with section 13 of the Federal
significant effects of the Nature Conservation Act are covered in the
assessment of the individual factors.
implementation of the Site
According to § 5 Para. 2a WindSeeG, the FEP
Development Plan on the can also make specifications for "other energy
marine environment production areas" for a total of 40 to 70 km².
Pursuant to § 3 No. 8 WindSeeG, another
The following description and assessment of energy production area is an area outside areas
the environmental effects concentrate on where offshore wind energy turbines and other
factors for which significant effects cannot be energy production facilities can be erected in a
excluded from the outset by implementation of spatial context. The installations may not be
the Site Development Plan. connected to the public grid. Within the
According to Article 40 (1) UVPG, the likely framework of the strategic environmental
significant environmental impacts of the assessment, a "classic" offshore wind farm is
implementation of the plan must be assessed. assumed on the basis of the findings to date
According to Article 40 (3) UVPG, the with regard to electricity generation.
environmental impacts of the plan are Environmental impacts beyond this are strongly
provisionally assessed with a view to effective dependent on the respective use variant and
environmental precautions. According to Article are therefore comprehensively examined at the
3, sentence 2 UVPG, the environmental approval level. In this respect, the SEA for the
assessment serves to ensure effective other areas of energy generation is carried out
environmental precautions in accordance with in the same way as the assessment of areas for
the applicable laws. Within the framework of the offshore wind energy.
FEP and the provisions of §§ 4 ff. WindSeeG, a In the Baltic Sea EEZ, the current FEP draft
hazard to the marine environment must be proposes SEO-1 as a possible other energy
excluded in the specifications contained in the production area. The other energy production
plan in accordance with Article 5 (3) WindSeeG. area SEO-1 is under review due to possible
The marine environment includes the objects of conflicts of use with regard to nature
protection and their habitat, including possible conservation issues, particularly bird migration
interactions, described in this environmental (cf. Chapters 4.7 and 4.12.5).x
report.
The factors for which significant impairment 4.1 Soil/Areas
could already be excluded in the previous
chapter 2 are not taken into account. This 4.1.1 Areas, sites and platforms
concerns the factors Plankton, Water, Air,
4.1.2 Subsea cable systems
Material assets/cultural heritage and Human
beings, including human health. Possible
4.2 Benthos
effects on biodiversity as a factor are discussed
for the individual biological factors. Overall, the 4.2.1 Areas and sites
factors listed in section 2 subsection 1 of the
UVPG are examined before the assessments 4.2.2 Platforms
relating to natural habitat and wildlife
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site
35
Development Plan on the marine environment
4.2.3 Subsea cable systems 4.9 Climate
4.3 Biotopes 4.10 Landscape
4.3.1 Areas and sites 4.10.1 Areas and sites
4.3.2 Platforms 4.10.2 Platforms
4.3.3 Subsea cable systems 4.11 Interrelationships
4.4 Fish 4.12 Cumulative effects
4.4.1 Areas and sites 4.12.1 Soil/Area, benthos and biotopes
4.4.2 Platforms 4.12.2 Fish
4.4.3 Subsea cable systems 4.12.3 Marine mammals
4.5 Marine mammals 4.12.4 Seabirds and resting birds
4.5.1 Areas, sites and platforms 4.12.5 Migratory birds
4.5.2 Subsea cable systems 4.13 Transboundary impacts
4.6 Seabirds and resting birds This present Strategic Environmental
Assessment comes to the conclusion that as
4.6.1 Areas and sites things stand at present, the specifications of the
Site Development Plan have no significant
4.6.2 Platforms effects on the areas of neighbouring states
bordering on the German EEZ in the Baltic Sea.
4.6.3 Subsea cable systems
Substantial transboundary impacts can be
excluded in principle for the factors Soil and
4.7 Migratory birds
water, Plankton, Benthos, Biotopes,
4.7.1 Areas and sites Landscape, cultural heritage and other material
goods and Humans, including human health.
4.7.2 Platforms Possible substantial transboundary impacts
could only arise if considered cumulatively in
4.7.3 Subsea cable systems the area of the German Baltic Sea, for the
highly mobile biological factors Fish, Marine
4.8 Bats and bat migration mammals, Seabirds and resting birds, as well
as Migratory birds and Bats.
4.8.1 Areas and sites
The SEA comes to the conclusion that,
4.8.2 Platforms according to the current state of knowledge, the
implementation of the Site Development Plan is
4.8.3 Subsea cable systems not expected to have any substantial cross-
border effects on the factor Fish, since on the
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site
36
Development Plan on the marine environment
one hand the areas for which the Site prevention or minimisation measures as are to
Development Plan defines specifications have be applied to bird migration.
no prominent function for fish fauna, and on the
.
other the discernible and predictable effects are
small-scale and temporary in nature.
This also applies to the factors Marine
mammals and Seabirds and resting birds.
These use the areas predominantly as transit
areas. There will be no significant habitat loss
for strictly protected seabird and resting bird
species. According to current knowledge and
taking into account measures to minimise
impact and limit damage, substantial
transboundary impacts can also be ruled out.
Thus the installation of the foundations of wind
turbines and platforms in the specific approval
procedure is only permitted with the use of
effective noise mitigation measures (see e.g.
planning principle 4.4.1.7 of the Site
Development Plan). In view of the particular
vulnerability of the separate Baltic population of
harbour porpoise, intensive monitoring
measures are to be carried out during
implementation and, where appropriate, the
noise mitigation measures are to be adapted or
construction work coordinated in order to
exclude any cumulative effects.
For migratory birds, the wind turbines and
platforms erected in Site Development Plan
sites may constitute a barrier or present a risk
of collision. The risk of collision must be
minimised by taking appropriate measures to
prevent attraction from the lighting. As regards
the barrier effect, a final cumulative
consideration is not possible given the current
state of knowledge.
Nor is a cumulative assessment of the hazard
risk for bat migration possible at this time, as
there is still insufficient information on migration
routes, migration heights and migration
intensities. It can generally be assumed that
any significant transboundary impacts from the
specifications of the Site Development Plan will
be prevented in the same way by appropriate
Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations 37
5 Assessment of wildlife Whether the Site Development Plan meets the
wildlife conservation requirements of section 44
conservation regulations of the Federal Nature Conservation Act for
According to section 37 of the Federal Nature specially protected animal species is examined
Conservation Act, general wildlife conservation in the context of this study on assessment of
generally includes wildlife conservation regulations. It will examine
in particular whether the plan violates
protection of fauna and flora of wild prohibitions under wildlife conservation
species and their communities from regulations. This assessment of wildlife
human interference, and safeguarding conservation regulations takes place at the
of their other living conditions, primary level of the sectoral plan. A detailed
protection of habitats and biotopes of assessment of wildlife conservation regulations
wild animal and plant species, and for the individual sites and projects must be
reintroduction of fauna and flora of carried out as part of the assessment of the
displaced wild species in suitable suitability of specific sites or the individual
biotopes within their natural distribution approval procedure in question.
area.
Special provisions with prohibitions are 5.1 Marine mammals
applicable to fauna of specially or strictly
5.1.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the
protected species. According to section 44
Federal Nature Conservation Act
subsection 1 no. 1 of the Federal Nature
(prohibition of killing and injury)
Conservation Act, wild fauna of specially
protected species must not be injured or killed. 5.1.1.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
According to section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of turbines
the Federal Nature Conservation Act, wild
fauna of strictly protected species and 5.1.1.2 Platforms
European bird species must not be significantly
disturbed during reproduction, rearing, 5.1.1.3 Subsea cable systems
moulting, hibernation and migration periods.
Significant disturbance occurs when the 5.1.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the
conservation status of the local population of a Federal Nature Conservation Act
species deteriorates as a result of the (prohibition of disturbance)
disturbance. Furthermore, according to section
44 subsection 1 no. 3 of the Federal Nature 5.1.2.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
Conservation Act, reproduction or resting energy
places of wild fauna of specially protected
5.1.2.2 Platforms
species must not be removed from the
environment, damaged or destroyed. 5.1.2.3 Subsea cable systems
It does not matter whether a relevant injury or
disturbance is due to reasonable grounds; nor 5.2 Avifauna (seabirds, resting birds
do reasons, motives or subjective tendencies and migratory birds)
play any part in respect of compliance with the
prohibitions (Landmann/Rohmer, 2018). 5.2.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act
38 Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations
(prohibition of killing and injury)
5.2.1.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
turbines
5.2.1.2 Platforms
5.2.1.3 Subsea cable systems
5.2.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of disturbance)
5.2.2.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
turbines
5.2.2.2 Platforms
5.2.2.3 Subsea cable systems
5.3 Bats
5.3.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 and no.
2 of the Federal Nature Conservation
Act
Assessment of the implications 39
6 Assessment of the Fauna-Flora-Habitat areas (FFH areas). The
nature conservation areas in the EEZ had
implications previously been included under European law
Within the framework of this Strategic as FFH areas in the first updated list of sites of
Environmental Assessment, the areas, sites, Community importance in the Atlantic
platforms and subsea cable routes planned in biogeographical region pursuant to Article 4 (2)
the Site Development Plan will be subject to a of the Habitats Directive by a decision of the
separate assessment as to their compatibility European Commission of 12 November 2007
with the conservation objectives of the nature (Official Journal of the EU, 15 January 2008, L
conservation sites. 12/1), so that an FFH impact assessment had
already been carried out under the BNatSchG.
6.1 Legal basis §§ Sections 34 and 36 of the Federal Nature
The German Baltic Sea EEZ includes the Conservation Act (BNatSchG) require plans or
nature conservation area "Pomeranian Bay - projects which, individually or in conjunction
Rönnebank", "Fehmarn Belt" and "Kadet with other plans or projects, may significantly
Trench", which were established by decree on affect an FFH and EU bird sanctuary and which
22 September 2017. do not directly serve the management of the
site, to be assessed for their compatibility with
In principle, the construction of artificial facilities
the protection and conservation objectives of a
and structures in the nature reserves is
Natura 2000 site. This also applies to projects
prohibited. However, this does not apply to
outside the site which, either individually or in
certain projects and plans, subject to an
combination with other projects or plans, are
admissibility review (cf. sections 8 (1) and 9 (6)
likely to significantly affect the site's
of the Regulation on the designation of the
conservation objectives. With the designation of
"Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank" nature
the nature conservation areas, this assessment
conservation area (NSGPBRV); sections 4 (1)
now relates to the conservation purpose of
and 5 (6) of the Regulation on the designation
these sites. The impact assessment under the
of the "Fehmarn Belt" nature conservation area
Habitats Directive has a narrower scope than
(NSGFmbV); sections 4 (1) and 5 (6) of the
the SEA, as it is limited to assessing
Regulation on the designation of the
compatibility with the conservation objectives
"Kadetrinne" nature conservation area
set for the protected area. Other environmental
(NSGKdrV)). These projects and plans are to
impacts do not need to be assessed.
be examined for their compatibility with the
protection purpose set out in the relevant The total area of the three nature conservation
ordinance. They are permitted if, under Article area amounts to 2,472 km², the nature
34 (2) of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, conservation area "Pomeranian Bay -
they cannot lead to significant impairment of the Rönnebank" covers an area of 2,092 km², the
elements of the nature conservation area nature conservation area "Fehmarnbelt" covers
relevant to the protection purpose or meet the an area of 280 km2 and the nature reserve
requirements under Article 34 (3) to (5) of the "Kadetrinne" covers 100 km2.
Federal Nature Conservation Act (cf. Article 9 The protected habitats are the habitat types
(9) NSGPBRV, Article 4 5 (2) NSGFmbV, "reefs" and "sandbanks" as defined in Annex I
Article 5 (2) NSGKdrV. Compatibility under the of the Habitats Directive, certain fish species
BNatSchG must be examined in accordance and marine mammals as defined in Annex II of
with the test previously carried out for the the Directive (sturgeon, black scoter, porpoise,
40 Assessment of the implications
grey seal) and various bird species as defined reports of the coastal countries on the spatial
in Annex I of the Directive (red-throated diver, development plans or downstream procedures.
black-throated diver, eared grebe, red-necked
An impact assessment pursuant to Article 34
diver, yellow-billed diver, long-tailed duck,
(2) to (5) of the Federal Nature Conservation
scoter, velvet scoter, Common gull, guillemot,
Act must be carried out if a preliminary
razorbill, black guillemot). Species listed in
assessment pursuant to Article 34 (1) of the
Annex IV of the Habitats Directive, e.g. the
Federal Nature Conservation Act comes to the
harbour porpoise, must be strictly protected
conclusion that there are serious grounds for
everywhere, including outside the established
concern that a protected area will be
protected areas.
significantly impaired.
Within the framework of the FEP, individual
Under Article 34 (1) BNatSchG, projects and
definitions are planned in close proximity to the
plans must be examined for their compatibility
"Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank" and
with the conservation objectives of a Natura
"Fehmarnbelt" nature reserves. Thus the
2000 site before they are implemented if, either
compatibility assessment in the EEZ area is
individually or in conjunction with other projects
limited to these protected areas. The impact
or plans, they are likely to have a significant
assessment will also take into account the long-
impact on the site and do not directly serve the
distance effects of the decisions taken within
management of the site.
the EEZ on the protected areas in the adjacent
12-mile zone and in the adjacent waters of For this reason, a possible impairment of the
neighbouring countries. This also applies to the conservation objectives, as set out in the
assessment and consideration of functional protective purpose of the Ordinance of 22
relationships between the individual protected September 2017 on protected areas, must be
areas and the coherence of the network of examined.
protected areas pursuant to Article 56 (2) of the The BSH is responsible for the impact
Federal Nature Conservation Act, since the assessment under section 34 of the Federal
habitat of some target species (e.g. avifauna, Nature Conservation Act.
marine mammals) may extend across several
protected areas due to their large radius of 6.2 Assessment of the compatibility
action. FFH areas and bird sanctuaries outside of the FEP with regard to habitat
the German EEZ are also taken into account.
types
There will be no new assessment of the areas
and test sites in the territorial sea, as this was
6.2.1 Assessment of compatibility with the
already done when the LEP M-V was drawn up.
protective purpose of the nature
In addition to the effects within the EEZ, the reserve "Pomeranian Bay -
present impact assessment explicitly examines Rönnebank
only possible remote effects of the areas and
sites, platforms and submarine cable routes 6.2.1.1 Assessment of the compatibility of
planned within the EEZ on protected areas in the FEP for areas and platforms in
adjacent areas. However, this consideration is area O-1 with regard to habitat
not made with regard to the routes in the types
territorial sea which connect to the border
corridors provided for in the FEP. This 6.2.1.2 Assessment of the compatibility of
examination is the subject of the environmental the FEP for areas and platforms in
the O-2 area with regard to habitat
Assessment of the implications 41
types parallel to the Nord Stream gas pipeline or
between "Nord Stream" and "Nord Stream 2",
6.2.1.3 Assessment of the compatibility of connecting border corridors O-XII and O-XIII
the FEP for cable routes and crossing the "Pomeranian Bay -
connecting areas O-1 and O-2 and Rönnebank" nature reserve over a distance of
parallel cross-border submarine 32.3 km. No crossings with other cables are
cable systems with regard to required within the protected area.
habitat types
Within the German EEZ, the biotope type
Based on current knowledge, significant "Sublittoral flat sandy bottom of the Baltic Sea
impacts on the protected areas due to sediment with brackish water mussel community
drift during the construction phase are (Cerastoderma glaucum, Macoma baltica, Mya
excluded. The nature conservation area arenaria)" (Code 05.02.10.02.01, FINCK et al.,
"Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank" is located at a
2017) can be found in the area of the Nord
distance of at least 900 m from the cable routes Stream routes. Based on current knowledge, no
and thus outside the drifting distances other biotope types or habitat types occur along
discussed in the technical literature. It is true the route. The minimum distance along the
that the soft sediments along the route settle
route to the sandbank habitat type is around 9.6
more slowly than coarser sediment. However, km, and to the reef habitat type is at least
due to the predominant low currents near the around 10.7 km. Thus no significant impacts
ground, turbidity plumes which clearly exceed are expected on the "reef" and "sandbank"
the natural suspended matter maxima are to be habitat types within the nature reserve with their
expected even in areas with soft sediments only
characteristic and endangered communities
up to a distance of about 500 m. In addition, the and species.
released material remains in the water column
long enough to be distributed over a large area, 6.2.2 Assessment of the compatibility of
so that due to the comparatively low volumes, planned cable routes with the
hardly any detectable thickness of the protective purpose of the
deposited material can be expected. "Fehmarnbelt" nature reserve
Simulations show that the released sediment
will have settled again after max. 12 hours. 6.2.2.1 6.2.2.1 Assessment of the
compatibility of the FEP for a
Thus, according to the current state of
cross-border submarine cable
knowledge, the impairments will generally
system between border corridors
remain small-scale and temporary. To this
O-V and O-VI
extent, no nutrient and pollutant concentrations
are expected to be released which could impair A cross-border sea cable system is planned in
the nature reserve. the area of the Fehmarn Belt crossing (O-V to
O-VI), crossing the Fehmarn Belt Nature
6.2.1.4 Assessment of the compatibility of conservation area over a distance of 4.3 km.
the FEP for a cross-border The possibility of co-using the existing
submarine cable system between infrastructure of the future Fehmarnbelt tunnel
border corridors O-XIII and O-XII for a cross-border submarine cable system is
with regard to habitat types being considered, so that, as things stand at
Eight routes for cross-border submarine cable present, no further negative effects are
systems are defined in the Baltic Sea EEZ. A expected from a cross-border submarine cable
cross-border sea cable system is planned
42 Assessment of the implications
system beyond the effects of the tunnel marine mammals) may extend over several
construction. protected areas due to their large radius of
action.
6.3 Assessment of the compatibility
Specifically, the bird protection area "Western
of the FEP with protected Pomeranian Bay", the FFH and bird protection
species area "Plantagenetgrund", the FFH area "Darßer
Schwelle", the bird protection area
6.3.1 Assessment of the compatibility of "Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft und
areas, surfaces, platforms and sea nördlicher Strelasund" and the FFH area
cable systems with the protective "Greifswalder Boddenrandschwelle und Teile
purpose of the nature conservation der Pommerschen Bucht" in the coastal sea of
area "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are taken into
account. In the adjacent areas of the
6.3.1.1 Assessment of the compatibility of
neighbouring states, the FFH areas "Adler
the FEP with protected bird
Grund og Rønne Banke" and "Klinteskov
species
kalkgrund" in Danish waters, the Swedish FFH
area "Sydvästskånes utsjövatte", the Polish bird
6.3.1.2 Testing the compatibility of the
sanctuary "Zatoka Pomorska" and the Polish
FEP with marine mammals
FFH area "Ostoja na Zatoce Pomorskiej" were
6.3.2 Assessment of the compatibility of taken into account.
areas, sites, platforms and sea cable The protection and conservation objectives for
systems with the protective purpose the Natura 2000 sites outside the EEZ are set
of the "Fehmarnbelt" nature out in the following documents:
conservation area
Western Pomeranian Bay Bird
6.3.3 Assessment of the compatibility of Sanctuary (territorial sea M-V, DE1649
areas, surfaces, platforms and sea
401): EUNIS factsheet
cable systems with the protective
purpose of the "Kadetrinne" nature (https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DE16
conservation area 49401)
FFH and bird protection area
6.4 Natura2000 sites outside the
"Plantagenetgrund" (coastal sea M-V,
German EEZ
DE 1343 301/ DE 1343 401): FFH area
The impact assessment also takes into account
the remote effects of the FEP's provisions on https://www.lung.mv-
the protected areas in the adjacent 12-mile regierung.de/dateien/de_1343_301.pdf,
zone and in the adjacent waters of
bird protection area
neighbouring countries. This also applies to the
assessment and consideration of functional https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DE134
relationships between the individual protected 3401
areas and the coherence of the network of
FFH area "Darßer Schwelle" (coastal
protected areas pursuant to Article 56 (2) of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act, since the sea M-V, DE 1540 302):
habitat of some target species (e.g. avifauna,
Assessment of the implications 43
https://www.lung.mv- Polish FFH area "Ostoja na Zatoce
regierung.de/dateien/de_1540_302.pdf Pomorskiej" (PLH 990002): EUNIS
Bird protection area "Vorpommersche Factsheet
Boddenlandschaft und nördlicher
(https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/PLH990002).
Strelasund" (coastal sea M-V, DE 1542
In addition, according to Art. 12 of the Habitats
401): EUNIS factsheet Directive, EU Member States shall take the
(https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DE15 necessary measures in and outside protected
areas for species listed in Annex IV of the
42401)
Habitats Directive in order to establish a strict
FFH area "Greifswalder system of protection for the above species in
Boddenrandschwelle and parts of the their natural range. According to the Habitats
Pomeranian Bay" (coastal sea M-V, DE Directive, this includes all whale species. The
FFH areas are intended to preserve parts of the
1749-302): EUNIS factsheet feeding habitat.
(http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DE174
In addition to the effects of the plan within the
9302) EEZ, the present impact assessment explicitly
Danish FFH area "Adler Grund og examines only possible remote effects of the
areas, sites, platforms and sea cableways
Rønne Banke" (DK 00VA 261): EUNIS
planned within the EEZ on protected areas in
Factsheet adjacent areas. The planned areas, sites,
(http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DK00V platforms and sea cable routes are at a
sufficient distance from the protected areas in
A261)
the territorial sea, so that no significant effects
Danish FFH area "Klinteskov kalkgrund" on these protected areas can be assumed.
(DK 00VA 306): EUNIS factsheet However, this consideration is not made with
regard to the routes in the territorial sea which
(http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DK00V
connect to the border corridors provided for in
A306) the FEP. This examination is the subject of the
Swedish FFH site "Sydvästskånes environmental reports of the coastal countries
utsjövatte" (SE 0430187): EUNIS on the respective spatial development plans or
subordinate procedures. In addition, no new
Factsheet impact assessment will be carried out with
(https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/SE04 regard to the areas and test sites in the
30187) territorial sea, as this was already carried out
when the RDP M-V was drawn up.
Polish bird sanctuary "Zatoka
The results of the impact assessment of the
Pomorska" (PLB 990003): EUNIS
FEP with regard to protected marine mammals
factsheet and protected bird species with the
(http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/PLB99 conservation objectives of the nature reserve
"Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank" apply to the
0003)
nearest nature reserve "Greifswalder
Boddenrandschwelle und Teile der
44 Overall plan evaluation
Pommerschen Bucht" in the German territorial prevented by implementing the sites, areas and
sea and to the FFH- Area "Adler Grund og platforms.
Rønne Banke" in the Danish EEZ and the The site O-2.2 as well as the other energy
Habitats Area "Ostoja na Zatoce Pomorskiej" in production area SEO-1 (south of area O-2) are
the Polish EEZ accordingly. under examination in the current FEP draft.
The conclusion was that the plan, either This requires a discussion and clarification of
individually or in combination with other plans issues that cannot yet be conclusively
and projects, does not compromise the assessed, such as bird migration and the
conservation and restoration objectives of the associated species protection prohibitions (§ 44
above-mentioned protected areas. BNatSchG), so that the definition of site O-2.2
and the other energy production area SEO-1
6.5 Outcome of the impact will be further examined within the framework of
assessment the continuation of the FEP.
As a result, a significant impairment of the The laying of sea cable systems can be made
protection purposes of the nature conservation as eco-friendly as possible by preventing
areas under review can be ruled out with the protected areas and biotopes and by choosing
necessary certainty by implementing the plan a laying method that is as unobtrusive as
and taking into account avoidance and possible. The planning principle for sediment
mitigation measures. This applies both to the warming should ensure that significant negative
nature conservation areas examined within the effects of cable heating on benthic communities
German EEZ and to Natura 2000 sites outside are prevented. Preventing crossings between
the German EEZ. No new impact assessment sea cable systems as far as possible also
will be carried out with regard to the areas and serves to prevent negative effects on the
test sites in the territorial sea, as this was marine environment, in particular on the factors
already carried out when the LEP M-V was soil, benthos and biotopes. Given the above
drawn up. descriptions and assessments, the Strategic
Environmental Assessment concludes that, with
Based on current knowledge, a significant
regard to possible interrelationships, no
impairment of the FFH habitat type "reefs" and
significant effects on the marine environment
"sandbanks with only weak permanent
within the investigation area are to be expected
inundation by seawater" can be ruled out even
from the planned specifications on the basis of
if the plan and existing projects for the nature
current knowledge and the comparatively
conservation areas under review are
abstract level of sectoral planning. The potential
considered cumulatively.
effects are frequently small-scale and mostly
7 Overall plan evaluation short-term, as they are limited to the
construction phase.
In summary, with regard to the planned areas
and sites, platforms and sea cable routes, the A large part of the areas and sites are within the
effects on the marine environment will be wind energy priority areas of the Spatial Plan
minimised as far as possible by means of for the Baltic Sea EEZ. Sufficient knowledge is
orderly, coordinated overall planning of the Site available for these regions. To date, sufficient
Development Plan. By adhering strictly to scientific knowledge and consistent evaluation
prevention and mitigation measures, in methods are lacking for cumulative assessment
particular for noise mitigation during the of the effects on individual factors such as bird
construction phase, considerable effects can be migration and bat migration. Therefore, these
Overall plan evaluation 45
effects cannot be assessed conclusively within
the framework of the present SEA or are
subject to uncertainties and need to be
assessed more closely within the framework of
subsequent planning stages.
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
46
Plan on the marine environment
8 Measures to prevent, While individual prevention, mitigation and
compensation measures may begin even at the
mitigate and offset planning level, others only come into play at the
significant negative effects specific implementation stage and are regulated
there in the individual approval procedure
of the Site Development according to the project and location. With
Plan on the marine regard to planning prevention and mitigation
measures, the Site Development Plan defines
environment spatial and textual specifications which,
according to the environmental protection
8.1 Introduction objectives set out in chapter 1.4, serve to
According to section 40 subsection 2 UVPG, prevent or mitigate significant negative effects
the environmental report includes a description in the marine environment due to
of the planned measures to prevent, mitigate implementation of the Site Development Plan.
and, as far as possible, compensate for This mainly concerns
significant adverse environmental effects
consideration of nature conservation areas
resulting from implementation of the plan. In
and legally protected biotopes
principle, the Site Development Plan will take
marine environment concerns into account Exclusion effect of wind turbines in
more effectively when expanding power Natura 2000 areas,
generation by means of offshore wind turbines
Exclusion effect of platforms in
and the corresponding connecting lines.
Natura2000 areas
The specifications of the Site Development Plan
will prevent negative effects on the the principle of laying subsea cable
development of the state of the environment of systems outside these areas as far as
the Baltic Sea EEZ. This is due in particular to possible,
the fact that there is always a need to expand as little land usage as possible, ensured by
offshore wind energy and the corresponding the planning principles
connecting lines and that the corresponding
infrastructure (wind farms, platforms and economic area use when arranging wind
subsea cable systems) would have to be turbines
created even without an Site Development Plan maximum possible bundling of subsea
(see chapter 3). If the plan were not cable routes in the sense of parallel
implemented, however, the uses would develop routing,
without the space-saving and resource-
conserving steering and coordination effect of prevention of cable and pipeline
the Site Development Plan. crossings,
Moreover, the specifications of the Site the planning principle for noise mitigation,
Development Plan are subject to a continuous the planning principle for sediment warming,
optimisation process, as the knowledge
obtained on a rolling basis within the framework reduction of scour protection measures to a
of the SEA and the consultation process is minimum so as to prevent having to
taken into account when the plan is compiled. introduce artificial hard substrate
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
47
Plan on the marine environment
specifications for the dismantling of structural suitability of the measuring equipment is
installations, and to be demonstrated by accreditation in
accordance with
consideration of best environmental practice
DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 with regard to
in accordance with the OSPAR Convention
ISO 18406:2017 and DIN SPEC
and the state of the art.
45653:2017.
The measures listed below serve to prevent
Noise mitigation measures: use of the
and mitigate insignificant and significant
relevant best available method
negative effects in the specific implementation
according to the state of the art in
of the Site Development Plan. These mitigation
science and technology in order to
and prevention measures are specified and
reduce the level of underwater noise so
ordered by the competent licensing authority at
as to comply with applicable noise
project level for the planning, construction and
protection specifications during the
operation phases.
installation of foundation piles, e.g. large
bubble curtains, hydro silencers or
8.2 Areas and sites for offshore
sheathing. These noise protection
wind turbines measures must be specified in detail in
The following measures to prevent and mitigate the individual approval procedures for
significant and insignificant negative specific locations and installations.
environmental effects must be taken into
Adaptation of the pile-driving process to
account in the specific planning and
location- and project-specific conditions
construction of wind turbines:
by control of the pile-driving energy and
When installing foundations, suitable impact frequency
measures must be implemented to
ensure that noise emissions (sound
pressure SEL05) at a distance of 750 m
does not exceed 160 decibels (dB re 1
μPa²s) and the peak sound pressure
level does not exceed 190 decibels
(dB re 1 μPa).
Adherence to pile-driving times,
including aversive conditioning
measures, of no more than 180 minutes
during the insertion of monopiles and no
more than 140 minutes per pile for
jacket structures.
Monitoring activities during the
construction phase, in particular by
recording the underwater noise level
during the installation of foundations.
Monitoring of noise level and
compliance with limits must be carried
out by an accredited facility. The
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
48
Plan on the marine environment
Noise prevention measures: use Lighting that is as compatible as
appropriate methods to prevent killing possible with nature during operation of
and injuring fauna near the pile-driving the installations in order to reduce
site: attraction as far as possible, taking into
account the requirements of safe
Use of suitable deterrent devices
shipping and air traffic and occupational
such as the FaunaGuard system
safety, e.g. switching obstruction lighting
or, in special cases, "pingers"
on and off as required, selection of
and "seal scarers"
suitable lighting intensities and spectra
"Soft-start procedure": delaying or lighting intervals
the increase of pile-driving
Restriction of the introduction of hard
energy should allow fauna in the
substrate to a minimum
vicinity of the pile-driving site to
move away from the construction Use of low-pollution paints
site.
Use of traffic safety vehicles during the
Coordination of pile-driving work for construction and commissioning phases
various projects in order to minimise in order to prevent collisions
overall noise output times
Correct disposal of oil residues from
Consideration of the noise protection machinery, faeces, packaging, waste
concept of the Federal Ministry for the and wastewater on land. Preparation of
Environment, Nature Conservation and a "waste concept" for construction and
Nuclear Safety (2013) operation
Assessment of alternative, low-noise Compilation of emergency plans,
foundation forms, such as suction including for accidents involving water-
buckets or gravity foundations. The polluting substances during the
environmental impact of alternative construction and operation phases
forms of foundation must always be
Monitoring of possible effects on the
assessed with regard to any additional
marine environment due to the
significant effects on the marine
construction or operation of the
environment, in particular due to the
installations by means of mandatory
introduction of continuous noise.
ecological monitoring during the
Reduction of shipping traffic for construction and operation phase in
construction and operation of accordance with StUK 4
installations and the associated acoustic
If, during planning or installation of
and visual impairments to a minimum,
plants, so far undiscovered ordnance is
by optimum construction and time
found on the seabed, corresponding
planning
protective measures must be taken.
Ensuring that no preventable emissions
The above-mentioned avoidance and
of pollutants, noise or light occur during
reduction measures for areas and sites
the construction or operation of the
apply accordingly to other energy
installation in accordance with the state
production areas.
of the art
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
49
Plan on the marine environment
8.3 Platforms measures must be specified in detail in
the individual approval procedures for
The following measures to prevent and mitigate
specific locations and installations.
significant and insignificant negative
environmental effects must be taken into Adaptation of the pile-driving process to
account in the specific planning and location- and project-specific conditions
construction of platforms: by control of the pile-driving energy and
impact frequency
When installing foundations, suitable
measures must be implemented to Noise prevention measures: use
ensure that noise emissions (sound appropriate methods to prevent killing
pressure SEL05) at a distance of 750 m and injuring fauna near the pile-driving
does not exceed 160 decibels (dB re 1 site:
μPa²s) and the peak sound pressure
Use of suitable deterrent devices
level does not exceed 190 decibels
such as the FaunaGuard system
(dB re 1 μPa).
or, in special cases, "pingers"
Adherence to pile-driving times, and "seal scarers"
including aversive conditioning
"Soft-start procedure": delaying
measures, of no more than 180 minutes
the increase of pile-driving
during the insertion of monopiles and no
energy should allow fauna in the
more than 140 minutes per pile for
vicinity of the pile-driving site to
jacket structures.
move away from the construction
Monitoring activities during the site.
construction phase, in particular by
Coordination of pile-driving work for
recording the underwater noise level
various projects in order to minimise
during the installation of foundations.
overall noise output times
Monitoring of noise level and
compliance with limits must be carried Consideration of the noise protection
out by an accredited facility. The concept of the Federal Ministry for the
suitability of the measuring equipment is Environment, Nature Conservation and
to be demonstrated by accreditation in Nuclear Safety (2013)
accordance with
Assessment of alternative, low-noise
DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 with regard to
foundation forms, such as suction
ISO 18406:2017 and DIN SPEC
buckets or gravity foundations. The
45653:2017.
environmental impact of alternative
Noise mitigation measures: use of the forms of foundation must always be
relevant best available method assessed with regard to any additional
according to the state of the art in significant effects on the marine
science and technology in order to environment, in particular due to the
reduce the level of underwater noise so introduction of continuous noise.
as to comply with applicable noise
Reduction of shipping traffic for
protection specifications during the
construction and operation of platforms,
installation of foundation piles, e.g. large
and the associated acoustic and visual
bubble curtains, hydro silencers or
sheathing. These noise protection
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
50
Plan on the marine environment
impairments, to a minimum by optimal magnetic field development of the cable
construction and time planning systems is kept to a minimum due to the cable
configurations specified in the Site
Ensuring that no preventable emissions
Development Plan in accordance with the state
of pollutants, noise or light occur during
of the art. The planning principle for sediment
the construction or operation of
warming should ensure compliance with the "2K
platforms in accordance with the state of
criterion", i.e. a maximum permissible
the art
temperature increase of 2 K at a sediment
Lighting that is as compatible as depth of 20 cm.
possible with nature during operation of
Moreover, the following measures that help to
the platforms in order to reduce prevent and mitigate environmental effects are
attraction as far as possible, taking into to be implemented in the specific
account the requirements of safe implementation of the individual projects:
shipping and air traffic and occupational Selection of the shortest possible route
safety, e.g. switching obstruction lighting
Optimisation of route selection within the
on and off as required, selection of
framework of fine routing in order to
suitable lighting intensities and light
prevent and not effect known
spectra or lighting intervals
occurrences of particularly sensitive
Restriction of the introduction of hard biotopes as far as possible
substrate to a minimum in accordance with section 30 of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act
Use of low-pollution paints
Use of laying methods that protect the
Use of traffic safety vehicles during the
soil as much as possible for installation
construction and commissioning phases
of the cable systems, depending on
in order to prevent collisions
sediment conditions and water depths
Correct disposal of oil residues from and taking into account the required
machinery, faeces, packaging, waste minimum coverage
and wastewater on land; preparation of
Use of cable types that develop electric
a "waste concept" for construction and
and magnetic fields that are as low as
operation
possible
Compilation of emergency plans,
Use of materials in cable systems that
including for accidents involving water-
are as eco-friendly as possible
polluting substances during the
construction and operation phases Reduction of intersections to the
required minimum
If, during planning or installation of the
platforms, so far undiscovered ordnance Use of inert, natural materials for filling
is found on the seabed, corresponding and intersections that become
protective measures must be taken. necessary
If, during planning or installation of
8.4 Sea cable systems
subsea cable systems, so far
Measures for prevention and mitigation must be undiscovered ordnance is found on the
taken into account as early as the route seabed, corresponding protective
planning and technical design stages. The measures must be taken.
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
51
Plan on the marine environment
The aim is to implement the following measures
with a view to achieving the most eco-friendly
design possible:
Investigation and presentation of the
effects of platforms and subsea cable
systems on the marine environment
within the scope of a monitoring
operation, including monitoring of
coverage during the operating phase of
the cables;
Evaluation of the monitoring results in
respect of cumulative effects or
interrelationships of various uses;
Consideration of the monitoring results within
the framework of the update, i.e. experience
from implementation of the projects is used to
continuously improve mitigation and prevention
measures.
52 Investigated alternatives
9 Investigated alternatives projects. Conceptual/strategic design, the
spatial location and technical alternatives
In accordance with Art. 5 subsection 1 sentence therefore play a part at the planning level.
1 of the SEA Directive in conjunction with the
In principle, it should be noted that preliminary
criteria in Annex I of the SEA Directive and
examination of possible and conceivable
section 40 subsection 2 no. 8 UVPG, the
alternatives is already inherent in all
environmental report contains a brief
specifications in the form of standardised
description of the reasons for the choice of
technical and planning principles. As can be
reasonable alternatives examined. The
seen from the justification of the individual
reasonable alternatives under consideration are
planning principles, in particular those relating
explained below. Essentially, different types of
to the environment – such as, for example,
alternatives can be considered for an
avoidance of threats to the marine environment,
assessment of alternatives; in particular
respect for protected areas, routing that is as
strategic, spatial or technical alternatives. The
bundled as possible and implementation that is
prerequisite is always that these are reasonable
as free from crossings as possible – the
or can be seriously considered.
principle in question is already based on
Thus not all conceivable alternatives need to be consideration of possible public concerns and
assessed. However, it is no longer sufficient to legal positions, so that a "preliminary
identify, describe and evaluate only those assessment" of possible alternatives has
alternatives that "seriously offer" or "impose" already been carried out. There are already a
themselves. The obligation to investigate thus large number of different uses and legally
extends to all alternatives that "are not protected concerns in the EEZ. There is also
obviously ... remote" (Landmann/Rohmer, a "Regulation on Regional Planning in the
2018). Assessment of alternatives does not German EEZ in the Baltic Sea" of 10 December
explicitly require the development and 2009, which defines objectives and principles,
assessment of particularly eco-friendly to regulate the usage interests within the Baltic
alternatives. Rather, the "reasonable" Sea EEZ. An overall assessment of the uses
alternatives in the above sense should be and functions in the EEZ has already been
presented in a comparative manner with regard carried out as part of the preparation of the
to their environmental effects, so that Spatial Plan. The objectives and principles of
consideration of environmental concerns the Spatial Plan have largely been adopted in
becomes transparent when deciding on the the Spatial Plan and are being reviewed and
alternative to be pursued (Stefan Balla, 2009). weighed against the specific regulatory issues
At the same time, the effort required to identify of the concerns and rights presented in this
and assess the alternatives under consideration procedure.
must be reasonable. This means that the
greater the expected environmental effects and Possible reasonable alternatives in detail:
hence the need for planning conflict resolution,
the more likely it is that comprehensive or
detailed investigations will be required.
By way of example, Annex 4 no. 2 UVPG refers
to the assessment of alternatives with regard to
the design, technology, location, size and scope
of the project, but explicitly refers only to
Investigated alternatives 53
The spatial location of the gates results from
9.1 Zero alternative
the regional planning specifications and other
planning considerations in the coastal states
9.2 Strategic alternatives
adjoining the plans of the EEZ. In turn, the
plans of the coastal states are based on the
9.3 Spatial alternatives routing to suitable high-voltage and ultra-high-
As far as assessment of spatial alternatives is voltage grid connection points on land. On the
concerned, the Site Development Plan defines other hand, a route at right angles or parallel to
both spatial and textual specifications in the existing pipelines is chosen to cross the traffic
form of planning principles and standardised separation areas. Since anchorage prohibition
technical principles for areas and sites, subsea zones have already been established next to
cable systems and platforms in the German the pipelines, few additional disturbances for
Baltic Sea EEZ. To a large extent, these shipping are to be expected here. Under these
requirements serve to ensure that uses are given conditions, there are no spatial
designed to be as eco-friendly as possible and alternatives to the selected border corridors to
that the different concerns and legal positions the territorial sea, since in the area between the
are balanced in a manner that is in line with the traffic separation areas there is no more room
various interests. Taking into account the for manoeuvre due to wind farms and pipelines
above-mentioned existing uses and rights of that have already been consolidated or
use, only a few feasible alternatives to these approved under planning law. The following
specifications are apparent which, in an applies to the individual border corridors:
objectively plausible manner, can be expected Border corridors N-I (Ems), N-II (Norderney)
to have significantly lower environmental and N-IV (Büsum) have been taken over from
effects. The spatial specifications of the Spatial the spatial development plan or the regional
Plan fit in with the existing uses such as planning of the coastal states and have been
shipping traffic, military usage, marine research, coordinated accordingly. For the border corridor
etc. and the area designations defined for the N-III (Europipe 2), a state planning statement
Baltic Sea EEZ within the framework of the by the state of Lower Saxony is available for the
Spatial Plan and the BFO-N. This means that cross-border submarine cable system "NorGer".
the planning of regions and sites, but also of
platforms and routes, is limited from the outset. 9.3.1 Assessment of alternatives for areas
Areas, sites and platforms are specified With regard to the assessment of alternatives
according to the planning principles, taking into for areas, reference is made to the comments in
account nature conservation sites and legally the FEP on the definition of the individual areas
protected biotopes, as well as economic area (Chapter 5.1). There are no seriously
use and distance regulations. considered alternatives to areas N-1 to N-13
The cable routes are planned to cover the based on the provisions of the current spatial
shortest possible route in accordance with the development plan for the North Sea EEZ or
planning principles, with a view to minimising conflicts with other uses, such as nature
environmental impact, as long as there are no conservation areas or military training areas.
overriding concerns to the contrary. The cable Areas north-west of the shipping route 10 as
systems are also predominantly planned in defined by the spatial planning plan are not
parallel with infrastructures (pipelines, cables, seriously considered as alternatives to the
wind farms) applied for/approved/constructed areas designated in the FEP. With the
so as not to slice up any additional spaces. designated areas N-1 to N-13 (areas N-4 and
54 Investigated alternatives
N-5 are under consideration for possible decisive for the decision on the definition of the
subsequent use) in the North Sea, there is on areas, among other things with regard to
the one hand a coherent planning area, and on conflicts with other uses. In addition to the
the other hand the areas northwest of shipping explanations in the FEP, possible conflicts are
route 10 are significantly further from the coast. examined in detail here from a nature
This results in a significant extension of the conservation perspective.
respective necessary connection systems and
The following criteria are used for the nature
thus in any case in a greater impact on the
conservation area comparison:
seabed. In addition, the available data and
information basis for the area northwest of Distance to the nearest protected area
shipping route 10 is considerably worse than for in km (differentiated according to FFH
the area of the areas designated in the FEP
and bird sanctuary)
due to the lack of project-related monitoring
data. Location within/ outside the main
In the Baltic Sea EEZ, too, no reasonable concentration area of loons
alternatives to the areas O-1 to O-3 can be Location inside / outside the main
identified due to the provisions of the current
distribution area of harbour porpoises
spatial development plan for the Baltic Sea
EEZ. In the territorial sea of Mecklenburg- Affection of biotopes protected under
Vorpommern, areas O-4, O-5 (area under section 30 BNatSchG and suspected
consideration) and O-6 and a test site are areas on the site
designated by administrative agreement. For
these areas, reference is made to the SEA Route of the connecting pipeline through
assessments for the State Spatial Development a nature conservation area (EEZ) in km
Programme Mecklenburg Pomerania Route of the connecting pipeline through
9.3.2 Comparison of the sites with each § 30 biotope / § 30 suspected areas
other (EEZ) in km
Within the framework of the FEP (Chapter Significance of the area for the
5.2.2), a comparison is made between the sites individual objects of protection (textual).
designated in the FEP and those under
examination with regard to the criteria that are
Table 5. Site comparison using nature conservation criteria.
Site Minimum distance Site inside the Site within the Affection of § Connection Connection
(km) to the nearest main main porpoise 30 line through § 30
protected area concentration distribution biotopes/suspe through biotope /
after area of loons area cted areas conservatio suspected areas
FFH-Dir | VS-Dir n area (EEZ (share of EEZ
share, km) route, km)
N-3.7 26 21 No No Not known No No
N-3.8 20 22 No No Not known No No
O-1.3 9 13 - - Suspected area No No
not confirmed
N-7.2 28 58 No No Not known No Yes, 2 km
suspected area
Investigated alternatives 55
N-3.5 14 18 No No Not known No No
N-3.6 11 21 No No Not known No No
N-6.6 27 6 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-6.7 40 33 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-9.1 48 30 No No Not known No No
N-9.2 48 50 No No Not known No No
N-9.3 51 28 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-9.4 50 43 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-10.1 29 70 No No Not known No No
N-10.2 34 66 No No Not known No No
O-2.2 (in 12 23 - - Not known No No
Prüfung)
N-5.4 (in 5 17 Yes Yes Yes Yes, 157 km Yes, approx. 3 km
den FEP- (Chap. sandbank + 13 km
Entwürfen 9.3.3) suspected area
2019 in (Chap. 9.3.3)
Prüfung)
*compare Chapter. 9.3.4.
56 Investigated alternatives
In detail: medium importance for harbour porpoises (cf.
Ch. 2.8.3.1) and sea and resting birds (Ch.
North Sea
2.9.3.1). This area is most frequently used by
The designated sites N-3.7, N-3.8, N-3.5 and N- species of seabirds which are widespread
3.6 in area N-3 are located at a distance of throughout the North Sea. Disturbance-
more than 10 km from the nearest nature sensitive species such as loons occur only
reserve "Borkum Riffgrund". The smallest briefly in the areas in search of food and during
distance to the main concentration area of the main migration periods. Due to the
loons is around 40 km, and the main distribution occurrence of species of burrowing bottom
area of harbour porpoises is at least 34 km megafauna, the benthic community is assigned
away from the individual areas. According to average to above-average importance in the
current knowledge, the areas are considered to area of the designated site N-7.2 (section
be of medium importance for resting and 2.6.3.1). Based on current knowledge, the
foraging birds (cf. 2.9.3.1). For harbour occurrence of legally protected biotopes is not
porpoises, the importance of the areas in area to be expected in the N-7.2 site (Section
N-3 is currently assumed to be medium to - 2.5.3.1). The connecting pipeline for the N-7.2
seasonally in spring - high. Monitoring results area runs outside nature conservation areas in
for the area N-1 to N-3 show a significantly the EEZ at all events, but over a length of
higher occurrence in the protected area around 2 km the pipeline crosses suspected
"Borkum Riffgrund" with decreasing densities in areas of "species-rich gravel, coarse sand and
an easterly direction (section 2.8.3.1). No schill". Based on the current state of
occurrences of protected biotopes are known in knowledge, this means that at best only
the area of the designated sites N-3.5, N-3.6, potential small-scale conflicts can be identified
N-3.7 and N-3.8. Due to the only slight overlap with regard to the route of the connecting
of the N-3 area with the "Borkum Riffgrund" pipeline.
sandbank and the otherwise predominantly
Sites N-6.6 and N-6.7 are also located far from
homogeneous, fine to medium-sand
nature conservation areas (min. 25 km) and at
sedimentary conditions, the N-3 area as a
a considerable distance from the main
whole is accorded a low, and in the southwest
concentration area of loons and the main
sub-area average, importance with regard to
distribution area of harbour porpoises (more
the protected biotope types.
than 55 km in each case). The areas are
The connecting pipelines for all four areas run considered to be of medium importance both for
in the EEZ outside nature reserves and outside harbour porpoises and for sea and resting
known occurrences of legally protected birds. Due to the occurrence and ecological
biotopes. Thus, according to current importance of the burrowing ground
knowledge, no significant nature conservation megafauna, the benthic biocoenosis in the
conflicts are discernible for the areas designated areas of area N-6 is attributed
designated in area N-3. average to above-average importance (section
Site N-7.2 is located at a considerable distance 2.6.3.1). Based on current knowledge, the
from nature conservation areas (min. 28 km). designated sites N-6.6 and N-6.7 are not
The main concentration area of loons and the expected to contain any legally protected
main distribution area of harbour porpoises are biotopes (2.5.3.1). The connecting pipelines for
both more than 50 km away from N-7.2. both areas in area N-6 run completely outside
According to current knowledge, area N-7 is of nature conservation areas in the EEZ, and the
routes cross the protected sandbank biotope
Investigated alternatives 57
type over a length of around 10 km. Based on ground megafauna, benthos on these areas is
current knowledge, potential conflicts are of average to above-average importance
therefore conceivable with regard to the route of overall. The occurrence of legally protected
the connecting pipeline, but less so with regard biotopes on the sites can be ruled out on the
to the areas themselves. Reference is made to basis of the available information. Despite the
the examination of alternatives to bypassing the occurrence of sediments, some of which have a
sandbank in Section 9.3.4. high proportion of silt, and species of digging
soil megafauna (Section 2.6.3.1), the absence
The sites N-9.1 to N-9.4 are at a distance of at
of sea feathers means that the legally protected
least 28 km from the nearest protected area.
biotope type "silt beds with digging soil
The distance to the main distribution area of
megafauna" can be ruled out.
harbour porpoises is around 50 km, and even
54 km to the main concentration area of loons. The site N-5.4 described in the (preliminary)
Overall, the areas are of medium importance for drafts of the FEP 2019 under review is at a
the protected species of marine mammals and minimum distance of 5 km from the "Sylt Outer
sea and resting birds. For the benthic species Reef - Eastern German Bight" nature
protected, the areas are assigned average to conservation area; the distance to the nearest
above-average importance due to the presence "Eastern German Bight" bird sanctuary is
of species of digging bottom megafauna. The around 17 km. The area lies both within the
occurrence of legally protected biotopes on the main concentration area of loons and in the
sites can be ruled out on the basis of the main distribution area of harbour porpoises.
available information. Despite the occurrence of Due to the partly extensive occurrence of the
sediments, some with a high proportion of silt, biotopes "Sublittoral sandbank", "reefs" and
and species of digging soil megafauna (Section "species-rich gravel, coarse sand and schill
2.6.3.1), the absence of sea feathers means beds", the site N-5.4, which is currently being
that the legally protected biotope type "silt beds examined in the (preliminary) drafts of FEP
with digging soil megafauna" can be ruled out. 2019, is of great importance with regard to the
The connecting pipeline NOR-9-2 runs for just protected asset biotope types. In view of the
under 10 km through the protected sandbank relatively high species diversity and the high
biotope type, but in the EEZ it runs completely structural heterogeneity, the benthic community
outside protected areas. Based on the current can be regarded as above average for the area
state of knowledge, potential conflicts could as a whole. According to the current state of
thus arise with regard to the route of the knowledge, the surroundings of area N-5.4,
connecting pipeline (cf. also the assessment of which is currently under review in the
alternatives to bypassing the sandbank in (preliminary) drafts of FEP 2019, are of great
Chapter 9.3.4). importance to harbour porpoises and represent
the core area of the identified main distribution
Sites N-10.1 and N-10.2 are at a distance of at
range of harbour porpoise in the German North
least 29 km from the nearest protected area.
Sea (BMU, 2013; cf. 2.8.3.1). For the protection
The distance to the main distribution area of
of sea and resting birds, the very high
harbour porpoises is 30 km and to the main
importance of the area surrounding the entire
concentration area of loons 35 km. Overall, the
N-5 area for the black-throated and black-
areas are of medium importance for the
throated divers listed in Annex I of the Birds
protected species of marine mammals and sea
Directive must be emphasised (cf. 2.9.3.1).
and resting birds. Due to the ecological
importance of the proven species of burrowing
58 Investigated alternatives
Research and monitoring results unanimously possible decrease in migratory intensity with
show that the avoidance behaviour of divers increasing distance from the coast.
towards offshore wind farms and the associated Consequently, migratory birds are no longer
habitat loss is much more pronounced than taken into account when comparing the areas in
originally assumed. Current results from the the North Sea that have been designated and
wind farm projects in area N-5 show significant are under examination. The same applies to
mean avoidance distances of around 15 km in fish, for which the importance of the areas and
the western sub-area (cf. Chapter 5.2.2.1). In sites can only be described in general terms on
accordance with the precautionary principle and the basis of the available catch data and
in order to exclude with the necessary certainty methods. The overview of species records by
any hazard to the marine environment within area did not show any particular significance of
the meaning of Article 5 (3) WindSeeG and any a specific area for the constant, common
significant disturbance within the meaning of character species.
Article 44 (1) No. 2 BNatSchG, the FEP - also
The result shows that the sites N-9.1 to N-9.4
against the background of a further study on
as well as N-10.1 and N-10.2 represent a
divers now available - continues to refrain from
reasonable alternative to the area N-5.4
designating site N-5.4, which is currently under
examined in the (preliminary) drafts of the FEP
review in the (preliminary) drafts of FEP 2019
2019, at least in terms of the nature
(see Chapters 8.4 and 8.5 of the draft FEP).
conservation issues examined here.
The required connecting pipeline for the area N-
Baltic Sea
5.4, which is currently being examined in the
(preliminary) drafts of FEP 2019, runs in the The site O-1.3 in the Baltic Sea is located at a
EEZ over a distance of 157 km and thus almost distance of almost 10 km from the nearest
completely through the nature reserve "Sylt protected area "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank".
Outer Reef - Eastern German Bight". It crosses According to the current state of knowledge, the
known occurrences of the FFH-LRT benthic biocoenosis in the area of Area O-1.3 is
"Sandbank" over a length of around 3 km and of medium importance overall (Section 2.6.3.1
over a distance of around 13 km of suspected Baltic Sea Environmental Information). In the
areas of the § 30 biotope "Species-rich gravel, north-eastern area of site O-1.3, a residual
coarse sand and schill grounds". In the sediment area with coarser sediments and
procedure for the parallel connection system deposits of overgrown stones was identified.
SylWin1, it became apparent that bypassing This suspected reef area was not confirmed in
these KGS occurrences was problematic. From the course of the suitability test. For harbour
a nature conservation point of view, this results porpoises, the area of site O-1.3 is of medium
in considerable conflicts with regard to the site to seasonal importance in the winter months.
N-5.4, which is being examined in the The importance results from the possible use
(preliminary) drafts of the FEP 2019. by individuals of the Baltic Sea's separate and
highly endangered harbour porpoise population.
For migratory birds, the individual marine areas
However, the area is used irregularly by
in the area of N-1 to N-13 are of average to
harbour porpoises for crossing, staying and as
above-average importance overall. The current
a source of food (section 2.8.3.1 Baltic Sea
state of knowledge does not indicate any
Baltic Sea Baltic Sea Unit). For seabirds, all
significant differences between the individual
findings to date indicate that the area O-1.3 is
areas and zones. It is also not possible at
of medium importance. Area O-1, in which the
present to draw any final conclusion about a
site is located, has a medium overall seabird
Investigated alternatives 59
occurrence and also only a medium occurrence importance for harbour porpoises. The
of endangered species and species requiring seasonally high importance of the area is due to
special protection (section 2.9.3.1 Baltic Sea the potential use of the separate and highly
Terminal). With regard to migratory birds, the endangered Baltic Sea population of harbour
area of the O-1.3 site is of average importance porpoise by individuals during the winter
for migrating waterfowl, and of average to months (section 2.8.3.1 Baltic Sea BU). All
above-average importance for night migrators. findings to date indicate that the O-2 area is of
A differentiated consideration is required for minor importance for seabirds. The area has a
migratory birds. Known main migration routes low occurrence of endangered species and
are undoubtedly of above-average importance. species requiring special protection (section
The neighbouring areas of these main migration 2.9.3.1 Baltic Sea disaster area). Overall, the
routes such as the area O-1.3 are probably of area of site O-2.2 under review is of average to
average to above-average importance above-average importance for migrating
depending on wind force and direction. In waterbirds. In particular, the baseline survey of
strong westerly winds, cranes may drift from the the site south of O-2.2 revealed a high number
main migration route into the area O-1 (Chapter of common scoter individuals. Thus, 8174
2.10.3.3 Baltic Sea sub-area). The route animals were counted in 2011. This means that
connecting area O-1.3 runs in the EEZ outside approx. 1.5% of the biogeographic population
protected areas and outside known passed through area O-2, which is of above-
occurrences of protected biotopes. There are average importance for the Common Scoter
indications of possible conflicts with bird migration. Most of the nocturnal bird migration
migration in the O-1.3 site, and the suitability of takes place across a wide front across the
the O-1.3 site is currently being reviewed. Baltic Sea. Due to the very high numbers of
Based on the results of the SEA within the expected individuals and the significant
framework of the suitability test, the need for proportion of endangered species, site O-2.2 is
the establishment of guidelines to avoid a of average to above-average importance for
significantly increased risk of collision for night migration.
certain types of migratory birds is seen.
A differentiated observation is necessary for
The site under examination O-2.2 is located at crane migration. A total of 1231 migrating
a distance of 12 km from the nearest nature cranes were recorded in area O-2 during
reserve. The route connecting the area also autumn migration in 2008, which corresponds
runs in the EEZ outside nature reserves and to about 3.1% of the resting population of
outside known occurrences of protected Western Pomerania or 1.37% of the
biotopes. The site O-2.2 has a low structural biogeographic population. The majority of these
richness overall. No legally protected biotopes birds may have been displaced by north-
are expected to occur in this site (Section westerly winds from a flight path from southern
2.5.4.1 Baltic Sea Environmental Report). The Sweden to south-eastern Rügen. The area O-
area is of little significance for benthos. The 2.2 is located close to known main migration
predominant benthic species are predominantly routes and is therefore probably of average to
composed of species that regenerate rapidly above-average importance for bird migration,
(Section 2.6.3.1 Baltic Sea BU). According to depending on wind strength and direction
current knowledge, the area is used by harbour (Chapter 2.10.3.3 Baltic Sea Bird Area). Thus,
porpoises as a transit area. On the basis of in relation to migratory birds as a protected
available information, it is currently possible to asset, especially when viewed cumulatively,
deduce that the O-2 area is of medium to high nature conservation conflicts are discernible in
60 Investigated alternatives
the O-2.2 site. Questions which cannot yet be 9.4 Technical alternatives
conclusively assessed need to be discussed
It is the task of the FEP to define the necessary
and clarified, for example on the issue of bird
routes and locations for the entire network
migration and species protection prohibitions
topology in the German EEZ up to the border of
(Article 44 of the Federal Nature Conservation
the 12 sm zone within the framework of the
Act), so that the definition of the O-2.2 site will
existing framework conditions in terms of space
be further examined within the framework of the
and time with regard to the calendar years of
continuation of the FEP.Alternative routes for
commissioning.
gates N-IV and N-V
The TSO obliged to connect the offshore wind
Alternative routes to Lower Saxony for gate N-II
farms in the Baltic Sea to the grid has so far
(Norderney) were assessed for the NOR-7-2
pursued a connection concept based on three-
system, in addition to the route proposed in the
phase current technology. When three-phase
plan for gate N-IV/N-V. These are solely spatial
technology is used, offshore wind farms are
variants as they do not represent an alternative
connected to the grid by combining the
in temporal terms. Please see the alternative
electricity generated by the individual wind
assessment of NOR-3-2 and NOR-6-3 for NOR-
turbines of one or more farms on a transformer
7-2 in the draft Site Development Plan in
platform and from here via a three-phase
chapter 5.5.2.
submarine cable system directly onshore and
In BFO-N 2016/2017, instead of NOR-7-2, the further to the grid connection point. In contrast
connecting line NOR-5-2 led to boundary to the standard concept in the North Sea
corridor (HVDC transmission), no separate converter
N-V. Therefore, an alternative consideration of platform is required for the grid connection
NOR-7-2 and NOR-5-2 for boundary corridor N- itself, thus saving space. However, in order to
V is given here (see Fehler! Verweisquelle dissipate a given power output, a higher
konnte nicht gefunden werden.). It should be number of cable systems is necessary when
noted that the specification of region N-5 and using three-phase technology due to the lower
site N-5.4 is still being assessed (see chapter transmission capacity of three-phase submarine
Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht cable systems.
gefunden werden.).
Due to the low wind farm capacity in the
Compared with the NOR-7-2 and NOR-5-2 German Baltic Sea EEZ expected for
routes for boundary corridor N-V, a significantly commissioning from 2026 compared to the
higher number of crossings is required with capacity of an HVDC transmission system, a
existing or planned cables or pipelines for the connection by means of a DC system would
NOR-7-2 route. However, it also appears that probably lead to permanent vacancies.
the route from NOR-5-2 to gate N-V, at a
The transmission system operator plans, builds
distance of 159 km, would be almost 70%
and operates the transformer platform of the
longer than the NOR-7-2 route (94 km).
grid connection system. A separate platform of
Moreover, NOR-5-2 would run almost entirely
the offshore wind farm is unlikely to be
within the nature conservation area and, in
necessary due to its proximity to the coast and
places, within or in the immediate vicinity of
the transformer platform may also be used in
known section 30 biotope occurrences. Overall,
coordination with the TSO. In this way, the
therefore, the proposed NOR-7-2 alternative is
costs incurred by an additional platform for the
expected to have less impact on the marine
grid user as well as the associated additional
environment than the route of NOR-5-2.
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 61
space requirements and environmental impacts unforeseen adverse effects at an early stage
during construction, operation and dismantling and take appropriate remedial action.
can be avoided.
Accordingly, in accordance with section 40
The offshore connection lines in the Baltic Sea subsection 2 no. 9 UVPG, the environmental
are therefore basically designed similarly to the report is to specify the measures envisaged for
connection concept known from the BFO-O monitoring the significant environmental effects
based on three-phase current technology, of implementation of the plan. Monitoring is the
whereby the responsibility for planning, responsibility of the Federal Maritime and
construction and operation of the transformer Hydrographic Agency, which is the authority
platform has been shifted to the transmission responsible for the Strategic Environmental
system operator. Assessment (see section 45 subsection 2
UVPG). As intended by Art. 10 subsection 2 of
Two of the grid connection systems already
the SEA Directive and section 45 subsection 5
implemented by the TSO in the Baltic Sea area
of the UVPG, existing monitoring mechanisms
to connect offshore wind energy projects in the
may be used to prevent duplication of
O-3 area of the FEP and in the territorial sea
monitoring work. According to section 45
are based on a transmission voltage of 150 kV.
subsection 4 UVPG, the results of the
For the other three systems currently being
monitoring activities are to be taken into
implemented to connect offshore wind farm
account in the updating of the Site
projects in the O-1 area, an increase of the
Development Plan.
transmission voltage to 220 kV has been
implemented. By designing for a voltage level of With regard to the planned monitoring activities,
220 kV, the highest possible transmission it should be noted that the actual monitoring of
capacity per cable system - for the three-phase the potential effects on the marine environment
connection - can be realised and the can only begin when the Site Development Plan
transmission task can be fulfilled with as few is implemented, i.e. when the decisions made
cable systems as possible. Using a lower within the framework of the plan are
transmission voltage would therefore lead to a implemented. Nevertheless, the natural
higher number of cable systems and thus be development of the marine environment,
less environmentally friendly. including climate change, should not be
disregarded when assessing the results of
A possible further increase of the voltage level
monitoring activities. However, general
is not necessary for the connection systems in
research cannot be carried out within the
the Baltic Sea EEZ due to the limited power to
framework of monitoring. Therefore, project-
be transmitted. Furthermore, an increase would
related monitoring of the effects of the uses
not lead to a reduction in the number of cable
regulated in the plan is of particular importance.
systems required.
The main function of plan monitoring is to bring
10 Measures envisaged for together and evaluate the results of different
monitoring the phases of monitoring at the level of individual
projects or clusters of projects developed in a
environmental impacts spatial and temporal context. The assessment
The potential significant effects on the will also cover the unforeseen significant effects
environment resulting from the implementation of the implementation of the plan, the marine
of the plan are to be monitored in accordance environment and the review of the forecasts in
with section 45 UVPG. The aim is to identify the environmental report. In this context, in
62 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts
accordance with section 45 subsection 3 Evaluation of measures to prevent and
UVPG, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic mitigate significant effects on the marine
Agency will ask the competent authorities for environment,
the monitoring results available there; these are
Development of norms and standards.
required for implementation of the monitoring
activities. The following data and information are required
in order to assess the possible effects of the
Results from existing national and international
plan:
monitoring programmes must also be taken into
account, also with a view to preventing 1. Data and information available to the
duplication of work. The monitoring of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
conservation status of certain species and within the scope of its responsibility:
habitats required pursuant to Art. 11 of the
Data resources from previous EISs and
Habitats Directive must also be included, as
monitoring activities of offshore projects
must the investigations to be carried out in the
that are available to the Federal
context of the management plans for the nature
Maritime and Hydrographic Agency for
conservation area "Pommeranian Bight –
review (according to the Offshore
Rönnebank". It will also provide links with the
Installations Ordinance),
measures provided in the Marine Strategy
Framework Directive and the Water Framework Data resources from the right of
Directive. subrogation (according to WindSeeG),
In summary, the planned measures for Data resources from the preliminary
monitoring the potential effects of the plan can investigations (according to WindSeeG),
be summarised as follows: Data resources from the construction
The collection of data and information that and operation monitoring of offshore
can be used to describe and assess the wind farms and other uses,
status of areas, factors and potential effects Data from national monitoring, collected
of the development of individual projects, by the Federal Maritime and
Development of suitable procedures and Hydrographic Agency or by the Leibniz
criteria for evaluation of the results from Institute for Baltic Sea Research on
effect monitoring of individual projects, behalf of the Agency,
Development of procedures and criteria for Data from Federal Maritime and
evaluation of cumulative effects, Hydrographic Agency research projects.
Development of procedures and criteria for 2. Data and information from the areas of
forecasting possible effects of the plan in a responsibility of other Federal and State
spatial and temporal context, authorities
(on request):
Development of procedures and criteria for
evaluating the plan and adapting or, where Data from national monitoring of the
appropriate, optimising it as part of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea (formerly
update, BLMP),
Data from monitoring activities as part of
the implementation of the Marine
Strategy Framework Directive,
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 63
Data from the monitoring of Natura 2000 When combining and evaluating the results
sites, from monitoring at project level and from other
national and international monitoring
Data provided by States from monitoring
programmes, and from the accompanying
activities in coastal waters,
research, it will be necessary to review the gaps
Data from other authorities responsible in knowledge and uncertain forecasts presented
for the authorisation of uses at sea in the environmental report. This applies in
according to other legal bases, e.g. the particular to forecasts concerning assessment
Federal Mining Act, maritime traffic of significant effects on the marine environment
monitoring (AIS), fisheries monitoring from the uses regulated in the Site
(VMS) Development Plan. The cumulative effects of
defined uses are to be assessed regionally and
3. Data and information from Federal and
supraregionally.
State research projects,
e.g.: 10.1 Monitoring of potential effects of
HELBIRD / DIVER, areas and sites for offshore wind
Sediment EEZ
turbines
The investigation of the potential environmental
4. Data and information from evaluations
effects of areas and sites for offshore wind
carried out within the scope of international
energy is to be carried out at project level on
committees and conventions
the basis of the standard "Investigation of
HELCOM impacts of offshore wind turbines (StUK4)" and
in coordination with the Federal Maritime and
ASCOBANS
Hydrographic Agency. The results from the
AEWA investigations of the offshore wind farm projects
are to be used as a basis for assessment of the
BirdLife International.
locations with regard to the biological factors.
For reasons of practicability and appropriate Monitoring during construction of foundations
implementation of requirements from the by means of pile-driving work involves
strategic environmental assessment, the measuring underwater noise and acoustic
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency will recordings of the effects of pile-driving noise on
pursue an approach focusing on the marine mammals using POD measuring
interdisciplinary compilation of information on instruments. Additional monitoring measures
the marine environment that is as ecosystem- are also planned in order to assess the effects
oriented as possible when monitoring the of the stratification of the water under certain
possible effects of the plan. hydrographic conditions on the propagation of
To be able to assess the causes of planned pile-driving noise in the Baltic Sea, and to allow
changes in parts or individual elements of an further measures to be implemented if
ecosystem, the anthropogenic variables from necessary. These measures may include
spatial observation (e.g. technical information additional noise measurements coupled with
on shipping traffic from AIS data resources) CTD measurements at different water depths in
must also be considered and included in the order to detect possible changes in noise
assessment. propagation attenuation due to stratification of
the water body.
64 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts
Investigations are required for all factors in o ProBird, forecast of migratory bird
accordance with the requirements of StUK4 for activity,
the entire duration of the construction phase
o ERa, field report on pile-driving noise,
and for a period of between three and five
years. o Schall [Noise] I and II, development
No special monitoring is required during the of a specialist information system for
operating phase. underwater noise,
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic o Schall [Noise] I and II, evaluation of
Agency implements a whole range of projects underwater noise measurements.
as part of its accompanying research into the The measures implemented to date include
possible impacts of offshore wind turbines on development of measurement regulations for
the marine environment. measuring underwater noise (2011),
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic development of measurement regulations for
Agency's research projects directly related to determining the effectiveness of noise
the possible effects on factors and the mitigation systems (2013), and cooperation on
development of norms and standards include the development of ISO 18406:17 and DIN
the following: SPEC 45653.
Project ANKER "Approaches to cost The results from ongoing Federal Maritime and
reduction in the surveying of monitoring data Hydrographic Agency projects will be directly
for offshore wind farms", FKZ 0325921, with incorporated into the further development of
funding from the Federal Ministry for standards, such as the development of StUK5.
Economic Affairs and Energy/PtJ,
10.2 Monitoring of potential effects of
R&D study BeMo "Evaluation approaches for
platforms
underwater noise monitoring in connection
with offshore licensing procedures, regional The same monitoring measures as stated in
development and the Marine Strategy 10.1 are to be applied to the platforms provided
Framework Directive", with funding from the for in the Site Development Plan.
Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital
Infrastructure/Federal Maritime and 10.3 Monitoring of the potential
Hydrographic Agency, effects of sea cables
R&D project "Sound mapping", with funding As for submarine cable systems, the potential
from the Federal Ministry of Transport and impact on the marine environment can only be
Digital Infrastructure/Federal Maritime and assessed in the specific project. For the first
Hydrographic Agency, time, StUK4 (standard examination concept 4)
also contains minimum requirements for the
R&D cooperation, NavES "Eco-friendly investigation of submarine cable routes with
offshore developments", with funding from regard to benthos, biotope structure and
the departmental research plan of the biotope types during the baseline survey and
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature the operational phase of the submarine cable
Conservation and Nuclear Safety; several systems. For example, during the baseline
sub-projects belong to NavES: survey, each biotope structure determined by
o MultiBird, investigation of the collision sediment investigations along the cable route
risk of migratory birds, must be covered by at least three cross-
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 65
transects for the benthos investigations. In in the EEZ. The pooling of information leads to
addition, one cross-transect each must be an increasingly solid basis for impact
placed at the start and end points of the route. forecasting.
Each cross-transect in turn consists of five
The general intention is to keep data from
stations. Identified suspected areas of biotopes
research, projects and monitoring consistent
protected according to § 30 BNatSchG are to
and to make it available for competent
be additionally investigated for spatial
evaluation. In particular, the creation of joint
delimitation according to the current mapping
overview products for the verification of the
instructions of the BfN.
plan's impacts is to be aimed at here. The
After the cable system has been laid, its spatial data infrastructure already in place at
location has to be verified to the licensing the BSH, with data from physics, chemistry,
authority in accordance with current licensing geology and biology, as well as use of the sea,
practice in the first five years of operation by at will be used as a basis for the compilation and
least one survey per year. The number of evaluation of ecologically relevant data and will
surveys in the following years is determined by be further developed accordingly.
the licensing authority on a case-by-case basis.
With regard to the compilation and archiving of
The surveys with regard to the marine
ecologically relevant data from project-related
environment are to be performed in
monitoring and accompanying research, it is
coordination with the licensing authority on a
planned in detail that data collected in the
project-specific basis. As far as possible, the
course of accompanying ecological research
investigation methods shall be described as
will also be compiled in the BSH and archived
described in the "Standard - Investigation of the
in the long term. The data on biological assets
Impacts of Offshore Wind Turbines on the
from baseline surveys of offshore wind energy
Marine Environment (StUK4)". One year after
projects and from monitoring of the construction
commissioning of the submarine cable systems,
and operating phases are already being
investigations of the benthic biotic communities
collected and archived at the BSH in a
on the same transects as in the baseline survey
specialist information network for environmental
are to be carried out to verify possible impacts
assessments, known as MARLIN (MarineLife
of the construction and operation phase.
Investigator)..
To monitor the implementation of the plan,
measures are also planned which will help to
verify the forecasts made with regard to
significant impacts of offshore wind energy and,
if necessary, to adjust utilisation strategies and
planned avoidance and mitigation measures or
to review evaluation criteria, in particular with
regard to cumulative effects.
Within the framework of the SEA for the plan,
new findings from the environmental impact
studies and from the joint evaluation of
research and EIA data are used (cf. Chapter 2).
A joint evaluation of research and EIA data also
produces products that provide a better
overview of the distribution of biological assets
66 Non-technical summary
11 Non-technical summary purposes of the plan.
The FEP has the character of a sectoral plan.
§§ Under Sections 4 et seq. of the Wind Energy
As an important control instrument, the sectoral
at Sea Act (WindSeeG), the BSH prepares a
plan is designed to plan the use of offshore
site development plan (FEP) in agreement with
wind energy in a targeted and as optimal as
the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) and in
possible by defining areas and sites as well as
coordination with the Federal Agency for Nature
locations, route and route corridors for grid
Conservation (BfN), the Directorate-General for
connections or for cross-border submarine
Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) and the
cable systems.
coastal Länder.
The FEP contains provisions for the expansion
The FEP was first drawn up in 2018 and 2019
of offshore wind energy plants and the offshore
and was published on 28 June 2019 and is
connection lines required for this purpose for
currently being updated. When the FEP was
the period from 2026 to at least 2030 with the
drawn up, a detailed environmental assessment
aim of
was carried out in accordance with the
Environmental Impact Assessment Act (UVPG), to achieve the expansion target under § 4
the so-called Strategic Environmental No. 2b of the EEG,
Assessment (SEA). The environmental reports expand electricity generation from offshore
were also published on 28.06.2019. The wind turbines in a spatially ordered and
performance of a Strategic Environmental space-saving manner, and
Assessment with the preparation of an to ensure the orderly and efficient use and
environmental report is based on § 35 para. 1 utilisation of offshore connecting lines and
no. 1 UVPG in conjunction with No. 1.17 of to plan, construct, commission and use
Annex 5, as site development plans are subject offshore connecting lines in parallel with
to the SEA obligation under Article 5 the expansion of electricity generation from
WindSeeG. In principle, this also applies if the wind turbines at sea.
FEP is updated or amended.
Within the framework of the central model, the
The SEA for the FEP 2019 does not formally FEP is the control instrument for the orderly
include new areas and the definition of new expansion of offshore wind energy in a staged
areas or other energy production areas. Thus, a planning process. The FEP SEA is linked to
strategic environmental assessment must be upstream and downstream environmental
carried out for the definitions that have not yet assessments. The FEP classifies itself as
been reviewed, as it is in any case not possible sectoral planning in accordance with the higher-
to rule out the possibility of anticipated level regional planning. In the next step, the
significant environmental impacts. Insofar as areas for offshore wind energy plants defined in
new findings on existing provisions are the FEP are pre-examined. If the suitability of a
available and relevant, these will also be taken site for the use of offshore wind energy is
into account. established, the site is put out to tender and the
The main document of the SEA is the present winning bidder can submit an application for
environmental report. It identifies, describes approval (planning approval or planning
and assesses the likely significant effects that permission) for the construction and operation
the implementation of the FEP will have on the of wind energy plants on the site. There is no
environment and possible alternative planning preliminary investigation for the defined
options, taking into account the essential platform sites and cable routes.
Non-technical summary 67
With regard to the character of the FEP as a the specifications in terms of time as the
controlling planning instrument, the scope of the chronological order of the call for tenders or the
assessment of presumably significant calendar years of commissioning that are
environmental impacts is characterised by a relevant here, since these do not cause any
larger scope of investigation and, in principle, a further environmental impacts compared to the
smaller depth of investigation. Just as with the spatial specifications. Although some planning
instrument of maritime spatial planning, the and engineering principles serve, among other
focus of the assessment is on the evaluation of things, to reduce environmental impacts, they
cumulative effects and the examination of may also lead to impacts themselves, so that
alternatives. an assessment is required.
The establishment, updating and amendment of The assessment of the likely significant
the FEP and the implementation of the SEA will environmental effects of the implementation of
be carried out with due regard for the objectives the FEP includes secondary, cumulative,
of environmental protection. These provide synergistic, short-, medium- and long-term,
information on the environmental status that is permanent and temporary, positive and
to be achieved in the future (environmental negative effects in terms of the goods to be
quality objectives). The objectives of protected.
environmental protection can be seen in an
The basis for assessing potential impacts is a
overall view of the international, Community
detailed description and assessment of the
and national conventions and regulations which
environmental status. The SEA has been
deal with marine environmental protection and
carried out with regard to the following objects
on the basis of which the Federal Republic of
of protection:
Germany has committed itself to certain
principles and objectives. Area
Strategic Environmental Assessment Floor
methodology
Water
In the present environmental report, the
Plankton
methodology of the SEA of the Federal Sectoral
Plans Offshore (BFO), which has already been Biotope types
used as a basis, is built on and further Benthos
developed with a view to the additional
Fish
specifications made in the FEP that go beyond
the BFO. Marine mammals
The methodology is based primarily on the Avifauna
provisions of the plan to be examined. Within bats
the framework of this SEA, it is determined,
Biological diversity
described and evaluated for each of the
specifications whether the specifications are Air
likely to have significant impacts on the objects Climate
of protection concerned. The subject matter of
the environmental report corresponds to the Landscape
specifications of the FEP as listed in Article 5 cultural heritage and other tangible assets
para 1 WindSeeG. However, it is not so much
68 Non-technical summary
the consideration of the protected areas. In
people, in particular human health
order to depict the spectrum of possible
Interactions between protected goods (realistic) developments, the assessment is
essentially based on a range of individual
The description and assessment of the likely parameters. This enables the most
significant environmental impacts is carried out comprehensive possible description and
separately for areas and land, platforms and assessment of the current planning status with
submarine cable systems. Furthermore, where regard to the protected interests.
necessary, a differentiation is made according
Regarding the areas, irrespective of the
to different technical designs. The description
concrete definition in the plan and the
and assessment of the probable significant
probability of implementation in the Baltic Sea
impacts of the implementation of the FEP on
EEZ, a total of 3 areas are assumed in the
the marine environment also refers to the
sense of a worst-case consideration. In
protected assets described. All plan contents
accordance with § 5 para. 1 no. 5 WindSeeG,
which may potentially have significant
the expected capacity of offshore wind energy
environmental impacts are examined.
plants to be installed is to be specified in the
The effects of construction and dismantling as FEP for the areas or specifically for the areas.
well as the effects of plant and operating Although one or more layouts for offshore wind
conditions are considered. In addition, effects farm planning are not taken as a basis for
that may arise in the course of maintenance determining the expected installed capacity,
and repair work are also taken into account. certain parameters such as number of turbines,
This is followed by a description of possible hub height, height of the lower rotor tip, rotor
interactions, a consideration of possible diameter, total height, diameter of foundation
cumulative effects and potential cross-border types and scour protection are assumed in this
impacts. SEA for a consideration related to the
An assessment of the impacts caused by the protection of the environment.
FEP's specifications is carried out on the basis Also, when examining the sites for platforms,
of the status description and status assessment certain parameters are taken as a basis, such
and the function and significance of the as the number of platforms or the length of the
individual areas, sites and routes for the park's internal cabling. When determining
individual objects of protection on the one hand, routes and route corridors for submarine cable
and the impacts emanating from these systems, certain widths of the cable trench and
specifications and the resulting potential the number and area of the crossing structures
impacts on the other. A forecast of the project- and platforms are assumed.
related impacts when the FEP is implemented
According to § 5 Para. 2a WindSeeG, the FEP
is based on the criteria of intensity, scope and
can also make specifications for "other energy
duration of the effects.
production areas" for a total of 40 to 70 km².
Within the framework of the impact prognosis, Pursuant to § 3 No. 8 WindSeeG, another
specific framework parameters for areas and energy production area is an area outside areas
sites, for platform locations and for cable routes where offshore wind energy turbines and other
are used as a basis for evaluation. Although no energy production facilities can be erected in a
wind farm layouts are specified in the FEP to spatial context. The installations may not be
determine the expected installed capacity, connected to the public grid. Within the
certain parameters are assumed in the SEA for framework of the strategic environmental
Non-technical summary 69
assessment, a "classic" offshore wind farm is these impairments will probably only have a
assumed on the basis of the knowledge gained small-scale effect and are limited in time. Due
to date with regard to electricity generation. to the nature of the plant, changes in the
Environmental impacts beyond this are strongly species composition may occur as a result of
dependent on the respective use variant and local land sealing and the introduction of hard
are therefore comprehensively examined at the substrates in the immediate vicinity of the
approval level. In this respect, the SEA for the building. As the colonisation of the artificial hard
other areas of energy generation is carried out substrates is associated with an accumulation
in the same way as the assessment of areas for of organic material, a local lack of oxygen may
offshore wind energy. occur due to the biological degradation process.
In the Baltic Sea EEZ, the current draft FEP The laying of the submarine cable systems is
proposes SEO-1 as a possible other energy also only expected to cause small-scale
production area. The other energy production disturbances of the benthos by sediment
area SEO-1 is under examination due to upheavals and turbidity plumes in the area of
possible conflicts of use with regard to nature the cable route. Possible effects on the benthos
conservation issues, in particular bird migration. depend on the installation methods used and
the geological and hydrographic conditions.
Benthos
With the comparatively gentle installation using
The inventory of species in the Baltic Sea EEZ, the flushing method, only minor disturbances of
with its approximately 250 macrozoobenthos the benthos in the area of the cable route are to
species, can be regarded as average. The be expected. Local sediment shifts and turbidity
benthic communities are also typical for the plumes are to be expected during the laying of
Baltic Sea EEZ and for the most part do not the submarine cable systems. In more cohesive
exhibit any special features. According to the soils, the cable systems are milled in or laid
currently available studies, the with a heavy plough. These procedures are
macrozoobenthos of the Baltic Sea EEZ is also also associated with disturbance of the
considered average due to the proven number sediment and benthic fauna and sediment
of Red List species. Investigations of turbulence.
macrozoobenthos in the context of the licensing
In areas with a lower proportion of fine grains,
procedures for offshore wind farms and grid
most of the released sediment will settle
connections from 2002 to 2015 have confirmed
relatively quickly in the immediate vicinity of the
this assessment. The species inventory found
cable route. In areas with soft sediments and
and the number of Red List species indicate an
correspondingly high fine-grain content, the
average importance of the study area for
near-bottom currents are relatively low, so that
benthic organisms.
only temporary, local effects can be expected
Deep foundations of wind turbines and for these areas as well. In the short term,
platforms cause small-scale and short-term pollutants and nutrients may be released from
disturbances of the seabed, sediment the sediment into the soil water. The potential
upheavals and the formation of turbidity release of pollutants from the sandy sediment is
plumes. The resuspension of sediment and the negligible. In the area of silty and clayey
subsequent sedimentation can lead to an seabeds, a significant release of pollutants from
impairment or damage of the benthos in the the sediment into the bottom water can occur.
immediate vicinity of the foundations for the The pollutants generally adhere to sinking
duration of construction activities. However, particles which, due to the low currents in the
70 Non-technical summary
Baltic Sea basins, hardly drift over long released during construction, and potential
distances and remain in their original habitat changes. Direct claiming of nature
environment. In the medium term, this conservation areas is generally not permitted
remobilised material is deposited again in the for wind turbines and platforms. In accordance
silty basins. with the planning principles of the FEP, known
occurrences of protected biotopes are to be
Benthic habitats are directly overbuilt in the
avoided as far as possible in accordance
area of necessary rock fills for cable crossings
with Article 30 BNatSchG, or treated with
or where it is locally necessary to lay cable
particular importance in the specific approval
sections on the seabed. The resulting habitat
procedure. In addition, the planned route of the
loss is permanent but small-scale. The result is
pipeline bypasses the currently known
a non-native hard substrate that can cause
occurrences of reefs and suspected reef areas.
changes in species composition on a small
scale. Owing to the predominant sediment
composition in areas where occurrences of
Due to operational conditions, the uppermost
protected biotope types are to be expected,
sediment layer of the seabed directly above the
impairments due to overburdening are likely to
cable system may become warmer, which may
be small-scale, as the released sediment will
lead to impairments of benthic communities.
settle quickly. Due to the prevailing low ground-
With the planning principle for sediment
level currents, even in areas with soft
warming, the FEP stipulates that the 2 K
sediments, turbidity plumes which clearly
criterion must be met. According to BfN's
exceed natural suspended sediment maxima
assessment, this precautionary value ensures
can only be expected up to a distance of about
with sufficient probability, based on current
500 m. The released material remains in the
knowledge, that significant negative impacts of
water column long enough to be distributed
cable heating on the marine environment are
over a large area, so that due to the
avoided.
comparatively low volumes, hardly any
As things stand at present, the planned detectable thickness of the deposited material
transformer or collection platforms and can be expected. Simulations show that the
submarine cable routes are not expected to released sediment will have settled again after
have any significant impacts on the protected max. 12 hours. Thus, according to the current
resource benthos if the 2 K criterion is met. state of knowledge, the impairments will
Only very small-scale areas outside of generally remain small-scale and temporary.
protected areas will be used. Due to the usually
Permanent habitat changes are limited to the
rapid regenerative capacity of the existing
immediate vicinity of foundations and rock fills,
populations of benthic organisms with short
which are required in the case of cable laying
generation cycles and their widespread
on the seabed and cable crossings. Stone
distribution in the German Baltic Sea, rapid
rubble permanently represents a hard substrate
recolonisation is very likely.
that is foreign to the site. This provides new
Biotope types habitats for benthic organisms and can lead to
Possible impacts of wind turbines, platforms a change in the species composition. These
and submarine cable systems on the protected small-scale areas are not expected to have any
asset biotope types can result from direct use of significant impact on the protected biotope
protected biotopes, possible covering by types. In addition, the risk of a negative impact
sedimentation of construction-related material on the benthic soft soil community by species
Non-technical summary 71
untypical of the area is low, since it is highly construction phase, fish may be temporarily
likely that the species will be recruited from frightened away by noise and vibrations. Noise
natural hard substrate habitats. during the construction phase must be reduced
by appropriate measures. Further local impacts
Fish
on the fish fauna may be caused by the
According to current knowledge, the fish additional hard substrates introduced as a
communities typical of the habitat occur in the result of possible changes in benthos. Sediment
German EEZ. The pelagic fish community, warming and magnetic fields that could
represented by herring, sprat, salmon and sea emanate from submarine cables are also not
trout, has been identified, as has the demersal expected to have any lasting effects on mobile
fish community, consisting of large fish species fish fauna.
such as cod, plaice, flounder and dab. Due to
Marine mammals
the habitat-typical fish communities, the fish
fauna is of average importance with regard to The areas and zones defined in the FEP in the
its specificity. In the eastern part of the EEZ, a Baltic Sea EEZ are part of the harbour porpoise
total of 45 fish species have been identified in habitat, as is the whole of the Western Baltic
various studies, including 6 Red List species. Sea. According to current knowledge, these
According to current knowledge, the planned areas are used by harbour porpoises as transit
sites do not represent a preferred habitat for areas. There is currently no evidence that the
any of the protected fish species. As a result, areas and sites have any particular function as
the fish stock in the planning area is not feeding grounds or breeding grounds for
ecologically significant compared to harbour porpoises. Seals and grey seals only
neighbouring marine areas. According to sporadically use the three areas O-1 to O-3 as
current knowledge, the planned construction of transit areas. On the basis of the findings from
wind farms and the associated platforms and the monitoring of Natura 2000 areas and from
sea cable routes are not expected to have a studies for offshore wind farms, it can currently
significant impact on the protected fish species. be deduced that areas O-1 and O-2 are of
The effects on the fish fauna during the medium to seasonal importance for harbour
construction of the wind farms, platforms and porpoises. The seasonally high importance of
submarine cable systems are limited in space the area results from the possible use by
and time. During the construction phase of the individuals of the separate and highly
foundations, the platforms and the laying of the endangered Baltic Sea population of harbour
submarine cable systems, the fish fauna may porpoise during the winter months. For harbour
be temporarily affected in small areas by seals and grey seals these areas are of no
sediment turbulence and the formation of particular importance.
turbidity plumes. Due to the prevailing sediment
Hazards to marine mammals can be caused by
and current conditions, the turbidity of the water
noise emissions during the installation of the
is expected to decrease again quickly. Based
foundations of transformer or collection
on the current state of knowledge,the
platforms. Without the use of noise-reducing
impairments will therefore remain small-scale
measures, considerable disturbance to marine
and temporary. Overall, small-scale impacts on
mammals during pile driving in individual
adult fish can be expected to be minimal. In
subspaces cannot be ruled out. In the specific
addition, the fish fauna is adapted to the natural
approval procedure, therefore, the driving of
sediment turbulence caused by storms that is
piles of the transformer or collection platforms
typical for this area. Furthermore, during the
will only be permitted with the use of effective
72 Non-technical summary
noise abatement measures. For this purpose, habitats of the Pomeranian Bay and the Adler
the FEP will stipulate the principle of noise Ground. Overall, the area has a medium
reduction in the text. seabird occurrence and a medium occurrence
of endangered and particularly worthy of
This states that the installation of the
protection species. According to current
foundations is only to be carried out in
knowledge, areas O-2 and O-3 are of minor
compliance with strict noise reduction
importance as feeding and resting habitats for
measures. In the specific approval procedure,
seabirds. Both areas have a low occurrence of
extensive noise reduction measures and
endangered species and species requiring
monitoring measures are ordered to ensure
special protection. They do not belong to the
compliance with applicable noise protection
main resting, feeding and wintering habitats of
values (sound event level (SEL) of 160 dB re
species listed in Annex I of the directive. Due to
1µPa²s and peak level of 190 dB re 1µPa at a
the depth of the water and the composition of
distance of 750 m around the pile driving or
the ground, all three areas are of limited
placement site). Suitable measures are to be
importance as feeding grounds for diving sea
taken to ensure that no marine mammals are
ducks. Like divers, they use the areas mainly as
present in the vicinity of the pile-driving site.
transit areas. Due to the distance to the coastal
According to current knowledge, significant
breeding colonies, the areas are of no particular
impacts on marine mammals caused by the
importance as feeding grounds for breeding
operation of the transformer or collection
birds.
platforms can be excluded.
In the first place, disturbances for sea birds and
The exclusion of the construction of transformer
resting birds during the construction phase are
and assembly platforms in Natura 2000 sites
caused by light emissions and visual
contributes to reducing the risk to harbour
disturbance. These can cause different species-
porpoises in key feeding and breeding areas.
specific chasing and barrier effects. Direct
The construction and operation of the planned
disturbances in the construction phase are to
transformer or collection platforms is not
be expected locally and for a limited period of
expected to have any significant adverse
time. Due to the high mobility of birds,
effects on marine mammals at present,
significant effects can be ruled out with a high
following implementation of the mitigation
degree of certainty. During the construction
measures to be ordered in individual
phase, which is limited in time, no significant
procedures in accordance with the planning
impacts on sea birds or resting birds are to be
principle and corresponding compliance with
expected, either through the construction of the
applicable noise protection values. Nor are any
planned wind energy plants and platforms or
significant impacts on marine mammals to be
through the laying of the planned submarine
expected from the laying and operation of
cable systems. Construction-related scare
submarine cable systems.
effects are local and do not go beyond the
Seabirds and resting birds disturbances generally associated with slow
The individual areas for offshore wind energy in ship movements.
the Baltic Sea EEZ have different importance For certain bird species, wind farms and
for sea birds and resting birds. Overall, area O- platforms will have a permanent but, according
1 is expected to be of medium importance for to current knowledge, not significant disturbing
seabirds. The area touches the southern and and chasing effect. A possible collision risk for
south-eastern edges of the extensive resting species at risk of collision can be excluded with
Non-technical summary 73
the necessary safety through species-specific Potential cumulative effects caused by the wind
behaviour and possible plant configurations. turbines, transformer and collection platforms in
Due to the exclusionary effect of wind farms conjunction with other planned offshore wind
and platforms in Natura 2000 areas, habitat farms are dealt with in the section on
losses in important habitats are reduced. cumulative effects.
As a result, significant impacts caused by the During the construction phase, which is limited
construction or relocation of platforms, wind in time, no significant impacts on migratory
energy plants and submarine cable systems as birds are to be expected from the erection of
well as by the respective operation on the the planned wind turbines, transformer or
protected property of sea and resting birds can collection platforms or from the laying of the
be excluded with the necessary safety. planned submarine cable systems, according to
current knowledge. Construction-related
Migratory birds
deterrent effects are local and do not go beyond
The EEZ of the Baltic Sea is of average to the disturbances generally associated with slow
above average importance for bird migration. ship movements.
Up to one billion birds migrate across the Baltic
bats
Sea every year. The Baltic Sea is an important
transit area for sea ducks and geese from Migration movements of bats across the Baltic
Northern Europe and Russia (as far as Western Sea have been documented in various ways,
Siberia), with much of the migration in autumn but concrete information on migratory species,
taking place in an east-west direction close to migration corridors, migration heights and
the coast. The western Baltic Sea is flown over migration concentrations is still missing.
by several species requiring special protection Previous findings only confirm that bats,
(e.g. White-cheeked Goose, Whooper Swan, especially long-distance migratory species,
Eider, Scoter and Velvet Scoter) at sometimes migrate across the Baltic Sea. Based on
high intensities. Thermal gliders and other observations to date, it is assumed that bats
tagging land birds prefer to migrate along the tend to migrate across the sea in
"bird flight line" (islands of Fehmarn, Falster, concentrations (swarms), probably at
Møn and Seeland, Falsterbo). East of this main considerable flight altitudes and on regularly
route, these birds migrate at a much lower used migration routes.
density. The western Baltic Sea is of above-
Hazards can be caused to bats during the
average importance for crane migration.
operational phase of wind turbines and
Possible effects of the planned wind farms and platforms. The sensitivity of bats to structures
transformer or collection platforms for migratory on land and the associated risk of collisions is
birds may be that they represent a barrier or a well known, as is the risk of collision with wind
risk of collision. In the clear weather conditions turbines. Furthermore, possible barrier effects
preferred by birds for their migration, the as well as habitat or attraction effects on land
probability of collision with a wind turbine, are also known. However, the effects of
transformer or collection platform is low. Poor offshore structures are largely unknown.
weather conditions increase the risk. It can be
A cumulative consideration of the hazard risk is
assumed that any negative impacts can be
currently not possible due to a lack of reliable
reduced by ensuring that lighting is as
data.
compatible as possible during operation of wind
turbines, transformer or collection platforms. Air quality
74 Non-technical summary
The construction and operation of the platforms to a small-scale change in the food supply.
and the laying of submarine cable systems as Furthermore, the areas and land included in the
part of the implementation of the FEP will have FEP are not considered to be of particular
no measurable impact on air quality. importance for protected goods at the higher
food web level.
Biological diversity
Due to the variability of the habitat, interactions
Biological diversity encompasses the diversity
can only be described in a very imprecise
of habitats and biotic communities, the diversity
manner overall. In principle, it can be stated
of species and genetic diversity within species
that, according to the current state of
(Art. 2 Convention on Biological Diversity,
knowledge, no interactions are discernible that
1992). The public focus is on species diversity.
could result in a threat to the marine
With regard to the current state of biodiversity in environment.
the Baltic Sea, it should be noted that there are
Cumulative effects
countless indications of changes in biodiversity
and species structure at all systematic and Soil, benthos and biotope types
trophic levels in the Baltic Sea. These are
A substantial part of the environmental impacts
mainly due to human activities, such as fishing
caused by the areas and surfaces, platforms
and marine pollution, or to climate change. Red
and submarine cable systems on soil, benthos
lists of endangered animal and plant species
and biotopes will occur exclusively during the
have an important monitoring and warning
construction period (formation of turbidity
function in this context, as they show the status
plumes, sediment shifting, etc.) and on a
of the populations of species and biotopes in a
spatially narrowly defined area. Particularly due
region. Possible impacts on biodiversity are
to the gradual implementation of the
dealt with in the environmental report in
construction projects, construction-related
connection with the individual objects of
cumulative environmental impacts are not very
protection. In summary, according to current
likely.
knowledge, the planned expansion of offshore
wind energy and the associated grid expansion Possible cumulative impacts on the seabed,
are not expected to have any significant impact which could also have a direct impact on the
on biodiversity. benthos and specially protected biotope types
to be protected, result from the permanent
Interactions
direct land use of the foundations of the wind
In general, impacts on a protected good lead to turbines and platforms and from the cable
various consequences and interactions systems laid. The individual impacts are
between the protected goods. The essential basically small-scale and local.
interdependence of the biotic objects of
To estimate direct land use, a rough calculation
protection exists via the food chains. Possible
is made on the basis of the areas/areas,
interactions during the construction phase result
platforms and submarine cable systems
from sediment rearrangements and turbidity
planned in the RDP in conjunction with existing
plumes, as well as noise emissions. However,
installations and planning under the transitional
these interactions occur only very briefly and
system. The calculated land use is based on
are limited to a few days or weeks.
ecological aspects, i.e. the calculation is based
Plant-related interactions, e.g. through the on the direct ecological loss of function or the
introduction of hard substrate, are permanent, possible structural change in the area caused
but only locally to be expected. This could lead by the installation of foundations and cable
Non-technical summary 75
systems. In the area of the cable trench, be significantly affected by the fact that, if pile-
however, the impact on sediment and benthic driving takes place simultaneously at different
organisms will be essentially temporary. In the locations within the EEZ, there may not be
case of crossing particularly sensitive biotope sufficient space to evade and retreat. So far,
types such as reefs, a permanent impairment there is a lack of sufficient experience regarding
would have to be assumed. the temporal and spatial overlap in the
propagation of ramming noise.
On the basis of a model assumption, the
planning of the FEP and the transitional system, However, it is clear from the presentations of
as well as the actual stock of wind energy the FEP that the individual offshore wind farms
plants, submarine cables, rockfill and platforms, and the grid connection systems will be built
occupy a total of approx. 90 ha of land or, in the gradually, i.e. in stages, over the coming years,
case of submarine cables, temporarily impair it. rather than simultaneously.
This is a share of well below 0.2‰ of the total
Seabirds
EEZ area. In comparison, about 55% of the
Baltic Sea EEZ is protected. Since the Vertical structures such as platforms or offshore
construction of wind turbines and platforms in wind turbines can have different effects on
nature reserves is generally not permitted, the resting birds, such as loss of habitat, an
spatial use of the protected areas is limited to increased risk of collision or a chasing and
submarine cable routes. Due to the lack of a barrier effect. For resting birds, the loss of
reliable scientific basis, no statement can be habitat due to the construction of several
made at present about the use of specially structures can be particularly significant.
protected biotope types under Article 30 In particular, endangered and disturbance-
BNatSchG. An area-wide sediment and biotope sensitive seabird species such as loons need to
mapping of the EEZ currently being carried out be taken into account with regard to cumulative
will lead to more reliable information in future. effects. For disturbance-sensitive species,
In addition to the direct use of the seabed and impacts from shipping traffic (including
thus of the habitat of the organisms that have maintenance and operation of cable systems
settled there, the foundations and crossing and platforms) must be taken into account in
structures lead to an additional supply of hard addition to offshore wind farms and platforms.
substrate. The hard substrate introduced also Since all the information available to date on
means that the benthic fauna adapted to soft the areas and sites included in the FEP
soils loses habitat. However, since both the grid indicates that they are of minor importance for
connection systems and the wind farms will use species listed in Annex I of the Directive, there
up the area of ‰, according to current are no apparent obstacles to the enforceability
knowledge no significant impairments are to be of the plan. Due to the distance of the areas
expected in the accumulation which would from the "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank" nature
endanger the marine environment with regard conservation area, disturbance to wintering
to the seabed and benthos. birds in the conservation area itself can be ruled
Marine mammals out. This also applies to any disturbance by
shipping traffic in connection with the operation
Cumulative effects on marine mammals, in
and maintenance of the submarine cable
particular harbour porpoises, may occur mainly
systems, platforms and wind turbines. As the
due to noise exposure during pile driving of the
Baltic Sea is intensively used for shipping, no
foundations. For example, these assets could
additional disturbance to sensitive species is to
76 Non-technical summary
be expected as a result of increased shipping geese using a rangefinder was commissioned
traffic during the construction phase or for within the scope of the preliminary area
repair and maintenance purposes. By avoiding investigation of area O-1.3. The findings from
the use of Natura 2000 areas, significant these investigations and the further knowledge
disturbances within the nature reserve can be available resulted in the need to include species
excluded. and group of species-specific legal
requirements for the determination of the
Migratory birds
suitability of area O-1.3. For Area O-2.2, the
A potential hazard for migratory birds results on findings from the investigations on Area O-1.3
the one hand from the risk of collision with the provide valuable information. Due to the
transformer platform and the individual offshore location of area O-2.2 further west and thus
wind turbines, and on the other hand from closer to the central area of the crane migration
adverse effects due to forced changes in the corridor between Rügen and Skåne, the
flight path. findings from the planning approval procedure
Under normal migratory conditions favoured by for the neighbouring project "Baltic Eagle" are
migratory bird species, no evidence has been essential. The area O-2.2 remains under
found so far for any species that the birds investigation. The other energy production area
typically migrate in the danger zone of the SEO-1 south of area O-2 is also under
installations and/or do not recognise and avoid examination due to questions on bird migration
these obstacles. Under the clear weather which cannot yet be conclusively assessed.
conditions preferred by birds for their migration, In order to avoid or minimise the risk, the
the probability of collision with wind turbines or installations shall be designed in such a way
the transformer or collection platforms is that light emissions are avoided as far as
therefore very low. Surprisingly occurring fog possible during construction and operation,
and rain, which lead to poor visibility and low unless such emissions are required and
flight altitudes, represent a potential hazard unavoidable by safety requirements of shipping
situation. A particular problem is the and air traffic as well as requirements of
coincidence of bad weather conditions with so- occupational safety.
called mass train events, which are rare due to
The cumulative effects of the wind energy
the short train routes or train times across the
plants, transformer or collection platforms and
Baltic Sea. The risk of collision for sea and
adjacent wind farms provided for in the FEP
water birds migrating during the day is generally
and in the territorial sea of Mecklenburg-
considered to be low. They orient themselves
Western Pomerania could, in addition to the risk
visually and are usually able to land on the
of bird strikes, also lead to an extension of the
water. The risk of collision is also currently
migratory route for migrating birds. If migratory
considered to be low for day- migrating land
birds migrate within the effective range of wind
birds (e.g. cranes and birds of prey), as these
farms (up to a height of approx. 300 m), they
also orient themselves visually and avoid the
are forced to fly around or over the installations
wind turbines. However, cumulative effects can
by taking evasive action. This distracts them
lead to an increased risk of collision for some
from their migration route to a greater or lesser
areas.
extent. It is known that wind farms are avoided
In order to verify the state of knowledge, an by birds, i.e. they are flown around or over
additional monitoring of the migrating land birds horizontally. In addition to observations on land,
with the main focus on cranes, birds of prey and this behaviour has also been demonstrated in
Non-technical summary 77
offshore areas (e.g. KAHLERT et al. 2004). areas is not likely to have a significant negative
Lateral avoidance reactions are apparently the effect on the further development of the
most common reaction (HORCH & KELLER populations.
2004). The transformer or collection platforms
In this context, it has to be taken into account
are part of the individual wind farms or are
that, according to the present state of the art in
directly spatially related. In this context,
science and technology, this forecast is made
avoiding the transformer or collection platforms
under premises that are not yet suitable to
is negligible, as they do not develop their own
ensure the basis for the protected property in a
barrier effect due to their immediate spatial
satisfactory manner. Gaps in knowledge exist in
proximity to a wind farm and do not reinforce
particular with regard to the species-specific
that of the wind farm.
migratory behaviour. This applies in particular
For birds migrating in an east-west direction, to poor weather conditions (rain, fog). These
which would have to fly around areas O-1 to O- gaps in knowledge could not be closed despite
4, a maximum diversion of about 70 km would extensive research activities carried out in the
be possible. For birds with a strong coastal North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZ as part of the
orientation (e.g. Common Scoter), the diversion accompanying ecological research, including
could be longer as they would still have to fly test field research on bird migration at the
around areas O-5 and O-6. When considering "alpha ventus" offshore pilot park, evaluation of
the north-south migration direction, the possible the data continuously collected on "FINO1"
barrier effect is of a similar order of magnitude. (2008-2011), recording of bird collisions using
The spatial distance between the individual the VARS system and recording of evasive
clusters is large enough to leave sufficient movements of migratory birds using pencil
space to fly around them. Taking into account beam radar.
that the non-stop flight performance of the
Due to the gaps in knowledge mentioned
majority of migratory bird species, including
above, a final cumulative consideration of all
small bird species, is in the order of magnitude
offshore wind farms to be considered, including
of over 1000 km (BERTHOLD 2000), no
projects in areas where no valid permits or
significant effects on the energy budget of
planning approval decisions have yet been
migratory birds are to be expected. For
issued as a result of the implementation of an
example, a diversion of a maximum of 70 km in
EIA, is not possible at this stage. This concerns
relation to the migratory distances caused by
the projects in Area 2 and the projects in Area 1
the barrier effect of the wind farms should not
outside the priority area as well as other
endanger bird migration, as distractions may
offshore wind farms outside the German EEZ.
also occur due to weather conditions.
The EIAs available for the projects in Area 2 do
Based on the available knowledge about the not indicate any particular importance of these
migratory behaviour of the different bird areas for bird migration, such as a migratory
species, the usual flight altitudes and the corridor that is elevated above the surrounding
distribution of bird migration over the day, it can area. However, an increase in crane migration
be concluded that, on the basis of current was observed at times, for example during the
knowledge, even cumulative effects on bird baseline surveys for the projects in Area 2. The
migration are unlikely to be significant as a experts attribute this to drifting birds due to
result of the implementation of the projects unfavourable changes in winds during the Baltic
already approved in the priority areas. At this Sea crossing. On the basis of these
stage, a possible circumvention of the priority observations, and particularly in view of the fact
78 Non-technical summary
that a concentration of bird migration, especially example, the installation of the foundations of
for narrow-fronted migratory birds such as wind turbines and platforms in the specific
cranes, is to be expected in the area between licensing procedure is only permitted with the
Rügen and Skåne (cf. BFN 2006), significant use of effective noise abatement measures (cf.
cumulative effects cannot be ruled out at this e.g. planning principle 4.4.1.7 FEP). Against the
time. background of the special endangerment of the
separate Baltic Sea population of harbour
Transboundary effects
porpoise, intensive monitoring measures are to
The present SEA concludes that, as things be carried out as part of enforcement and, if
stand at present, the provisions of the FEP do necessary, the noise abatement measures are
not have a significant impact on the areas of the to be adapted or the construction work
neighbouring countries bordering the German coordinated in order to exclude any cumulative
Baltic Sea EEZ. effects.
Significant transboundary impacts can be ruled For migratory birds, the wind turbines and
out in principle for the following protected platforms erected on the FEP sites may
assets: soil and water, plankton, benthos, constitute a barrier or a risk of collision. The risk
biotope types, landscape, material assets and of collision needs to be minimised by taking
humans, including human health. Possible appropriate measures to avoid attracting birds
significant transboundary impacts could at best by lighting. With regard to the barrier effect, a
arise from a cumulative view in the area of the conclusive cumulative consideration is not
German Baltic Sea for the highly mobile possible with the current state of knowledge.
biological assets fish, marine mammals, sea
A cumulative assessment of the hazard risk for
birds and resting birds, as well as migratory
the bat migration is also not possible at this
birds and bats.
stage, as sufficient information on migration
With regard to fish as a protected asset, the routes, migration heights and migration
SEA comes to the conclusion that, according to intensities is still lacking. It can generally be
the current state of knowledge, no significant assumed that any significant transboundary
transboundary impacts on the protected asset impacts will be prevented by the provisions of
are to be expected as a result of the the FEP in the same way that appropriate
implementation of the FEP, since on the one avoidance or minimisation measures are
hand the areas for which the FEP makes applied to bird migration.
stipulations do not have a prominent function
Species protection law examination
for the fish fauna and on the other hand the
recognisable and predictable effects are of a The environmental report also contains an
small-scale and temporary nature. examination under species protection law in
accordance with Article 44 (1) of the Federal
This also applies to the protected species
Nature Conservation Act. At the more abstract
marine mammals and sea and resting birds.
level of sectoral planning, this comes to the
These use the areas mainly as transit areas.
conclusion that, according to the current state
There is unlikely to be any significant loss of
of knowledge and in strict compliance with
habitat for strictly protected marine and resting
avoidance and mitigation measures, the areas
bird species. Based on current knowledge and
and sites, platform sites and submarine cable
taking into account impact-reducing and
routes defined in the FEP will not have any
damage-limiting measures, significant
significant negative impacts that would trigger
transboundary impacts can be excluded. For
Non-technical summary 79
any species protection prohibitions. A detailed the Habitats Directive, e.g. the harbour
examination of species protection legislation is porpoise, must be strictly protected everywhere,
the responsibility of the individual approval including outside the established protected
procedure. areas.
Impact assessment Within the framework of the FEP, individual
definitions are planned in the spatial vicinity of
Under the present SEA, the areas, sites,
the nature reserves "Pomeranian Bay -
platforms and submarine cable routes planned
Rönnebank" and "Kadetrinne". Thus the
in the FEP will be subject to a separate
compatibility assessment in the EEZ area is
assessment of their compatibility with the
limited to these protected areas. The impact
conservation purposes of the nature reserves.
assessment will also take into account the
The German Baltic Sea EEZ includes the remote effects of the provisions adopted within
nature reserves "Pomeranian Bay - the EEZ on the protected areas in the adjacent
Rönnebank", "Fehmarn Belt" and "Kadet 12-mile zone and in the adjacent waters of
Trench", which were established by decree on neighbouring countries.
22 September 2017. Compatibility in
assessment of the compatibility of the areas
accordance with the BNatSchG is to be
and sites and of the planned platforms
investigated in line with the assessment
previously carried out for the Fauna-Flora- According to the current state of knowledge,
Habitat areas (FFH areas). disturbance to resting and migratory birds in the
nature reserves under consideration is not to be
§§ Sections 34 and 36 of the Federal Nature
expected as a result of the construction and
Conservation Act (BNatSchG) stipulate that
operation of wind turbines and platforms in the
plans or projects which, individually or in
areas defined in the FEP.
conjunction with other plans or projects, may
significantly affect a Habitats and EU Bird According to the current state of knowledge and
Protection Area and which do not directly serve on the basis of the findings from the monitoring
the management of the area, must be assessed of the erection and operation of the wind farms
for their compatibility with the protection and "Viking" and "Arkona Basin South-East" in area
conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 site. O-1, an impairment of the protection purposes
This also applies to projects outside the site of the nature conservation areas examined can
which, either individually or in combination with be excluded with certainty, taking into account
other projects or plans, are likely to significantly strict impact-minimising and damage-limiting
affect the site's conservation objectives. measures. To this end, the FEP is making
textual stipulations, particularly with regard to
The protected habitat types are the habitat
noise reduction.
types "reefs" and "sandbanks" listed in Annex I
of the Habitats Directive, certain fish species The construction and operation of wind turbines
and marine mammals listed in Annex II of the and platforms are not expected to have any
Directive (sturgeon, black scoter, porpoise, grey significant impacts on the habitat types "reef"
seal) and various bird species listed in Annex I and "sandbank" with their characteristic and
of the Birds Directive (red-throated diver, black- endangered communities and species, due to
throated diver, eared grebe, red-necked grebe, the small-scale nature of the impacts, which are
yellow-billed diver, long-tailed duck, scoter, particularly relevant for reefs, such as sediment
velvet scoter, Common gull, guillemot, razorbill, drift and sediment rearrangement of the
black guillemot). Species listed in Annex IV of released material during the construction
80 Non-technical summary
phase, and the location outside nature Based on the current state of knowledge, the
conservation areas. BSH assumes that when the plan is
implemented, either individually or in
Examination of the compatibility of the planned
conjunction with other projects, a significant
cable routes
impairment of the protective purposes of the
Possible effects of submarine cable systems nature conservation areas under consideration
are usually limited to the laying phase and are can be ruled out with certainty. A new impact
therefore limited in time and space. Impacts on assessment of the areas and test sites in the
nature conservation areas in their components territorial sea will not be carried out, as this was
relevant to the conservation objectives or the already carried out when the LEP M-V was
protection purpose are only to be expected if drawn up.
the cable routes run in the immediate vicinity or
measures to prevent, reduce and offset
within the protected areas; remote impacts on
significant negative impacts of the land-use
legally protected biotopes or FFH habitat types
plan on the marine environment
cannot be assumed on the basis of current
knowledge. In accordance with the requirements of the SEA
Directive, the measures planned to prevent,
In particular because of the small size and short
reduce and as far as possible offset significant
duration of the relocation, a significant impact
negative environmental impacts resulting from
on marine mammals can be excluded. With
the implementation of the FEP are presented.
regard to possible operational impacts, no
significant effects are expected on the basis of In principle, the FEP's stipulations will avoid
the cable configurations defined in the FEP and negative impacts on the development of the
the planning principle for sediment cover. environmental status of the Baltic Sea EEZ. In
Possible significant impairments of bird the event of non-implementation of the plan, the
sanctuaries in their components relevant to the uses would develop without the FEP's space-
protection purpose by the laying and operation saving and resource-conserving steering and
of the submarine cable systems are also to be coordination effect.
excluded. The cable-laying work only takes a
Specifically, the FEP lays down spatial and
few days and is only associated with noise and
textual specifications which, in accordance with
chasing effects typical of ships. Based on
the environmental protection objectives set out
current knowledge, significant adverse effects
in Chapter 1.4of the environmental report, serve
due to sediment drift during the construction
to avoid or reduce significant negative impacts
phase are excluded. Known occurrences of
of the implementation of the FEP on the marine
legally protected biotope types and FFH habitat
environment. This mainly concerns textual
types in the protected areas lie outside the drift
specifications on space-saving planning, on
distances discussed in the technical literature.
avoiding the use of protected areas and
Based on current knowledge, significant
structures pursuant to Article 30 of the Federal
impairment of the Habitats Directive habitat
Nature Conservation Act, on noise reduction,
types "reefs" and "sandbanks with only weak
on compliance with the 2C criterion, on the
permanent inundation by seawater" can thus be
dismantling of structures, and on the
ruled out, even if the plan and existing projects
consideration of best environmental practice
for the nature conservation areas under review
and the respective state of the art.
are considered cumulatively.
Reduction and avoidance measures are
specified and ordered by the competent
Non-technical summary 81
licensing authority at project level for the Measures planned to monitor the
planning, construction and operation phases. environmental impact of implementing the
With regard to the planned areas for wind site development plan
energy plants and platforms and for other
The potential significant impacts on the
energy generation areas, this concerns in
environment resulting from the implementation
particular noise reduction and noise prevention
of the FEP must be monitored in accordance
measures as well as environmentally
with Article 45 (1) UVPG. This is intended to
compatible lighting during the operation of the
enable unforeseen negative impacts to be
structures. Measures to avoid and reduce the
identified at an early stage and suitable
possible effects of submarine cable systems
remedial measures to be taken. The monitoring
must be taken into account in route planning
also serves to verify the gaps in knowledge or
and technical design. In order to avoid
the forecasts with uncertainties as presented in
significant negative effects of cable heating on
the environmental report. According to Article
benthos, the FEP contains a planning principle
45 para. 4 UVPG, the results of the monitoring
for sediment heating.
are to be taken into account in the updating of
Alternative testing the FEP. The actual monitoring of potential
impacts on the marine environment can only
In accordance with Art. 5 para. 1 sentence 1 of
begin once the uses regulated under the plan
the SEA Directive in conjunction with the criteria
have been realised. Therefore, project-related
in Annex I of the SEA Directive and Art. 40
monitoring of the impacts of offshore wind
para. 2 no. 8 UVPG, the environmental report
farms, platforms and submarine cable systems
contains a brief description of the reasons for
is of particular importance. The main task of
the choice of the reasonable alternatives
monitoring is to bring together and evaluate the
examined. At the plan level, the
findings of the various monitoring results at
conceptual/strategic design, spatial and
project level. In addition, existing national and
technical alternatives play a major role.
international monitoring programmes must be
In principle, it should be noted that all taken into account, also to avoid duplication of
specifications in the form of standardised work.
technology and planning principles already
The investigation of the potential environmental
involve a preliminary examination of possible
impacts of areas and sites for offshore wind
and conceivable alternatives. As can be seen
energy as well as of platforms has to be carried
from the justification of the individual planning
out at project level in accordance with the
principles, in particular those relating to the
standard "Untersuchung von Auswirkungen von
environment - e.g. route design that is as
Offshore-Windenergieanlagen (StUK4)"
bundled as possible, implementation with as
(Investigation of the impacts of offshore wind
few intersections as possible - the respective
energy plants) and in coordination with the
principle is already based on a weighing up of
BSH. The monitoring during the construction of
possible public interests and legal positions
foundations by means of pile driving includes
affected, so that a "preliminary examination" of
measurements of underwater noise and
possible alternatives has already taken place.
acoustic recordings of the impact of pile driving
In addition to the zero alternative, this on marine mammals using POD measuring
environmental report examines in particular instruments. In addition, additional monitoring
spatial and technical alternatives. measures are planned to record the effects of
the stratification of the water under certain
82 Non-technical summary
hydrographic conditions on the propagation of
impact noise in the Baltic Sea and to be able to
take further measures if necessary.
The BSH is carrying out a whole series of
projects as part of the accompanying research
into the possible effects of offshore wind
turbines on the marine environment. These
include the ANKER project "Approaches to cost
reduction in the collection of monitoring data for
offshore wind farms", the R&D study BeMo
"Evaluation approaches for underwater noise
monitoring in connection with offshore licensing
procedures, regional planning and MSRL" and
various sub-projects within the R&D network
NavES "Nature-compatible developments at
sea". The results of the BSH's current projects
will be directly incorporated into the further
development of standards and norms, such as
the development of the StUK5.
For the first time, StUK4 also contains
monitoring requirements for the investigation of
sea-ca-bed routes with regard to benthos,
biotope structure and biotope types during the
baseline survey and the operational phase.
Identified suspected areas of biotope types
protected under Article 30 of the Federal Nature
Conservation Act (BNatSchG) must also be
investigated in accordance with the current
mapping instructions of the Federal Agency for
Nature Conservation (BfN). After the cable
system has been laid, its location must be
checked by operational monitoring measures.
One year after commissioning of the submarine
cable systems, investigations of the benthic
biocoenoses must be carried out on the same
transects as in the baseline survey.
The pooling of information creates an
increasingly solid basis for impact forecasting.
The research projects serve the continuous
further development of a uniform, quality-
assured basis of marine environmental
information for the assessment of possible
impacts of offshore installations and form an
important basis for updating the FEP.
Vastavalt nimekirjale
Meie 23.10.2020 nr 6-6/20/4634-2
Saksamaa meretuulepargialade arendamise
planeerimisdokumendi muutmise piiriülene
keskkonnamõju hindamine
Saksamaa on teavitanud Eestit sellest, et Saksamaal on käimas meretuulepargialade arendamise
planeerimisdokumendi täiendamine ning ajakohastamine.
Saksamaa Föderaalne Merendusamet on 2018. a ning 2019. a koostanud meretuulepargialade arendamise
planeerimisdokumendi, millele on korraldatud ka keskkonnamõju strateegiline hindamine (KSH). Tegemist
on valdkondliku dokumendiga, mis käsitleb meretuuleparkide ja võrguühenduste arendamist (laiendamist)
Saksamaa majandusvööndis Põhjameres ning Läänemeres, teatud tingimustel ka territoriaalvetes.
Dokumendi peamiseks sihiks on meretuuleenergeetika eesmärkide saavutamine 2030. aastaks. Eelkõige
tulenevalt otsusest suurendada meretuuleenergia mahte on vajalik täiendada ning ajakohastada 2019. a
planeerimisdokumenti.
Praeguseks on valminud meretuulepargialade arendamise planeerimisdokumendi eelnõu koos Põhjamere
ja Läänemere piirkondade KSH aruannete eelnõudega. Nimetatud ingliskeelsed materjalid on lisatud
kirjale. Kui Te soovite esitada ettepanekuid või märkuseid kõnealuste materjalide kohta, palume need saata
Keskkonnaministeeriumile hiljemalt 23. novembriks 2020.
Lugupidamisega
(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)
Kaupo Heinma
asekantsler
Lisad:
Lisa 1 – planeerimisdokumendi eelnõu;
Lisa 2 – Põhjamere piirkonna KSH aruande eelnõu;
Lisa 3 – Läänemere piirkonna KSH aruande eelnõu.
Rainer Persidski, 626 2973
[email protected]
Narva maantee 7a/ Tallinn 15172/ 626 2802/
[email protected]/ www.envir.ee/
Registrikood 70001231
Draft Site Development Plan 2020
for the German North Sea and Baltic Sea
Hamburg, 4 September 2020
2 Introduction
Content
1 Introduction 4
The central model 4
Legal basis of the land-based network development plan 5
Purpose and objectives of the site development plan 5
Object of the site development plan 5
2 Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 7
Site development plan 8
2.1.1 Competence 8
2.1.2 Initial installation 8
2.1.3 Updating/modification 8
2.1.4 Voting requirements 9
2.1.5 Requirement for agreement 9
Investigation of sites 9
Call for tenders 10
Plan approval of offshore wind energy installations connected to
the grid 11
Interfaces with other instruments of network planning 12
2.5.1 Scenario framework 12
2.5.2 Network development plan 12
2.5.3 Federal requirements plan 13
2.5.4 Ten-Year Network Development Plan 13
2.5.5 Further interfaces with network planning instruments 13
Existing spatial planning and planning 14
2.6.1 Exclusive Economic Zone 14
2.6.2 Lower Saxony 16
2.6.3 Schleswig-Holstein 16
2.6.4 Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania 16
3 Starting Position 16
Current status of expansion 16
Statutory expansion path for offshore wind energy 19
Introduction 3
4 Guidelines and basic principles 19
Introduction 19
Connection concepts 20
4.2.1 Standard concept North Sea: Direct current system 20
4.2.2 Standard concept Baltic Sea: three-phase system 20
Standard technical principles 20
4.3.1 Direct current system North Sea 20
4.3.2 Three-phase system Baltic Sea 21
4.3.3 Cross-border submarine cable systems 21
Planning Principles 21
4.4.1 General principles 21
4.4.2 Sites and wind turbines at sea 23
4.4.3 Platforms 24
4.4.4 Submarine cable systems 25
Possibilities deviations 26
4.5.1 Standardised technology principles 26
4.5.2 Planning principles 26
Planning horizon 26
Determination of the expected generation capacity 26
4.7.1 Aim of the generation capacity determination 26
4.7.2 Methodology of generation capacity determination 26
4.7.3 Power density in zone 3 27
Criteria for determining the site and the chronological order of
their tendering 29
4.8.1 Methodology of applying the criteria 29
4.8.2 Description of the criteria to be applied 29
5 Rules 30
Areas for the installation and operation of offshore wind turbines 30
5.1.1 Definition of areas and sectoral planning framework 32
5.1.2 The areas in detail 33
Sites for the construction and operation of offshore wind turbines 37
5.2.1 Determination of sites 37
4 Introduction
5.2.3 Relevant criteria for deciding against the establishment of an site 41
Expected generation capacity 41
5.3.1 Plausibility check of the expected generation capacity 41
Specifications for the territorial sea 42
5.4.1 Need for an administrative agreement 42
5.4.2 Areas for the installation and operation of offshore wind energy turbines
42
5.4.3 Sites for the installation and operation of offshore wind energy turbines
42
5.4.4 Specifications on the test site 42
Chronological sequence of tenders for the sites 43
5.5.1 Chronological sequence of tenders for the sites 43
5.5.2 Representation of the review of the time sequence based on references
to offshore connecting cables, grid connection points and the network43
Calendar year of commissioning for offshore wind turbines and
connecting lines 44
Locations of converter platforms, collection platforms and
substations 44
Routes or route corridors for offshore connecting lines 44
Gates to coastal waters 45
5.9.1 Current status 45
5.9.2 Definition of border corridors to the territorial sea 45
Routes and route corridors for cross-border power lines 46
5.10.1 Current status 46
5.10.2 Definition of routes and corridors for cross-border electricity lines 46
Routes and route corridors for connections between installations 51
6 Rules for pilot offshore wind turbines 51
Available grid connection capacities 51
Spatial requirements 51
Technical conditions and requirements for grid connection 51
7 Areas for other forms of energy generation 52
Call for tenders for other forms of energy generation 52
Planning approval of other forms of energy generation plants 52
Introduction 5
Definition of areas for other forms of energy generation 52
8 Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns 55
Legal grounds for exclusion 55
8.1.1 Compliance with spatial planning requirements 55
8.1.2 No hrisk to the marine environment 56
8.1.3 No negative impact on safety or ease of traffic 56
8.1.4 No impairment of the security of national and Alliance defence 57
8.1.5 No location in a legally designated protected area 57
8.1.6 No location outside the areas and sites designated in BFO clusters or
by coastal states 57
Other public and private interests 58
Admissibility of the specification of areas 60
Admissibility of specification of the sites 61
Admissibility of further designations 62
9 Summary consideration 63
10 Summary environmental declaration and monitoring
measures 63
11 Bibliography 64
12 Annex: Maps (information purposes) 68
13 Annex: Informational illustration of a long-term development
path (scenario framework 2021-2035) 74
6 Introduction
List of figures
Figure 8: Areas in the German North Sea EEZ ............................................................................. 31
Figure 9: Areas in the German Baltic Sea EEZ ............................................................................. 31
Figure 10: Areas and sites in the German North Sea EEZ ............................................................ 39
Figure 11: Sites in areas N-3, N-6, N-7, N-9 and N-10 in the German North Sea EEZ .................. 39
Figure 12: Areas and sites in the German Baltic Sea EEZ ............................................................ 40
Introduction 7
List of tables
Table 4: Overview of areas for offshore wind energy .................................................................... 30
Table 5: Summary overview of the areas in the FEP 2019 ............................................................ 37
Table 6: Overview of areas and sites for offshore wind energy ..................................................... 37
Table 7: Overview of the relevant criteria for the decision against a zoning................................... 41
Table 8: Overview of the power expected to be installed on the sites for offshore wind turbines ... 41
Table 10: Overview of the chronological order of sites to be tendered using criteria 1 to 8............ 43
Table 11: Overview of calendar years of commissioning for offshore connecting lines, taking into
account the notes listed in Chapter 5.5 ......................................................................................... 44
Table 12: Overview of train paths defined in the FEP for connections between installations ......... 51
BKG
EEA
2 Introduction
List of abbreviations
AC alternating current
BfN Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
BFO Federal Offshore Grid Plan
BFO-N Federal Offshore Grid Plan North See
BFO-O Federal Offshore Grid Plan Baltic Sea
BGBl Federal Law Gazette
BKG Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy
BMIE Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Building and Community
BMVBS Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs
BNatSchG Act on nature conservation and landscape management (Federal Nature
Conservation Act)
BNetzA Federal Network Agency für Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway
BSH Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
DC direct current
EEA European Environmental Agency
EEG Act for the expansion of renewable energies (Renewable Energy Sources Act)
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EnWG Act on the supply of electricity and gas (Energy Industry Act)
FEP Site Development Plan
GDWS General Directorate for Waterways and Shipping
GW gigawatt
kV kilovolt
MW megawatt
NEP Network Development Plan
nm nautical mile
NVP grid connection point
O-NEP Offshore Network Development Plan
OWP offshore wind farm
PlanSiG Act to ensure proper planning and approval procedures during the COVID 19
pandemic
ROG Spatial Planning Act
Introduction 3
SRÜ United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
TSO Transmission System Operator
UVPG Act on Environmental Impact Assessment
VDE A ssociation for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies
VSC voltage sourced converter
WindSeeG Act for the development and promotion of offshore wind energy
WindSeeG-E Draft of a law amending the Wind Energy at Sea Act and other regulations
WTG wind turbine
4 Introduction
1 Introduction According to the agreement signed on 11 May
2020 between the Federal Government, the
Following the publication of the Site coastal federal states and the transmission
Development Plan 2019 (FEP 2019) on 28 June system operators 50Hertz, Amprion and TenneT
2019 in accordance with the provisions of the for the implementation of 20 GW of offshore wind
German Act on the Development and Promotion energy by 2030, it is considered necessary to
of Offshore1 Wind Energy (WindSeeG), a new continue the FEP until the end of 2020, taking
site development plan (FEP) has been drawn up into account the spatial plans for the exclusive
on the basis of the plan approved by the Cabinet economic zone, which are currently being
on 3 June 2019. On the basis of the Draft Act updated, and the spatial plans of the coastal
amending the Offshore Wind Energy Act and states (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und
other provisions adopted by the Cabinet on 3 Energie, 2020).
June 2020,2 and in particular due to the
As far as the legal framework conditions are
increased expansion path of 20 gigawatts
available, the process is to be completed by the
(section 1 para. 2 WindSeeG Draft (hereinafter
end of 2020.
WindSeeG-E)3 Offshore Wind Energy by 2030
provided for therein, it is necessary to update
The central model
and amend FEP 2019. The draft act (section 1
subsection 2 WindSeeG-E) also provides for a The year 2017 marks a system change in the
long-term target of 40 GW by 2040. field of offshore wind energy. On the basis of the
Act on the Development and Promotion of Wind
In the context of this update of the FEP, it is Energy at Sea (Wind Energy at Sea Act -
expected that areas up to and including zone 3 WindSeeG), the Federal Maritime and
of the exclusive economic zone will be defined. Hydrographic Agency (BSH) is responsible for
It is planned to define sites for the the central development and, on behalf of the
implementation of 20 GW by 2030. The definition Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), for the
of areas and land will ensure a sufficient, preliminary investigation of areas for the
plannable expansion path until around 2035 and construction and operation of offshore wind
at the same time will make it possible to turbines.
incorporate the results of the current parallel
process of updating the spatial plans for the The central model describes a staged planning
exclusive economic zone. and tendering process. In the first step, spatial
and temporal specifications for offshore wind
On 9 October 2019, the Federal Cabinet had energy sites are defined in the Site Development
already adopted the detailed Climate Protection Plan (FEP). The next step is the preliminary
Programme 2030 for the implementation of the investigation of the sites defined in the FEP.
Climate Protection Plan 2050, with the aim of After the preliminary investigation has been
increasing the expansion of offshore wind carried out, the sites will be auctioned off in a
energy to 20 GW in 2030. competitive procedure in which the information
1 eines-gesetzes-zur-aenderung-des-windenergie-auf-see-
Act of 13 October 2016, Federal Law Gazette I p. 2258,
2310, last amended by Article 2 of the Act of 25 May 2020, gesetzes.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=6
Federal Law Gazette I p. 1071. 3
Act of 13 October 2016, Federal Law Gazette I p. 2258,
2 Available at 2310, last amended by Article 2 of the Act of 25 May 2020,
https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Downloads/E/entwurf- Federal Law Gazette I p. 1071.
Introduction 5
from the preliminary investigation will be made Government, represented by the BSH, and the
available to the bidders. competent state, the FEP may also make
planning specifications for the territorial sea.
The successful bidder will be able to erect wind
turbines on the site after the approval procedure, § Section 4 para. 2 WindSeeG stipulates that the
is entitled to the market premium and may use FEP shall make specifications for the
the connection capacity. development of offshore wind turbines and the
offshore connecting pipelines required for this
The central model applies to the commissioning
purpose,
of offshore WTGs from 2026 onwards.
- to achieve the expansion targets in accordance
In the central model, the FEP is thus the
with section 1 (2) sentence 1 WindSeeG-E,
controlling planning instrument for the
whereby the installed capacity may exceed 20
synchronous expansion of wind energy and its
gigawatts by 2030 (section 4 (2) no. 1
grid connections at sea.
WindSeeG-E),
The previous Federal Offshore Grid Plan (BFO)
- expand electricity generation from offshore
of the BSH for the Exclusive Economic Zone
wind turbines in a spatially ordered and space-
(EEZ) of the North Sea and Baltic Sea and parts
saving manner, and
of the previous Offshore Grid Development Plan
(O-NEP) confirmed by the BNetzA are - to ensure the orderly and efficient use and
incorporated into the FEP. The need for offshore capacity utilisation of the offshore connecting
connecting lines will be determined on the basis lines and to plan, construct, commission and use
of the FEP's specifications in the onshore offshore connecting lines in parallel with the
network development plan (NEP). expansion of electricity generation from wind
turbines at sea.
Legal basis of the land-based
According to section 4 subsection 3 WindSeeG,
network development plan the FEP can make specifications for offshore
According to §§ 4ff. WindSeeG, the BSH wind turbines and other energy generation
prepares an FEP in agreement with the Federal plants which are not connected to the grid with
Network Agency (BNetzA) and in coordination the aim of enabling the practical testing and
with the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation implementation of innovative concepts for other
(BfN), the Directorate General for Waterways energy generation not connected to the grid in a
and Shipping (GDWS) and the coastal states. spatially ordered and space-saving manner.
In addition, the provisions of the Renewable The FEP primarily serves to implement the
Energy Sources Act (EEG 2017) and the purpose of the WindSeeG.
Environmental Impact Assessment Act (UVPG)
With regard to the expansion of offshore wind
apply.
energy, the objective under section 1 subsection
(2) WindSeeG-E is to increase the installed
Purpose and objectives of the
capacity of offshore wind turbines connected to
site development plan the grid from 2021 to a total of 20 gigawatts by
According to § 4 para. 1 WindSeeG, the purpose 2030 and to a total of 40 gigawatts by 2040,
of the FEP is to make sectoral planning whereby the capacity installed by 2030 may
specifications for the EEZ of the Federal exceed 20 gigawatts.
Republic of Germany. In accordance with an
administrative agreement between the Federal Object of the site development
6 Introduction
plan 9. corridors for cross-border electricity
In accordance with the legal mandate of § 5 lines,
para. 1 WindSeeG, the FEP contains provisions
10. corridors for possible connections
for the period from 2026 to at least 2030 for the
between the installations mentioned in
German EEZ and in accordance with the
points 1, 2, 6, 7 and 9, and
following provisions for the territorial sea:
11. Standardised technology principles
1. areas; in territorial waters, areas can and planning principles
only be defined if the competent state
has designated the areas as a The FEP may also determine the following
possible subject of the FEP pursuant to section 5 para. 2 WindSeeG:
2. sites in the areas defined in - test sites near the coast outside areas for a total
accordance with point 1; in territorial of no more than 40 square kilometres; test sites
waters, sites can only be defined if the can only be defined in territorial waters if the
competent state has identified the country has designated the area as a possible
sites as a possible subject of the FEP subject of the FEP and at least partially for test
purposes; if a test site is actually not used or is
3. the chronological order in which the
only used to an insignificant extent, a
defined sites are to be put up for
subsequent FEP may lift the definition of the test
tender pursuant to Part 3 Section 2
site and define areas and sites instead,
WindSeeG, including the designation
of the respective calendar years - the calendar years in which pilot wind turbines
at sea and the corresponding test site
4. the calendar years, including the
connection line are to be commissioned for the
quarter in the respective calendar
first time on the defined test sites, and
year (WindSeeG-E), in which the
subsidised offshore wind turbines and - the capacity of the corresponding test field
the corresponding offshore connection line;
connection line are to be - show grid connection capacities available for
commissioned on the defined sites, areas in the exclusive economic zone and in
5. the expected capacity of offshore territorial waters on existing offshore connecting
WTGs to be installed in the defined lines or on offshore connecting lines to be
areas and on the defined sites, completed in the following years which can be
allocated to pilot offshore wind energy
6. locations of converter platforms,
installations in accordance with section 70(2).
collection platforms and, where
possible, substations, In addition, under section 5 (2a) sentence 1
WindSeeG-E, other energy production areas
7. routes or route corridors for offshore
outside of areas for a total of 25 to 70 square
connecting pipelines,
kilometres may be defined and spatial and
8. places where the offshore connecting technical specifications for other energy
lines cross the boundary between the production installations for lines or cables which
exclusive economic zone and the carry energy or energy sources from them may
territorial sea be made or, in the event of a shortage of routes,
such lines or cables may be excluded.
Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 7
According to section 4 subsection (1) sentence 2 Process for the expansion
2 WindSeeG, sectoral planning specifications for
the territorial sea may be made for areas, sites, of offshore wind energy
the chronological order of calls for tenders for the With the WindSeeG, a new procedure for the
sites, the calendar years of commissioning and expansion of offshore wind energy has been
the expected output to be installed, as well as for introduced for offshore wind turbines that will be
test sites and other energy production areas. In commissioned from 2026. Various cascades
accordance with an administrative agreement have to be passed from the overall development
between the Federal Government, represented of the sites to the approval procedure for the
by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic wind turbines and connecting pipelines.
Agency, and the competent Land, the individual
specifications for the territorial sea are defined in First of all, the FEP will be responsible for the
more detail. development of the offshore wind farm in
accordance with § 4 ff. WindSeeG for the
expansion of offshore wind turbines and offshore
connecting pipelines in the EEZ.
The aim of determining the chronological order
of realisation of the sites is that from 2026
onwards, offshore wind turbines will be
commissioned on these areas and at the same
time the offshore connecting lines required to
connect these sites will be completed so that the
existing offshore connecting lines are used
efficiently and at full capacity.
At the next stage, the areas under §§ 9 ff.
WindSeeG. This concerns investigations of the
marine environment, preliminary exploration of
the subsoil and the wind and oceanographic
conditions for the site to be investigated.
This is intended to speed up the subsequent
planning approval procedure for offshore wind
turbines on these sites.
Based on the results of the preliminary
investigation, the suitability of the sites for the
tender will then be examined.
If the suitability is determined, the information
including the results of the investigation and the
specification of the capacity to be installed will be
determined by statutory order and forwarded to
the BNetzA.
The BNetzA then invites tenders for the site for
the competitive determination of the market
premium and publishes the results of the
8 Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy
investigations and information determined in the 2.1.2 Initial installation
course of the preliminary investigations (cf. §§ 14 In 2018 and 2019, the BSH established the FEP
ff. WindSeeG). Only the successful bidder can for the first time and carried out a Strategic
later submit an application for planning approval Environmental Assessment. The FEP 2019 was
for the construction and operation of offshore publicly announced on 28 June 2019.
wind farms on the respective site. The
acceptance of the bid is also associated with a 2.1.3 Updating/modification
claim to the connection of the wind turbines to Pursuant to section 8 subsection 1 WindSeeG,
the offshore connection line specified in the FEP the FEP may be amended or updated on the
and the allocated grid connection capacity on the basis of a proposal by the BSH or the BNetzA,
connection line. whereby the decision on the time and scope of a
After the contract has been awarded in the procedure for amendment or update shall be
tender procedure, the successful bidder or the taken by mutual agreement between the BSH
correspondingly entitled party can submit an and the BNetzA.
application for planning approval in accordance The FEP shall be amended or updated in
with §§ 44 ff. WindSeeG. At this level of the accordance with § 5 WindSeeG if the objectives
planning cascade, the BSH examines whether a under § 4 WindSeeG require the definition of
specific project is eligible for approval. If all other or additional areas and sites or a change
prerequisites are met and the result of the in the chronological order of the preliminary
examination is positive, the procedure concludes investigation of the sites, for example because
with the issue of the planning approval decision. sites investigated were found to be unsuitable.
However, it shall be updated at least every four
years (cf. section 8 subsection (2) sentence 1
WindSeeG).
The following summary presents the individual
procedural steps in the updating of the FEP.
Overview of the process steps
Notification of initiation, expected scope
Figure 1: The site development plan in the overall system of the
central model for the German North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZ
and conclusion of the procedure
With regard to the coastal sea, reference is Preparation of the preliminary draft and
scope of the environmental assessment
made to Chapter 5.4.
Participation of authorities and the public
Site development plan Notification of the North and Baltic Sea
§ Section 6 WindSeeG regulates the procedure countries
for setting up the FEP from the announcement of Delivery of the joint opinion of the TSOs
the initiation of the procedure to the
Hearing date, if necessary according to §
announcement of the completed plan.
5 para. 6 PlanSiG
2.1.1 Competence Definition of the scope of the
environmental assessment
According to § 6 WindSeeG, the BSH is
responsible for preparing the FEP.
Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 9
In the case of site in territorial waters, the
Preparation of the draft FEP and draft
environmental report (SEA) BNetzA shall have the preliminary investigations
carried out by the competent authority under
Participation of authorities and public Land law in accordance with section 11 (1)
(national and international)
sentence 2 no. 2 WindSeeG on behalf of the
Discussion date, if necessary in BSH in accordance with an administrative
accordance with § 5 para. 1 PlanSiG agreement.
Review of the environmental report (SEA) The preliminary investigation of sites is carried
in the light of national and international
comments out with the aim of ensuring that the BNetzA
selects suitable sites in accordance with
Consideration of the review in the draft sections 16 et seq. WindSeeG. The successful
FEP
bidder must then undergo a planning approval
Coordination with the BfN, the GDWS and procedure for the construction and operation of
the coastal countries offshore wind turbines pursuant to Articles 44 et
Establishing agreement with the BNetzA seq. WindSeeG at the BSH.
Publication of the FEP and the In accordance with section 9 para. 1 WindSeeG,
environmental report by the end of 2020 the preliminary investigation is carried out with
Sending a summary statement to the the aim of
North and Baltic Sea countries involved - to provide bidders with the information enabling
them to determine the market premium in
2.1.4 Voting requirements accordance with § 22d EEG on a competitive
basis and
According to § 6 para. 7 WindSeeG, the FEP is
prepared in coordination with the BfN, the - determine the suitability of the sites and
GDWS and the coastal states.
- to examine individual objects of investigation in
advance in order to accelerate the subsequent
2.1.5 Requirement for agreement
planning approval procedure on these sites. The
The FEP is established and updated in
procedure for carrying out the preliminary
accordance with section 6 para 7 WindSeeG in
investigation, including the suitability test of site
agreement with the BNetzA.
defined in the FEP, is governed by § 12
WindSeeG.
Investigation of sites
A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
According to § 11 (1) sentence 1 WindSeeG, the
must also be carried out.
BNetzA is responsible for the preliminary
investigation of site. The BNetzA shall have the According to § 9 Para. 3 WindSeeG-E, the
preliminary investigation of sites in the EEZ preliminary examination of sites is to be carried
carried out by order of the BSH in accordance out in such a way that the preliminary
with the administrative agreement of March 2017 examination of at least those sites which are to
and pursuant to section 11 para. 1 sentence 2 be put out to tender according to the FEP in this
no. 1 Wind-SeeG. The BSH thus performs the calendar year is completed before the invitation
tasks of the body responsible for the preliminary to tender is announced. As far as possible, the
investigation within the meaning of the Act on preliminary investigation of those areas which
sites in the German EEZ in accordance with are to be put out to tender in the following
section 11 para. 2 sentence 1 WindSeeG. calendar year according to FEP should also be
10 Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy
completed before the announcement of the is distributed over the sites examined in advance
invitation to tender in a calendar year according which are to be put out to tender in the respective
to § 19. Insofar as this is necessary for calendar year according to the FEP, provided
compliance with the requirements, the that several sites are planned in the FEP for
preliminary examination of sites may already be tendering in one year and the power expected to
commenced on the basis of a draft of the FEP in be installed on them together form the tender
accordance with section 6 (4) sentence (section volume. The share of an aite in the tender
9 (3) sentence 2 WindSeeG-E). volume is determined according to the FEP and
the power to be installed on the sites determined
In detail, the following steps are provided for by
in the preliminary investigation.
law:
Six months before the bidding date, the BNetzA
Summary of the procedural steps shall publish the invitation to tender pursuant to
- Notification of the opening of the procedure section 19 WindSeeG, including the respective
information and documents to be provided by the
- Consultation meeting BSH pursuant to section 10 (1) WindSeeG,
- Definition of the scope of the investigation together with the other information required by
law, on its website.
- Preparation of information on the marine
environment, preliminary exploration of the The Federal Network Agency shall award the
subsoil and wind and oceanographic contract to the bidder with the lowest bidding
conditions value or, in the case of the dynamic bidding
procedure pursuant to section 23a (4)
- Suitability test and determination of the
WindSeeG-E, to the bidder agreeing to the
power to be installed
highest bidding level for each site put out to
- Determination of suitability by a statutory tender. The value to be invested is the bid value
instrument of the bid awarded or, in the case of the dynamic
- Interpretation of the documents pursuant to § bidding procedure, the bid at the level of the
44 (2) UVPG bidding level.
- Transmission of information to the BNetzA With the award of the contract in accordance
with § 23 or § 23a WindSeeG-E, the successful
bidder has the exclusive right to carry out a
planning approval procedure on the respective
Call for tenders site, whereby the information and the suitability
For sites that have been determined to be determination of the preliminary investigation will
suitable, the BNetzA determines the value to be benefit the successful bidder.
applied for the market premium and the Furthermore, he is entitled to the market
respective beneficiary for this in a tender. For premium pursuant to § 19 of the EEG to the
this purpose, the BNetzA is responsible under §§ extent of the knocked down bid quantity on the
16 ff. WindSeeG is responsible for this. respective site, as long as and to the extent that
In accordance with § 17 sentence 1 WindSeeG, the further conditions for the claim pursuant to §
the BNetzA will issue a call for tenders annually 19 of the EEG are fulfilled. In addition, the bidder
on the bidding date of 1 September from 2021 is entitled to the connection of the WTGs on the
onwards. No more than the quantities specified respective site to the offshore connecting line
in the FEP may be tendered. The tender volume specified in the FEP from the binding completion
Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 11
date and the allocated grid connection capacity planned locations of converter platforms or
on the offshore connecting line specified in the transformer stations, the obligation pursuant to
FEP from the binding completion date in section 66 subsection (2) WindSeeG has been
accordance with § 17d (2) sentence 9 of the effectively declared and other requirements
Energy Industry Act (EnWG). under the WindSeeG and other provisions under
public law are complied with.
Plan approval of offshore wind
A planning approval or planning permit for a wind
energy installations connected energy installation at sea is granted for a limited
to the grid period of 25 years. A subsequent extension of
Reference is made to Chapter 2.4 of the FEP the time limit by a maximum of five years is
2019. A revision is made in the draft of the FEP possible on a one-time basis if the FEP does not
2020. provide for an immediate subsequent use in
accordance with section 8 subsection (3)
Once the BNetzA has been awarded the contract
WindSeeG (cf. section 48 subsection (7)
from the calls for tenders, applications for
WindSeeG).
planning approval can be submitted for the site
to which the plan relates in accordance with The plan approval or plan permit requires the
section 46(1) WindSeeG. According to section consent of the Waterways and Shipping
45 subsection (2) WindSeeG, the BSH is the Administration (§ 50 WindSeeG-E).
competent authority for the hearing, plan If the plan approval or plan permit becomes
approval and plan licensing procedure. ineffective, the installations pursuant to § 58 para
In addition to the legal requirements of Section 1 WindSeeG shall be removed to the extent
73 para. 1 sentence 2 of the Administrative required by the above-mentioned concerns.
Procedure Act (VwVfG), the plan must include In accordance with WindSeeG-E, awarded
the information contained in Section 47 para. 1 bidders must
of the Wind-SeeG.
- submit to the BSH, within 12 months of the
Pursuant to Section 48 para. 3 WindSeeG-E, the award of the contract, the documents required
BSH may, in the plan-approval decision, for the consultation procedure on the plan,
determine measures and specify deadlines by
the expiration of which the measures must be - provide the BNetzA with proof of existing
completed in order to ensure the expeditious financing for the construction of WTGs to the
construction and commissioning of the project, extent of the bidding volume at least 30 months
taking into account the time schedule and plan before the binding completion date,
of measures submitted by the project owner. - at the latest six months before the binding
The plan may only be adopted under certain completion date, provide the BNetzA with proof
conditions listed in section 48 subsection 4 that construction of the wind turbines has begun,
WindSeeG. These include that the marine - within six months of the binding completion
environment is not endangered, the safety and date, provide the BNetzA with proof that at least
ease of traffic is not impaired, the security of one wind turbine has been made technically
national and alliance defence is not ready for operation,
compromised, the plan is compatible with priority
- and, within 12 months of the binding completion
mining activities, it is compatible with existing
date, provide proof to the BNetzA that technical
and planned cable, offshore connection, pipe
and other lines, it is compatible with existing and
12 Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy
operational readiness has been achieved overall Article 12b EnWG to the regulatory authority for
(cf. section 59 subsection (2) WindSeeG-E). confirmation in each even calendar year, which
must contain, among other things, all effective
In principle, a financial penalty must be imposed
measures for demand-based optimisation,
in the event of a breach of the deadlines.
reinforcement and expansion of the grid which
Interfaces with other are necessary for secure and reliable grid
operation at the latest by the end of the period
instruments of network planning
under consideration within the meaning of the
The changeover to renewable energies and thus scenario framework pursuant to Article 12a (1)
also the expansion of offshore wind energy is sentence 2 EnWG.
associated with a nationwide necessary
The NEP takes into account the Community-
expansion of the grid. In order to determine the
wide network development plan (Ten-Year
need for grid expansion, the nationwide need for
Network Development Plan, TYNDP for short,
expansion of transmission grids is examined and
see Chapter 2.5.4).
determined in a legally established procedure
consisting of several instruments with the Starting with the submission of the first draft of
participation of the public. the NEP in 2019, it also contains all effective
measures for the demand-oriented optimisation,
In the following, the interfaces with the other
reinforcement and expansion of the offshore
instruments of network planning are presented
connecting lines in the exclusive economic zone
with reference to the FEP.
and in the territorial sea, including the grid
2.5.1 Scenario framework connection points on land, which are necessary
for a gradual, demand-oriented and economic
Under Article 12a of the Energy Industry Act, the
expansion as well as for the safe and reliable
TSOs draw up a common scenario framework
operation of the offshore connecting lines and
every two years, in each even calendar year,
the onward transport of the electricity generated
which describes the probable developments of
at sea by the end of the period under
the German electricity supply system. The
consideration pursuant to section 12a (1)
scenario framework comprises at least three
sentence 2 EnWG. Based on the specifications
development paths (so-called scenarios) which
of the last published FEP, the NEP also provides
cover the range of probable developments within
information on the planned date of completion for
the framework of the medium- and long-term
these measures.
energy policy objectives of the Federal
Government for the next ten and 15 years at According to Article 12c (4) EnWG, the BNetzA
least. One of the scenarios must represent the should confirm the NEP by 31 December of each
probable development for the next 15 and 20 odd calendar year at the latest, taking into
years at least. The scenario framework is the account the results of the participation of the
basis for the preparation of the NEP pursuant to authorities and the public.
Article 12b EnWG for determining the expansion
From 1 January 2019, the TSOs are required
requirement in the transmission grid and is
under section 17d (1) EnWG to construct and
approved by the BNetzA after a consultation and
operate the offshore transmission lines in
review pursuant to Article 12a (3) EnWG.
accordance with the specifications of the NEP
and the FEP. The TSOs have to start
2.5.2 Network development plan
implementing the grid connections of offshore
On the basis of the scenario framework, the WTGs in accordance with the specifications of
TSOs submit a joint national NEP pursuant to
Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 13
the NEP and the FEP and to rapidly advance the 2.5.3 Federal requirements plan
construction of the grid connections of offshore
WTGs. 2.5.4 Ten-Year Network Development Plan
According to Article 8 (3 b) of Regulation (EC)
In the context of the establishment of the FEP
2019, some comments requested that the O- No 714/2009 of the European Parliament and of
NEP approved by the BNetzA on 22 December the Council of 13 July 2009 on conditions for
2017 be taken into account. On the one hand, access to the network for cross-border
exchanges in electricity and repealing
reference is made to Section 17c (1) sentence 2
EnWG, according to which the confirmation of Regulation (EC) No 1228/2003, the European
the O-NEP for offshore connecting lines whose Transmission System Operators for Electricity
planned date of completion is after 2025 is (ENTSO-E) shall adopt a non-binding
subject to the corresponding specification of the Community-wide ten-year network development
plan ("Community-wide network development
respective offshore connecting line in the FEP.
Accordingly, the confirmation of O-NEP 2017- plan") including a European generation
2030 and the commissioning of the connection adequacy outlook every two years.
systems confirmed there is subject to the In this context, on 28 November 2018, the
corresponding confirmation in NEP 2019-2030 European TSOs ENTSO-E submitted a so-
on the basis of the specifications of the FEP in called Ten-Year Network Development Plan
accordance with section 12c (4) sentence 1 (TYNDP 2018) in the consulted and final version
EnWG in conjunction with section 12b (1) to the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy
sentence 4 no. 7 EnWG. This reservation shall Regulators (ACER) and published it.
no longer apply to the confirmation and
This plan contains supra-regional and
commissioning of the connection systems OST-
international expansion measures which are
2-1, OST-2-2 and OST-2-3, since at least one
important for cross-border European electricity
existing wind farm project in accordance with
transmission. The results developed at national
section 37 subsection (1) No. 2 WindSeeG has
level in the NEP are included in the relevant
been awarded capacity on the respective
TYNDP.Bundesnetzplan
connection system by way of a bidding
procedure within the framework of the second 2.5.5 Further interfaces with network
bidding deadline pursuant to section 26 planning instruments
subsection (1) WindSeeG. On the other hand, it
Furthermore, the following interfaces with
is pointed out that the criteria of the O-NEP for
network planning instruments are pointed out:
the chronological sequence of the
implementation of the offshore connecting lines - EU Regulation 2016/631 on the establishment
in accordance with § 17b para. 2 sentence 3 of a grid code with grid connection provisions for
EnWG differ from the criteria of the FEP for the electricity producers
determination of the sites and the chronological - EU Regulation 2016/1447 establishing a grid
sequence of their tendering in accordance with § code setting out grid connection rules for high-
5 para. 4 sentence 2 WindSeeG and also refer voltage direct current transmission systems and
to different definitions, so that the completion non-synchronous power generation systems
dates for offshore connecting lines may differ in with direct current connection
principle. Consequently, the confirmation of O-
NEP 2017-2030 in the FEP for offshore - VDE application regulation VDE-AR-N 4130,
connecting lines after 2025 cannot be taken into "Technical rules for the connection of customer
account.
14 Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy
installations to the extra-high voltage grid and details for the respective sector, taking into
their operation". account the requirements of regional planning.
- VDE application regulation VDE-AR-N 4131,
2.6.1 Exclusive Economic Zone
"Technical rules for the connection of HVDC
transmission systems and generating plants In the EEZ, the legal basis for the preparation of
connected via HVDC transmission systems". maritime spatial planning plans has been in
place since 2004 (see Chapter 2.6.1.2).
Existing spatial planning and In the wake of the resolutions on the energy
planning system transformation in June 2011 and the
In Germany there is a tiered planning system of associated changes in legislation, the BSH was
spatial planning through the Federal Spatial given the task of drawing up and regularly
Planning Act (Bundesraumordnung) as well as updating a sectoral plan for offshore electricity
state and regional planning to coordinate all grids in the German EEZ, the Federal Offshore
spatial requirements and concerns arising in a Grid Plan (see Section 2.6.1.1).
given area. According to § 1 (1) sentence 2 of
2.6.1.1 Federal Offshore Grid Plans
the Spatial Planning Act (Raumordnungsgesetz,
ROG), this system is used to coordinate different The task of federal sectoral planning is now
spatial requirements in order to balance out performed by the FEP with additional tasks,
conflicts arising at the respective planning level particularly with regard to the determination of
and to make provisions for individual uses and the chronological order of realisation of areas for
functions of the space. offshore wind turbines and offshore connecting
lines. Reference is made to Chapters 2.1 and
The tiered system means that the plans are 2.5.
further specified by the subsequent planning
levels. According to Article 1 para. 3 ROG, the The first Federal Offshore Sectoral Plan for the
development, organisation and safeguarding of North Sea EEZ 2012 was published on 22
the subspaces should be integrated into the February 2013. The first Federal Offshore
conditions and requirements of the overall area, sectoral plan for the Baltic Sea EEZ 2013
and the development, organisation and followed on 7 March 2014. Both plans were last
safeguarding of the overall area should take into updated for the years 2016/2017. The provisions
account the conditions and requirements of its of both plans apply to projects in the so-called
subspaces. transitional system. These are projects with
WTGs which will be in operation until 2026 and
The Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Building which, in accordance with the provisions of the
and Community (BMI) is now responsible for WindSeeG, have been awarded a contract in the
regional planning at federal level in the EEZ. framework of tenders for existing projects.
In contrast, the respective federal state is
responsible for state planning for the entire area 2.6.1.2 Spatial plans
of the state, including the respective coastal sea. For sustainable spatial development in the
Regional planning is the responsibility of the German EEZ of the North and Baltic Seas, the
individual federal states. BSH is carrying out the preparatory steps for the
updating of the spatial plans on behalf of the
In addition to regional planning for the respective
BMIB. As early as 2009, the BSH drew up the
areas of responsibility, there are sectoral plans
spatial plans for the German North Sea and
based on sectoral laws for certain specific
Baltic Sea EEZs on behalf of the then Federal
planning areas. Sectoral plans serve to define
Process for the expansion of offshore wind energy 15
Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs relevant. With regard to offshore wind energy,
(BMVBS). both spatial plans contain, among other things,
the objectives and principles of spatial planning
The BMVBS regulation on spatial planning in the
for offshore wind energy (3.5) and submarine
German EEZ in the North Sea of 21 September
cables (3.3).
2009 (BGBl. I p. 3107) came into force on 26
September 2009. On 19 December 2009, the In the process of preparing the spatial plans, a
BMVBS regulation on spatial planning in the Strategic Environmental Assessment was also
German EEZ in the Baltic Sea of 10 December carried out to identify, describe and evaluate the
2009 (BGBl I p. 3861) came into force. mainly significant environmental impacts on the
protected assets.
In marine spatial planning, the international
provisions of the United Nations Convention on The existing plans are currently in the process of
the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) must be observed being updated (see background information
in particular. In addition to the scientific and below).
economic use of the oceans, the interests of
shipping and nature conservation are particularly
background information: Status of the updating procedure of the spatial plans for the
German EEZ in the North and Baltic Sea
The updating of the spatial plans for the German EEZ in the North Sea and Baltic Sea began in
summer 2019 when the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community informed the
public and the public bodies concerned about the updating of the spatial plans in accordance with
§ 9 para. 1 ROG. Public authorities had the opportunity to provide information on the plans and
measures they intend to implement or have already implemented, as well as on their timing, and
to make relevant information available.
Technical discussions and workshops on relevant sectors and protection interests followed in
autumn 2019. In January 2020, the concept for the further development of the spatial plans was
published, which set out conceivable solutions through three planning options with different
priorities. This was intended to facilitate early participation and exchange on requirements,
possible conflicts, but also synergies and approaches to solutions - as a basis for the preparation
of a comprehensive draft plan. The publication of the first draft of the spatial plan is scheduled for
september 2020. Completion of the revision procedure is planned for 2021.
Due to the parallelism of the updating procedures of the spatial plans and the FEP, the processes
are interlinked in order to ensure the consistency of the definitions of the respective plan within the
respective framework.
Essential contents of the concept for the revision and further development of the spatial plans:
Definition of priority areas for offshore wind energy, at least 20 GW
Definition of reserved areas for offshore wind energy for medium to long-term expansion
Adjustment of the priority and reserved area shipping (shipping route 10) to the real
shipping traffic, thereby extending the areas N-9 to N-13 in a north-western direction by
about 7.5 km to about 8.5 km. This extension is reflected in all three planning options and
is accordingly also reflected in this preliminary draft of the FEP.
16 Starting Position
Establishment of nature conservation areas as priority or reserved areas and, in some
cases, the main distribution area divers and porpoises as reserved areas
Further information can be found on the BSH website.4
these, twelve connecting lines are located in the
2.6.2 Lower Saxony
North Sea and five in the Baltic Sea.
2.6.3 Schleswig-Holstein The status of the expansion of offshore
connection lines shown in Table 1 includes all
2.6.4 Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania grid connection systems for OWP projects
commissioned to meet an individual claim for
grid connection by a wind farm operator.
3 Starting Position
By the end of 2025, 15 connecting lines will be
Current status of expansion built in the North Sea and eight in the Baltic Sea.
In addition, the confirmation of the NEP 2019-
Since 2009, OWPs and the associated
2030 from December 2019 lists the test field grid
connecting lines have been constructed and
connection OST-7-1, which was confirmed with
operated in the German territorial sea and in the
reservations, with a planned completion in 2024.
German exclusive economic zone of the North
Reference is made to the statements in the
Sea and Baltic Sea.
confirmation of NEP 2019-2030.
As of the end of 2019, offshore wind energy
The spatial proximity to the coast is important for
plants with a total capacity of approx. 7.1 GW
various FEP specifications. As a basis for the
have been erected and commissioned.
assessment of the spatial proximity to the coast,
The expansion of offshore wind energy was and the procedure in the O-NEP for the areas of the
is closely linked to the respective framework North Sea and Baltic Sea - a division into
conditions. According to current planning, OWP distance zones - is adopted. The zones have a
projects with a capacity of around 7.7 GW will be spatial depth of about 50 to 100 km. The
on the grid by the end of 2020 and around 10.8 territorial sea and the German EEZ of the North
GW by the end of 2025. These projects have Sea are divided into five zones. The spatial
either unconditional grid connection depth of zone 1 in the North Sea and the Baltic
commitments under the old legal framework Sea is consistent with each other in such a way
(under section 118 (12) EnWG old), capacity that when the spatial extent of zone 1 of the
allocations (under section 17d (3) or section 118 North Sea is transferred, the entire area of the
(19) EnWG) or surcharges (under section 34 territorial sea and the Baltic EEZ will be covered.
WindSeeG) by the BNetzA. As a result, the territorial sea and the German
By the end of 2019, connecting lines of OWP EEZ of the Baltic Sea lie entirely within distance
projects with a transmission capacity of approx. zone 1 of the O-NEP (see Figure 2 and Figure
8.2 GW had been constructed and operated. Of 3).
4 See https://www.bsh.de/DE/THEMEN/Offshore/Meeresraumplanung/Fortschreibung/fortschreibung-
raumordnung_node.html
Starting Position 17
Table 1 Overview of offshore connecting lines until the end of 2025 and connected offshore wind farm projects
Connecting lines by the Transmission Offshore wind farms connected by the end of 2025
end of 2025 capacity
Northsea
NOR-0-1 (Riffgat) 113 MW Riffgat
NOR-0-2 (Nordergründe) 111 MW Nordergründe
NOR-1-1 (DolWin5/epsilon) 900 MW Borkum Riffgrund West II, OWP West, Borkum Riffgrund West I
NOR-2-1 (alpha ventus) 62 MW alpha ventus
NOR-2-2 (DolWin1/alpha) 800 MW Borkum Riffgrund 1, Trianel Windpark Borkum
NOR-2-3 (DolWin3/gamma) 900 MW Borkum Riffgrund 2, Merkur Offshore
NOR-3-1 (DolWin2/beta) 916 MW Gode Wind 01, Gode Wind 02, Nordsee One
NOR-3-3 (DolWin6/kappa) 900 MW Gode Wind III, Gode Wind 04
NOR-4-1 (HelWin1/alpha) 576 MW Meerwind Süd/Ost, Nordsee Ost
NOR-4-2 (HelWin2/beta) 690 MW Amrumbank West, KASKASI II
NOR-5-1 (SylWin1/alpha) 864 MW Butendiek, Dan Tysk, Sandbank
NOR-6-1 (BorWin1/alpha) 400 MW BARD Offshore 1
NOR-6-2 (BorWin2/beta) 800 MW Albatros, Deutsche Bucht, Veja Mate
NOR-7-1 (BorWin5/epsilon) 900 MW EnBW He Dreiht
NOR-8-1 (BorWin3/gamma) 900 MW EnBW Hohe See, Global Tech I
Baltic Sea
OST-3-1 (Baltic1)5 51 MW EnBW Baltic1, EnBW Baltic 2, GICON-SOF
OST-3-2 (Baltic2)8 339 MW
OST-1-1 (Ostwind 1) 250 MW Arkona-Becken Südost, Wikinger, Wikinger Süd
OST-1-2 (Ostwind 1) 250 MW
OST-1-3 (Ostwind 1) 250 MW
OST-2-1 (Ostwind 2) 250 MW ARCADIS Ost I
OST-2-2 (Ostwind 2) 250 MW Baltic Eagle
OST-2-3 (Ostwind 2) 250 MW
5 The connection system OST-3-2 is based on the connection system OST-3-1 so that the stated transmission capacity of
339 MW comprises the total transmission capacity of both connection systems (see O-NEP 2030, version 2017, p. 30,
footnote 16).
18 Starting Position
Figure 2: Offshore wind farms in the German North Sea EEZ expected to be operational by the end of 2025 as well as border corridors
to the territorial sea and the zoning of the O-NEP for the North Sea.
Figure 3: Offshore wind farms in the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea, which are expected to be in operation by the end of 2025, as well
as border corridors to the territorial sea and the zoning of the O-NEP for the Baltic Sea
Guidelines and basic principles 19
4 Guidelines and basic
Statutory expansion path for
offshore wind energy principles
Offshore wind energy was already of particular
Introduction
importance after the German government's
climate protection strategy for the expansion of The strategic planning of the expansion of
offshore wind energy use in 2002. offshore wind energy and the associated grid
topology for the transmission of electricity is of
The draft law to amend the Wind Energy at Sea enormous importance for the supply of
Act and other provisions adopted by the Federal renewable energy. With the increase of different
Cabinet on 3 June 2020 provides for an uses in the German EEZ, the space available for
increased expansion path of 20 gigawatts by future uses and infrastructures is becoming
2030 and a long-term target of 40 GW by 2040 increasingly scarce.
(section 1(2) WindSeeG-E) for offshore wind
energy. As the draft law has already been In the interests of systematic and efficient
adopted by the Federal Government and is thus planning, the BSH was given the statutory
in a broad stage of preparation, it will form the mandate to designate areas and sites for
basis for the FEP 2020. Otherwise, new offshore wind energy, as well as corresponding
consultations or a further update might be routes and locations for the necessary network
necessary after its adoption. topology. As a result of this coordinated process,
the measures in the German EEZ are defined in
a spatially and temporally binding manner.
The definition of planning principles and
standardised technology principles for the North
Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs is a mandatory
prerequisite for the concrete determination of the
space requirements of the entire network
topology within the FEP. The aim of establishing
standardised technology principles and planning
principles is to create a basis for systematic and
coordinated overall planning. Otherwise, it would
not be possible to determine the required space
requirement with the necessary precision for the
most space-saving planning possible. In addition
to determining the space requirement as
precisely as possible, standardised technical
principles also serve to ensure cost efficiency
and the demand-oriented expansion of
connecting lines, which is in the interests of the
national economy.
The starting point for defining the standardized
technical principles (4.3) is the technical grid
connection concept, the further details of which
are described in Section 4.2
20 Guidelines and basic principles
The planning principles build on the objectives Summary
and principles of the spatial plans for the North
Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs. An overall Definition of the 66 kV connection
assessment of the uses of the areas has already concept as the standard for the North Sea
EEZ
been carried out when the 2009 spatial plans
were drawn up. For the current status of the Deviation from the standard concept is
update of the spatial plans in the German EEZ, possible in case of spatial requirements in
please refer to Section 2.6. The relevant an area
objectives and principles at the level of spatial If deviation is necessary, specification of
planning are predominantly adopted as planning the connection concept of BFO-N 16/17
principles in the FEP and are checked, with a transmission voltage of 220 kV
concretised and weighted among themselves in Cable termination of the 66 kV submarine
their significance with regard to their applicability cable systems serves as an interface
to the regulatory issues addressed in the FEP on between the transmission system
the basis of the concerns and rights presented. operator and the OWP project developer
The definition of standardised technology
principles and planning principles is already 4.2.2 Standard concept Baltic Sea: three-
based on a consideration of possibly affected phase system
public interests and legal positions (cf.
4.2.2.1 Three-phase system: Connection
explanatory memorandum on the individual
between transformer platform and
specifications and principles), so that the
offshore wind farms: standard
definition of standardised technology principles
concept 66 kV
and planning principles also includes a
"preliminary examination" of possible
4.2.2.2 Three-phase system: interface
alternatives.
between TSO and OWP
Connection concepts Summary
4.2.1 Standard concept North Sea: Direct Definition of the three-phase current
connection concept as standard for the
current system Baltic Sea EEZ
4.2.1.1 DC system: Connection between Responsibility for planning, construction
converter platform and offshore and operation of the transformer platform
wind farms: Standard concept 66 and submarine cable system at the
transmission system operator
kV
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) serves as
4.2.1.2 Direct current system: Connection an interface between TSO and OWP
between converter platform and developer
offshore wind farms: Alternative Voltage level of the submarine cable
concept 220 kV systems within the park 66 kV
4.2.1.3 DC system: interface between TSO
and OWP Standard technical principles
4.3.1 Direct current system North Sea
Guidelines and basic principles 21
4.3.1.1 Direct current system: self-
Connection of offshore wind turbines to
commutated technology the converter platform in 66 kV three-
phase current technology
4.3.1.2 DC system: transmission voltage
+/- 320 kV for zones 1 and 2;
transmission voltage +/- 525 kV for 4.3.2 Three-phase system Baltic Sea
zone 3
4.3.2.1 Three-phase system: transmission
4.3.1.3 Direct current system: standard voltage 220 kV
power 900 MW for zones 1 and 2;
standard power 2,000 MW for zone 4.3.2.2 Three-phase system: Standard
3 power 300 MW
4.3.1.4 Direct current system +/- 525 kV:
Version with metallic return Summary
conductor Standard transmission voltage 220 kV
4.3.1.5 Direct current system +/- 525 kV: Standard transmission capacity 300 MW
Requirements for connections
between each other / switch panels 4.3.3 Cross-border submarine cable
to be provided systems
4.3.1.6 Direct current system: 66 kV direct 4.3.3.1 Bundled direct current submarine
connection concept cable system
Summary
4.3.3.2 Consideration of overall system
Design of the HVDC transmission
systems in self-commutated VSC Planning Principles
technology
In accordance with § 5 Para. 1 No. 11
Standard transmission voltage: +/-320 kV WindSeeG, the FEP contains provisions on
in zones 1 and 2; +/- 525 kV in zone 3 planning principles.
Standard transmission capacity: 900 MW
The planning principles apply to the area of the
in zones 1 and 2; 2,000 MW in zone 3
German EEZ and are based on the objectives
Design of the direct current systems +/- and principles of the BFO.
525 kV with metallic return conductor
In the following, general planning principles are
Direct current system +/- 525 kV:
first of all defined.
Provision of 12 switchgear panels and J-
Tubes per 1,000 MW OWP connected
load 4.4.1 General principles
In the following, planning principles for offshore
Direct current system +/- 525 kV: Create
conditions for connections between each wind turbines, platforms and submarine cable
other by providing two switch panels per systems are listed.
platform
Summary
22 Guidelines and basic principles
4.4.1.3 No impairment of the safety and
Overall coordination of the construction
ease of air traffic
and linstallation work
The construction, operation and dismantling
Safety and ease of navigation must not be of wind turbines at sea, platforms and
compromised submarine cables must not compromise the
The safety and ease of air transport must safety and ease of air transport.
not be compromised
4.4.1.4 No impairment of national and
security of national and alliance defence alliance defence security
must not be compromised
The installation and operation of wind energy
Obligation to dismantle and safety deposit plants at sea, platforms and submarine cable
systems must not impair the security of
Consideration of all existing, approved and
national and alliance defence.
defined uses
Consideration of cultural goods 4.4.1.5 Dismantling obligation and
security
Sound reduction
After wind turbines at sea, platforms and
Minimisation of scour and cable protection submarine cable systems are to be
measures dismantled. Reference is made to § 58 paras
Consideration of official standards, 1 and 2 WindSeeG. In the case of
specifications and concepts dismantling, the components are to be
reused, if possible, prior to recycling and this
emission reduction prior to energy recovery or otherwise their -
taking into account the location of demonstrably - proper disposal on land is to
explosive ordnance be implemented. In order to ensure that the
dismantling obligation is fulfilled, a security
Installation of sonar transponders deposit is to be provided prior to the start of
construction and until the final dismantling
4.4.1.1 Overall temporal coordination of of the facilities.
the construction and installation
4.4.1.6 Consideration of all existing,
work
authorised and specified uses
In order to avoid or reduce cumulative
Due regard shall be paid to existing and
effects, an overall time coordination of the
approved pipelines as well as to existing
construction and installation work is to be
submarine cables, offshore wind farms,
planned, taking into account the project-
offshore platforms and other structures,
specific framework conditions.
approved and defined in the framework of
4.4.1.2 No impairment of safety and ease this plan, by regularly maintaining a distance
of navigation of 500 m, unless ground conditions require
greater distances. The concrete choice of
The installation and operation of wind
sites for offshore wind turbines and
turbines at sea, platforms and submarine
platforms and the routing of submarine cable
cables must not impair the safety and ease of
systems shall take into account existing and
navigation.
approved uses, rights of use and other
interests worthy of protection.
Guidelines and basic principles 23
The planning, erection and operation of respective applicable version shall be taken
offshore wind energy plants, platforms and into account.
submarine cable systems are to be carried
out in close coordination between the 4.4.1.11 Emission reduction
transmission grid operator and the offshore Emissions shall be avoided or, where
wind farm developers. unavoidable, reduced.
4.4.1.7 Consideration of cultural assets 4.4.1.12 Consideration of explosive
Known sites where cultural assets have been ordnance sites
found should be taken into account when Known sites where explosive ordnance was
selecting a site or route. If, during the found should be taken into account when
planning or construction of wind energy selecting the site or route. If during the
plants, platforms or submarine cable planning or erection of the wind energy
systems, previously unknown cultural assets plants, platforms or submarine cable
located on the seabed are found, appropriate systems, previously unknown explosive
measures must be taken to secure the ordnance is found on the seabed,
cultural assets. appropriate protective measures must be
taken.
4.4.1.8 Sound reduction
To reduce noise, the use of alternative, low- 4.4.1.13 Installation of sonar transponders
noise forms of foundation should be Sonar transponders must be installed at
considered. If wind turbines or platforms with suitable corner positions of the wind farms
pile foundations are installed, the use of an and platforms.
effective technical noise abatement system
must be provided during the driving of the 4.4.2 Sites and wind turbines at sea
foundations. The noise protection concept of In the following, planning principles for sites,
a planned project must be integrated at an primarily for the construction and operation of
early stage in the design of the foundation offshore wind turbines, are listed. Reference is
structure. The noise protection concept made to Chapter 4.4.3, which defines planning
North Sea of BMU has to be taken into principles for platforms as well as for transformer
account. and residential platforms.
4.4.1.9 Minimisation of scour and cable Summary
protection measures
Observance of nature reserves and
Scour and cable protection measures must consideration of legally protected biotopes
be reduced to a minimum.
Economical use of land
4.4.1.10 Consideration of official
Distances between surfaces to each other
standards, specifications or
and to WTGs
concepts
For the planning, erection and operation of Deviation of the actually installed capacity
wind energy plants, platforms and submarine from the allocated grid connection capacity
cable systems, official standards,
specifications and concepts in their 4.4.2.1 Consideration of nature
conservation areas and
24 Guidelines and basic principles
consideration of legally protected
Space requirements and additional
biotopes
manoeuvring space
The erection of offshore wind turbines in
nature conservation areas pursuant to design of platforms to take into account the
Article 57 BNatSchG is not permitted. need for temporary accommodation; no
use beyond three years
Known occurrences of legally protected
biotopes under section 30 BNatSchG shall be
avoided when erecting wind turbines. 4.4.3.1 Consideration of nature
conservation areas and
Reference is made to Article 45a of the
consideration of legally protected
Federal Water Act (Gesetz zur Ordnung des
biotopes
Wasserhaushalts (WHG)) that best
environmental practice in accordance with The construction of platforms in nature
the Helsinki and OSPAR Conventions and the reserves is not permitted.
respective state of the art must be taken into Known occurrences of legally protected
account and specified in the individual biotopes pursuant to § 30 BNatSchG must be
procedure. avoided when constructing platforms.
4.4.2.2 Economical land use Reference is made to Article 45a of the
Federal Water Act (WHG) that best
The individual wind turbines are to be
environmental practice in accordance with
arranged in the most space-saving way
the Helsinki and OSPAR Conventions and the
possible.
respective state of the art must be taken into
4.4.2.3 Distances between surfaces and account and specified in the individual
between surfaces and wind procedure.
turbines
4.4.3.2 Land requirements
Wind turbines must be kept at a distance of
An area of 100 m x 200 m shall be provided
at least five times the rotor diameter from
for a converter platform of the voltage level
wind turbines in neighbouring sites.
320 kV, and an area of 150 m x 250 m for
4.4.2.4 Deviation of the actually installed platforms of the voltage level 525 kV. An area
capacity from the allocated grid of 100 m x 100 m shall be provided for the
connection capacity transformer platform. Additional
manoeuvring space must be provided for
4.4.3 Platforms platforms arranged side by side. Sufficient
Planning principles for platforms are listed space must be provided around the
below. Platforms include converter platforms, platforms for the approach and retraction of
collection platforms, transformer platforms and the cable systems.
residential platforms.
4.4.3.3 Accommodation on platforms
Summary Accommodation of personnel on platforms
should take place in accommodation already
Observance of nature reserves and
provided for this purpose when the platform
consideration of legally protected biotopes
was planned: When planning and designing
the platform, particular attention shall be
Guidelines and basic principles 25
paid to structural safety, supply and 4.4.4.2 Distance for parallel laying
disposal, including the provision of drinking When laying submarine cable systems in
water and waste water treatment, as well as parallel, a distance of 100 m must be
occupational health and safety issues, maintained between the individual systems.
including rescue routes and equipment. A distance of 200 m must be maintained after
every second cable system. Here, especially
4.4.4 Submarine cable systems in the Baltic Sea, the concrete ground
The following are planning principles for conditions must be taken into account.
submarine cable systems, which for the
purposes of this plan include power cable 4.4.4.3 Routing through border corridors
systems such as offshore transmission lines, Submarine cable systems which land in
cross-border submarine cable systems and Germany must in principle pass through the
interconnections. The following planning border corridors N-I to N-V and O-I to O-V
principles 4.4.4.5, 4.4.4.6, 4.4.4.8 and 4.4.4.9 respectively, which are defined at the border
apply to submarine cable systems for in-park of the EEZ and the 12 sm zone.
cabling
Cross-border submarine cable systems must
Summary also pass through the border corridors N-VI
to N-XV and O-I to O-XIII defined at the border
Highest possible bundling in the sense of to the EEZ and the 12 sm zone.
parallel guidance
Cross-border submarine cable systems
Distance for parallel laying: 100 m; 200 m which do not land in Germany should not be
after every second cable system routed through the border corridors N-I to N-
Guided tour of border corridors V due to the very limited available routes in
the territorial sea.
Right-angled intersection of priority and
reserved areas Shipping 4.4.4.4 Crossing of priority and reserved
Avoid crossings, if absolutely necessary, areas shipping
then at right angles; Priority and reserved areas defined for
navigation in the EEZ spatial plan should be
Gentle laying method
crossed by submarine cable systems by the
Coverage shortest possible route, if parallel routing to
existing structures is not possible.
Reduction of sediment warming
(compliance with 2 K criterion) 4.4.4.5 Crossings
Consideration of nature reserves and Intersections of submarine cable systems
legally protected biotopes should be avoided as far as possible, both
among themselves and with other existing
pipelines and submarine cables existing or
4.4.4.1 Bundling
defined under this plan. If intersections
When laying submarine cable systems, the cannot be avoided, they shall be constructed
aim is to achieve the greatest possible in accordance with the state of the art and as
bundling in the sense of parallel routing. In perpendicular as possible.
addition, the route should be as parallel as
possible to existing structures. 4.4.4.6 Gentle laying procedure
26 Guidelines and basic principles
In order to protect the marine environment, a
Deviations from non-variable planning
method of laying submarine cable systems
principles must be applied for in the
should be chosen that is as gentle as
respective individual approval procedure.
possible.
Each deviation must be justified in the
individual approval procedure for each
4.4.4.7 Coverage
planning principle in a comprehensible and
In determining the permanent coverage of plausible manner. Compliance with the legal
submarine cable systems, particular requirements in the individual approval
attention will be paid to the protection of the procedure must be demonstrated. In
marine environment, shipping, defence, particular, the following shall be presented
fisheries and system security. and submitted for review:
4.4.4.8 Sediment warming - Justification of each deviation for each
When laying submarine cable systems, planning principle and demonstration of
potential adverse effects on the marine compliance with the legal requirements
environment caused by cable-induced - Presentation of possible implications for
sediment warming are to be reduced as far as public and private interests and concerns
possible. The so-called "2 K criterion", which
- Consideration of the economical and
defines a maximum tolerable temperature
sparing use of the area within the meaning of
increase of the sediment by 2 degrees
§ 4 para. 2 WindSeeG
(Kelvin) at a sediment depth of 20 cm, is to be
observed as a precautionary value for nature
conservation. Planning horizon
4.4.4.9 Consideration of nature
Determination of the expected
conservation areas and legally
protected biotopes generation capacity
When laying submarine cable systems, 4.7.1 Aim of the generation capacity
possible adverse effects on the marine determination
environment should be minimised. To this
end, the submarine cable systems should be 4.7.2 Methodology of generation capacity
laid outside nature conservation areas determination
wherever possible.
The power density of a wind farm (expressed in
Known occurrences of legally protected MW/km²) results from the ratio of the nominal
biotopes pursuant to Article 30 BNatSchG power of the WTG to its base site, which is
are to be avoided when laying submarine spanned by the external WTGs. The power
cable systems. density is therefore the determining parameter
for determining the generation capacity in
Possibilities deviations advance on any given site. The distance of the
individual WTGs from each other is the main
4.5.1 Standardised technology principles factor influencing the power density. In the
Figure 1 the methodology of the power
4.5.2 Planning principles determination, which is further described in the
following, is shown schematically. The
Guidelines and basic principles 27
methodology is equally applicable to the North Calculation of the buffer distance x
Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs.
1
Site = ∙ ∙ ∙ ∗
4
Determination of the corrected power density p*
Rotor diameter in m
Determining the corrected area A* specific output of the WTG in Watt
/ m² rotor area
Calculation of the expected output to be installed
∗ corrected power density in
MW/km²
Plausibility check
Figure 1: Schematic representation of the methodology of the
generation capacity determination Table 2: Input parameters for calculating the corrected site
Parameters Value
4.7.2.1 Determination of the corrected
Corrected power density site-specific
power density Rotor diameter 220 m
Specific power of the WTG 400 W/m²
4.7.2.4 Plausibility check of the expected
generation capacity
4.7.3 Power density in zone 3
Table 3: Power density to be applied
Site category Power density to
be applied
(corrected)
[MW/km²].
Figure 2: Representation of the corrected site A* in relation to the
Sites in zones 1 and 2 10
nominal site A (Prognosis, 2019)
In case of strong shading by 9,5
surrounding wind farms
4.7.2.2 Power density in zones 1 and 2
Sites in zone 3 8
4.7.2.3 Determination of the corrected site
28 Guidelines and basic principles
background information: Trailing effects of offshore wind farms
What are lag effects?
The capacity utilisation of a wind farm (usually measured in full load hours) depends not only on
the wind conditions but also on various factors, e.g. the technical design of the wind turbine (ratio
of rotor area to rated power), the availability of the turbines or the operating concept. The wind
turbine extracts kinetic energy from the air flow during power generation and also ensures that the
air layers are swirled in the wake of the turbine. These so-called wake effects ensure that less
kinetic energy is available to a leeward plant - thus reducing the utilization of the plant. The kinetic
energy is regenerated by an exchange of flow with neighbouring air layers. These effects have
been the subject of scientific studies for some time and are already being taken into account in the
planning of offshore wind farms. Calculation models used so far are well suited to calculate the
internal shading losses within a wind farm and assume that the complete kinetic regeneration of
the air flow up to a maximum of 30 km in the wake of a wind turbine has taken place. However,
current findings from research projects based on measurements of wind speeds in the German
Bight show that in individual situations there are wake patterns of wind farm clusters with a range
of 50 km and more (Platis, et al., 2018). Apparently, the prevailing flow conditions, especially the
stability of the wind flow, have a significant influence on the range of the wake effects.
What new findings are there?
Current research projects aim to improve the calculation models in order to enable these long-
range wake effects to be taken into account when planning offshore wind farms. As there is little
experience with the large-scale expansion of offshore wind energy to date, this makes it difficult to
reliably quantify the possible losses in future wind farms. In various research projects, including
(Platis, et al., 2018), (Snowman, Rott, Dörenkämper, Steinfeld, & Kühn, 2020) and (Agora
Energiewende et al., 2020) the effects of long-range wake effects on the efficiency of offshore wind
farms were investigated using measurement campaigns and various calculation models. Among
other things, a clear correlation between power density and the expected losses due to wake
effects was shown. Within the scope of the measurement campaigns, long-range wake effects
were proven, but these were always individual situations. Within the scope of these measurement
campaigns, significantly shorter wake effects were also recorded under similar wind conditions.
Further research is needed for a reliable estimation of the influence of long-range wake effects on
the energy yield.
What influence does the size of the wind farm have on efficiency?
There is a significant correlation between the amount of yield losses due to wake effects and the
size of the wind farm and the distance between the turbines. The larger the area or its power
density (i.e. the number of turbines per unit area), the greater the amount of kinetic energy that is
extracted from the air flow and the lower the kinetic energy available to the turbines in the wake.
What does this mean for determining the expected generation capacity in zone 3?
As explained in Section 4.7.2.1 when determining the expected installed capacity, the objectives
of increasing installed capacity and cost efficiency mentioned there must be weighed up against
each other while ensuring the efficient use and capacity utilisation of interconnectors. For this
purpose, in the following section a determination of areas and grid connections with a power
Guidelines and basic principles 29
density of 9 MW/km² to be applied analogous to the FEP 2019 and a power density of 8 MW/km²
to be applied will be carried out as an example and these determinations will be reviewed with
regard to the mentioned objectives.
Name Year of Available
Criteria for determining the site commissionin transmissio
and the chronological order of g n capacity
their tendering Nordsee
NOR-3-3 2023 658,25 MW
For the determination of the sites in the FEP and (DolWin6/kappa
the chronological order of their tendering, the )
WindSeeG specifies criteria to be applied in § 5 Ostsee
Para. 4. The overall objective of the --
specifications is to ensure that the expansion of
offshore wind turbines and the associated
connection systems on these sites is carried out 4.8.2.2 Criterion 2: Orderly and efficient
in parallel and that the existing connecting lines planning, construction,
are used efficiently and at full capacity. This will commissioning, use and utilisation
ensure that all offshore wind turbines are of the offshore connecting lines
connected in time and vacancies on the with commissioning from 2026
connecting lines are avoided. In this way, the
expansion of the use of wind energy is to be 4.8.2.3 Criterion 3: Proximity to the coast
carried out as cost-efficiently as possible. When
4.8.2.4 Criterion 4: Conflicts of use on a
applying the criteria specified in section 5 para 4
site
sentence 2 WindSeeG, this objective and the
general objective of the Act to ensure a steady 4.8.2.5 Criterion 5: Expected actual
and cost-efficient expansion of the use of buildability of a site
offshore wind energy must always be taken into
account. The list in sentence 2 is not exhaustive. 4.8.2.6 Criterion 6: Expected generation
capacity to be installed
4.8.1 Methodology of applying the criteria
4.8.2.7 Criterion 7: Balanced expansion
4.8.2 Description of the criteria to be between North Sea and Baltic Sea
applied
4.8.2.8 Additional criterion coastal sea:
4.8.2.1 Criterion 1: Efficient use and Actual availability of site
utilisation of the offshore
connecting lines with
commissioning by the end of 2025
Table 4: Existing network connection systems or those confirmed
unconditionally in the O-NEP with commissioning by the end of
2025 and available transmission capacity
30 Rules
5 Rules located in zone 2, while the areas N-9 to N-13,
which are located in zone 3 of the O-NEP, have
been extended in a north-western direction in
Areas for the installation and
accordance with the concept for the revision and
operation of offshore wind further development of the spatial plans. The
turbines concept provides for an adaptation of the priority
According to § 5 para. 1 no. 1 WindSeeG, the and reserved area shipping (shipping route 10)
FEP contains definitions of areas for the to the real shipping traffic. This extension is
construction and operation of offshore wind reflected in all three planning options (A - C) and
turbines. is accordingly also reflected in this preliminary
draft of the FEP. Accordingly, in this draft, the
A total of 13 areas in the North Sea EEZ and
areas are extended in a north-western direction
three areas in the Baltic Sea EEZ for offshore
by about 7.5 km to about 8.5 km. Reference is
WTGs are currently identified in this plan, with
made to chapter 2.6.1.2
areas N-4 and N-5 under consideration for
possible subsequent use. The areas are Table 1: Overview of areas for offshore wind energy
numbered N and O for the North Sea and the Area Size Zone
Baltic Sea respectively and 1 to 13 for clarity. [km²] classification of
the O-NEP
The definition and delimitation of the areas is
North Sea
based in particular on the provisions of spatial
N-1 approx. 79 1
planning and the consideration of other public
N-2 approx. 223 1
and private interests. With regard to spatial N-3 approx. 311 1
planning, in addition to the valid 2009 spatial N-4 approx. 152 1
plan, the changes resulting from the concept for N-5 approx. 125 2
updating the spatial plans published and N-6 approx. 249 2
consulted in January 2020 were also taken as a N-7 approx. 163 2
basis. Further information can be found in N-8 approx. 124 2
chapter 2.6.1.2). N-9 approx. 454 3
N-10 about 197 3
Overviews of approved uses and protected N-11 approx. 355 3
areas as well as areas defined by spatial N-12 approx. 494 3
planning can be found in BFO-N 16/17 (Chapter N-13 approx. 270 3
12) and BFO-O 16/17 (Chapter 11). Reference Baltic Sea
is made to Chapter 8 of the FEP 2019. The O-1 approx. 134 1
definition of the areas was largely taken over O-2 approx. 83 1
from the O-NEP or the BFO. The areas N-1 to N- O-3 approx. 30 1
4 and all areas of the Baltic Sea are located in
zone 1 of the O-NEP. The areas N-5 to N-8 are
Rules 31
Figure 1: Areas in the German North Sea EEZ
Figure 2: Areas in the German Baltic Sea EEZ
32 Rules
utilisation of offshore connecting lines, and to
5.1.1 Definition of areas and sectoral
plan, construct, commission and use offshore
planning framework
connecting lines in parallel with the expansion of
In principle, the existing spatial plans for the
electricity generation from offshore wind
EEZs set the framework mainly for the definition turbines.
of areas. The spatial plan for the North Sea EEZ
is based on the spatial plan adopted by the Pursuant to section 5 subsection (3) sentence 3
Regulation of 21 September 2009 (see Figure WindSeeG, the admissibility of an area is initially
27). For the Baltic Sea EEZ, the spatial plan assumed if the area is located in a cluster
adopted by the Regulation of 10 December 2009 defined by the BFO under section 17a EnWG or
applies (see Figure 28). The priority and in a priority, reserved or suitable area of a
reserved areas for shipping, lines, research and regional development plan under section 17
wind energy were taken into account in the subsection (1) sentence 1 ROG. This means that
selection and definition of the 13 areas in the the permissibility of the designation of areas for
North Sea EEZ and the three areas in the Baltic offshore wind energy only has to be reviewed if
Sea EEZ. In accordance with the requirements additional or other significant aspects are
of the spatial plan, no areas for wind energy in identified or if the review needs to be updated
nature conservation areas or naval exercise and deepened.
areas were defined (see Figure 31 and Figure According to section 5 subsection (3) sentence
32). In addition to the valid 2009 spatial plan, the 2 no. 5b WindSeeG, the designation of areas or
changes resulting from the concept for updating surfaces outside of clusters 1 to 8 in the North
the spatial plans published and consulted in Sea and clusters 1 to 3 in the Baltic Sea of the
January 2020 were also taken as a basis. More BFO or areas or surfaces in territorial waters
detailed information can be found in Chapter designated by a coastal state is inadmissible.
2.6.1.2. This does not apply under section 5 (3) sentence
Furthermore, the definition of the areas is based 2 no. 5b WindSeeG if insufficient areas and sites
on the clusters defined in the BFP, which cannot be established in these clusters, areas
essentially continue to apply. The BFO-N 2012 and sites in territorial waters to achieve the
already identified 13 clusters for offshore wind expansion target under section 4 no. 2b EEG.
energy and described the reasons why other However, it should be noted that the WindseeG-
areas are not eligible for offshore wind energy E adopted by the Cabinet on 3 June 2020
use, cf. Chapter 4.2 BFO-N 2012. This was provides for an increased expansion path for
further elaborated in BFO-N 13/14. Reference is offshore wind energy of 20 gigawatts by 2030
made in this context to the explanations in and 40 GW by 2040 (section 1(2) WindSeeG-E).
Chapter 4.2 BFO-N 13/14. In the course of the identification and
In addition to the spatial planning framework assessment of the areas, the following
conditions, the statutory objectives under Article comments on the individual areas have
4 (2) WindSeeG-E also play a decisive role in the essentially either revealed no new findings
location and selection of areas. These objectives compared with the clusters identified in the BFO,
are to achieve the expansion targets under so that there is nothing to prevent their
section 1 (2) sentence 1 WindseeG-E (20 GW by identification in the FEP on the basis of the
2030 and 40 GW by 2040), to expand electricity information currently available, or additional
generation from offshore wind turbines in a significant identifiable aspects or updates and
spatially ordered and space-saving manner, to more detailed assessments have confirmed the
ensure the orderly and efficient use and capacity identification of the clusters in the BFO.
Rules 33
With regard to areas N-4 and N-5, reference is Furthermore, the definition of areas for achieving
made to the following, to chapters 4.12.4, 5.2 the expansion path of 20 GW by 2030 (§ 1 (2)
and 6.3.2.2 of the draft North Sea Environmental WindSeeG-E) is currently not necessary and it is
Report and to FEP 2019. not apparent that the definition of areas north-
east of shipping route 10 would lead to fewer
Although the criteria set out in section 5 (4)
conflicts of use than the definitions made since
sentence 2 nos. 1 to 7 WindSeeG, such as the
the BFO 2012.
orderly and efficient planning, construction,
commissioning, use and capacity utilisation of
5.1.2 The areas in detail
the offshore connecting lines still to be
Area N-1 is located between the traffic
completed, the spatial proximity to the coast and
conflicts of use according to the wording of the separation areas "German Bight Western
Act are to be applied to the definition of areas Approach" and "Terschelling German Bight".
Bordering the area to the south is the nature
and the order in which they are put out to tender,
but since the areas are located within the areas, reserve "Borkum Riffgrund", to the east is the
the areas are already defined in terms of their priority area 3 for shipping, which is defined by
purpose with regard to the criteria to be applied spatial planning. On the western side of the area
runs the EEZ border with the Netherlands. The
to areas or are examined not only for additional
or other significant identifiable aspects and for area lies in the spatially defined priority area for
updates and deepening, but also, in particular, wind energy "North of Borkum". The area is
with regard to the spatial proximity to the coast expected to be fully developed by the end of
(criterion 3) and the existence of conflicts of use 2025.
(criterion 4). Area N-2 lies directly north-east of the nature
With a view to the cost-efficient development of reserve "Borkum Riffgrund" and is bordered in
wind energy, the development of areas close to the north-eastern area by the pipeline "Norpipe".
the coast should be started and the distance to It is bordered to the south and north by the
the coast should be gradually increased. The shipping areas parallel to the traffic separation
areas. The same applies to the eastern side. The
zoning of the oceans according to the O-NEP (cf.
Figure 2 and Figure 3) is used as a benchmark area is located in the priority area for wind
for the distance to the coast. If zone 4 in the energy "North of Borkum", which has been
North Sea EEZ develops, the crossing of defined by regional planning. The area is
expected to be fully developed by the end of
shipping route 10 will result in a significant
extension of the necessary connection systems. 2025.
In addition, the area northwest of shipping route Area N-3 is also located between the two traffic
10 would have to be examined with regard to its separation areas to the west of the priority area
suitability for wind energy. The available data for pipelines "Europipe 2" defined by regional
and information basis for this area of the outer planning. The western half of the area is located
EEZ is significantly poorer than for the area of in the priority area for wind energy "North of
the FEP designated areas. The current AIS data Borkum" as defined by regional planning. The
evaluations show possible conflicts with shipping "Europipe 1" pipeline runs through the area in a
even outside the shipping route defined by north-easterly direction and is secured by
spatial planning. In this respect, reference is corresponding priority and reserve areas for
made to the update of the spatial plan for the pipelines. The area is expected to be partially
North Sea EEZ. However, conflicts with shipping developed by the end of 2025, see Figure 11.
in this area cannot be ruled out at this stage.
34 Rules
Area N-4 is located north of Helgoland. On the conservation area. The area lies entirely within
eastern side, it borders on the bird sanctuary the main concentration area of divers.
"Eastern German Bight" and on Area II of the
The N-5 area has been reduced in size
nature reserve "Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern
compared to the designation of cluster 5 in the
German Bight". The area corresponds to the
BFO, as the "Butendiek" wind farm project in
priority area for wind energy "Süd-lich
operation is located in the "Sylt Outer Reef -
Amrumbank" as defined in the regional
Eastern German Bight" nature reserve. The
development plan. The area is largely located in
designation of this eastern part of cluster 5 as an
the main concentration area of divers and is
area would be impermissible with regard to
almost completely built-up. It is expected that the
possible subsequent use under § 5 (3) sentence
area will be fully developed by the end of 2025.
2 no. 5a WindSeeG. This also results from
According to current knowledge, the N-4 area is Objective 3.5.1 (3) of the North Sea EEZ ROV.
seasonally important for divers. Therefore, the The "Butendiek" project is presented for
N-4 area will not be defined and will be reviewed information.
for subsequent use.
In addition, the area now exclusively comprises
The analysis and assessment of cumulative the operational projects "Dan Tysk" and
impacts of offshore wind farms on divers showed "Sandbank" compared to the designation of
that the avoidance effects and thus habitat loss cluster 5 in BFO-N 2012-17. The area is under
for divers are far more pronounced (GARTHE et review for possible subsequent use due to its
al. 2018, BioConsult SH et al. 2020) than great importance for divers. Reference is made
originally assumed in the decisions on individual to the implementation in the environmental
approval procedures of the BSH and in the report chapter 4.6 and 5.2. Environmental
position paper of BMU (2009). Report North Sea.
A concrete statement on the approved operating The reason for the area's need for examination
life of the OWP projects in operation in area N-4 with regard to possible subsequent use is that,
or possible measures within the framework of pursuant to § 8 (3) WindSeeG, provisions on
implementation is not associated with the subsequent use can be made within the
presentation of area N-4 under review with framework of a continuation of the FEP beyond
regard to a possible subsequent use, but is 2030. According to the explanatory
reserved for the respective procedure. The same memorandum to the Act, it can only be
applies to the project which falls under the determined whether the project areas of the wind
provisions of the transitional regime. The farms in operation which become free at that
treatment of this issue is reserved for the time are either to be used for the generation of
approval procedure. electricity from wind energy at sea and a new
invitation to tender is to be issued for this area or
Reference is made to Chapters 4.12.4, 5.2 and
whether these areas are no longer to be used for
6.3.2.2 of the draft North Sea Environmental
this purpose. A statement on the approved
Report and to the comments on Area N-5 and
operating period of the OWP projects in
FEP 2019.
operation in area N-5 or any measures within the
In addition, reference is made to the following framework of implementation is not associated
comments on Area N-5. with the presentation of area N-5 under
Area N-5 lies west of Sylt in or on the edge of the examination with regard to a possible
"Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern German Bight" nature subsequent use, but is reserved for the
respective procedure.
Rules 35
Area N-6 is located north of the traffic separation Area N-11 is bordered by shipping routes 4, 5
area "German Bight Western Approach". In the and 6, the cross-border sea cable system
eastern direction, the area is bounded by the "NorNed" and the nature conservation area
reserved area Shipping 12 and in the northern "Sylter Außenriff - Östliche Deutsche Bucht".
direction by the shipping route 6. The EEZ
Area N-12 is delimited by shipping routes 4 and
border with the Netherlands runs west of the
10 and the cross-border sea cable system
area. The area is expected to be partially
"NorNed". For navigation route 10 (see
developed by the end of 2025, see Figure 11.
background information in chapter 2.6.1.2), the
Area N-7 is located north of the VTG "German situation from the published and consulted
Bight Western Approach". It is bordered to the concept for updating the spatial plans is taken as
west by the shipping area 12 and to the north- a basis.
east by the pipeline area ("Norpipe"). The area is
Area N-13 is 6limited by shipping route 10 and
expected to be partially developed by the end of
the nature reserve "Sylter Außenriff - Östliche
2025, see Figure 11.
Deutsche Bucht" as well as the main distribution
Area N-8 lies within the priority area "Östlich area divers. For shipping route 10 (see
Austerngrund" wind energy, as defined in the background information in chapter 2.6.1.2), the
regional development plan. To the south-west situation from the published and consulted
the area is bounded by the area reserved for concept for updating the spatial plans is used as
pipelines ("Europipe 1"), to the east by shipping a basis.
route 5. To the north the area is bounded by the
Area O-1 ("Westlich Adlergrund") is located
existing wind farms. In the northern part of the
northeast of the island of Rügen on the border
area, the area is bounded to the west along the
with the Danish EEZ. The area is located north
NorNed interconnector. The area is completely
of the nature reserve "Pomeranian Bay -
built-up, see Figure 11.
Rönnebank" and north of priority area 21 for
Area N-9 is delimited by shipping routes 6 and shipping. To the west of the area is priority area
10 and the area reserved for pipelines 20 for shipping, and on the eastern side runs the
('Norpipe'). For navigation route 10 (see EEZ border with Denmark. The area includes the
background information in chapter 2.6.1.2) the priority area "Westlich Adlergund", which has
situation from the published and consulted been defined by regional planning. The area is
concept for the updating of the spatial planning expected to be partially developed by the end of
is used as a basis. 2025, see Figure 3 and Figure 12.
Area N-10 is located between shipping routes 4, Area O-2 ("Lake Arkona") is located northeast of
6 and 10 and the reserved area of the pipeline the island of Rügen. The area is bordered to the
('Europipe 1'). For shipping route 10 (see north and east by priority areas 19 and 20 for
background information in chapter 2.6.1.2), the shipping. The southern boundary of the area
situation from the published and consulted results from the route of the data cable "Baltica
concept for updating the spatial plans is taken as Segment 3". In the west, the area is bordered by
a basis. a priority area for research. The area is expected
to be partially developed by the end of 2025, see
6 To protect the divers, the distance to the main distribution
area corresponds to the habitat loss of 5.5 km.
36 Rules
Figure 3 and Figure 12. For further information, Priority Area 19 for shipping and to the east by
please refer to Chapter 5.2.2. NATO submarine search areas. This area
encloses the priority area for wind energy
Area O-3 ("Kriegers Flak") is located northwest
"Kriegers Flak" and is fully developed. Reference
of the island of Rügen. The area is bordered to
is also made to the admissibility check in
the north by the Swedish EEZ border, to the west
Chapter 8.3.
by the Danish EEZ border, to the south by
Rules 37
Table 2: Summary overview of the areas in the FEP 2019
[A revision is made in the draft of the FEP 2020].
Area Cluster At present, additional considerable recognizable aspects compared to
designation the designation of clusters in the BFO (§ 5 para. 3 sentence 3
in the BFO WindSeeG)
Currently discernible conflicts of use
North Sea
N-1 Yes No
N-2 Yes No
N-3 Yes No
N-4 Yes Location in the main distribution area divers.
(re-use under Location in the main distribution area of harbour porpoises.
examination)
N-5 (re-use Yes Reduction of the designated Cluster 5 to the operating OWPs "Dan Tysk" and
under "Sandbank". The "Butendiek" project is presented for information purposes as a
examination ) wind farm due to its location within the protected area.
Location in the main distribution area divers.
Location in the main distribution area of harbour porpoises.
N-6 Yes No
N-7 Yes No
N-8 Yes No
N-9 Yes No
N-10* Yes No
N-11 Yes No
N-12* Yes No
N-13* Yes Location in the main distribution area of harbour porpoises.
Baltic Sea
O-1 Yes Bird migration
O-2 Yes Bird migration
Conflicts of use with research areas.
O-3 Yes Area has been reduced in size compared to the designated cluster.
Bird migration
* The areas have been enlarged to the north-west compared to the designated clusters.
N-3.6 approx. 33 66 kV
Sites for the construction and N-3.7 approx. 17 155 kV1)
operation of offshore wind N-3.8 approx. 23 155 kV1)
turbines N-42) - - -
N-52) - - -
5.2.1 Determination of sites N-6 N-6.6 approx. 44 66 kV
Table 3: Overview of areas and sites for offshore wind energy
N-6.7 approx. 16 66 kV
N-7 N-7.2 approx. 58 66 kV
Area Site Size of Connection N-8 - - -
site [km²] concept N-9 N-9.1 approx. 100 66 kV
North Sea N-9.2 approx. 105 66 kV
N-1 - - - N-9.3 approx. 105 66 kV
N-2 - - - N-9.4 approx. 101 66 kV
N-3 N-3.5 approx. 29 66 kV N-10 N-10.1 approx. 96 66 kV
38 Rules
N-10.24) approx. 93 66 kV 2023 and will therefore be connected using the 155 kV
Baltic Sea connection concept.
2) Sites N-4 and N-5 are under consideration for possible
O-1 O-1.3 approx. 25 66 kV
subsequent use. Reference is made to chapter 5.1
O-2 O-2.25) approx. 20 - 4) The sites N-10.2 is not fully required to achieve 20 GW.
O-3 - - - 5) The determination of the site O-2.2 is questionable.
1) Sites N-3.7 and N-3.8 will be connected to the NOR-3-3 Reference is made to chapter5.1.2,5.2.2 and 8
connection system, which will go into operation as early as
Rules 39
North Sea
Figure 3: Areas and sites in the German North Sea EEZ
Figure 4: Sites in areas N-3, N-6, N-7, N-9 and N-10 in the German North Sea EEZ
40 Rules
Baltic Sea
Figure 5: Areas and sites in the German Baltic Sea EEZ
Rules 41
5.2.3 Relevant criteria for deciding against Expected generation capacity
the establishment of an site Table 5: Overview of the power expected to be installed on the
Table 4: Overview of the relevant criteria for the decision against a sites for offshore wind turbines
zoning
Area Site Expected
Area Site Decisive criteria for the generation
decision against a capacity [MW]
determination of a site North Sea
North Sea
N-3.5 420
N-5 - Criterion 4
N-3.6 480
N-8 - Criterion 2 N-3
N-3.7 225
Baltic Sea
O-11) - Criteria 4 and 6 N-3.8 433
O-21) O-2.2 Criteria 2, 4 and 6 N-6.6 630
N-6
1) Reference is made to Chapter 6, which shows available N-6.7 270
grid connection capacities for pilot wind turbines in areas O- N-7 N-7.2 930
1 and O-2. For information on possible conflicts of use, N-9.1 1.000
please refer to chapter 8, the draft of the environmental
N-9.2 1.000
reports and FEP 2019 and its environmental reports. N-9
Whether and where exactly the construction and operation N-9.3 1.000
of pilot offshore wind energy turbines is permitted will be N-9.4 1.000
decided solely by the approval procedure for pilot offshore
N-10.1 1.000
wind energy turbines to be carried out later. N-10
N-10.21) 1.0001)
Baltic Sea
O-1 O-1.3 300
1) The N-10.2 site is not fully required for 20 GW.
5.3.1 Plausibility check of the expected
generation capacity
42 Rules
Specifications for the territorial sea
Figure 13: Areas submitted by Mecklenburg-Vorpommern for possible designation and the test site in the territorial sea
5.4.1 Need for an administrative agreement
5.4.2 Areas for the installation and
operation of offshore wind energy
turbines
5.4.3 Sites for the installation and
operation of offshore wind energy
turbines
5.4.4 Specifications on the test site
Rules 43
Chronological sequence of
tenders for the sites
5.5.1 Chronological sequence of tenders
for the sites
Table 6: Overview of the chronological order of sites to be tendered using criteria 1 to 8
Calendar year Calendar year Site Network Expected Total expected
Tender including the designation connection generation generation capacity
quarter of system capacity [MW]
commissioning [MW]
N-3.7 NOR-3-31) 225
2021 QX 2026 N-3.8 NOR-3-31) 433 958
O-1.3 OST-1-41) 300
2022 QX 2027 N-7.2 NOR-7-21) 930 930
N-3.5 NOR-3-21) 420
2023 QX 2028 900
N-3.6 NOR-3-21) 480
N-6.6 NOR-6-31) 630
N-6.7 NOR-6-31) 270
2024 QX 2029 2.900
N-9.1 NOR-9-11) 1.000
N-9.2 NOR-9-11) 1.000
N-9.3 NOR-9-21) 1.000
N-9.4 NOR-9-21) 1.000
2025 QX 2030 4.000
N-10.1 NOR-10-11) 1.000
N-10.22) NOR-10-11) 1.000
Total target system 9.688
Expected stock 2025 10.800
Projected stock in 2030 20.488
1) Reference is made to the confirmation of the network development plan 2019-2030 and to the preparation, review and
confirmation of the network development plan 2021-2035
2) The N-10.2 site is not fully required for 20 GW.
5.5.2 Representation of the review of the
time sequence based on references
to offshore connecting cables, grid
connection points and the network
44 Rules
Calendar year of commissioning
for offshore wind turbines and
connecting lines
Table 7: Overview of calendar years of commissioning for offshore
connecting lines, taking into account the notes listed in Chapter 5.5
Name Calendar year Transmission
including capacity [MW]
quarter of the
commissioning
year
OST-1-4 QX 2026 300
NOR-7-2 QX 2027 9301)
NOR-3-2 QX 2028 900
NOR-6-3 QX 2029 900
NOR-9-1 QX 2029 2.000
NOR-9-22) QX 2030 2.000
NOR-10-12) QX 2030 2.000
1) It should be noted that for the transmission capacity for
the NOR-7-2 offshore connection line, it is assumed that,
with an expansion target of 20 GW, there is no limitation by
a statutory expansion path of 700 to 900 MW per tender
year. (see Chapter 5.2)
2) It is noted that the NEP 2019-2030 has confirmed two
connecting lines (NOR-10-1 and NOR-12-1) for the German
North Sea EEZ for the calendar year of commissioning
2030, subject to future consideration of the sites to be
developed in an update of the FEP. However, since sites in
the extended areas N-9 and N-10 are to be defined, the
connecting lines NOR-9-2 and NOR-10-1 would be
necessary. Reference is made to the preparation,
examination and confirmation of the NEP 2021-2035.
Locations of converter
platforms, collection platforms
and substations
Routes or route corridors for
offshore connecting lines
Rules 45
Gates to coastal waters
5.9.1 Current status
5.9.2 Definition of border corridors to the
territorial sea
Table 13: Overview of the use of the border corridors
Border Sea cable system
corridor
N-I (1) NOR-1-1/DolWin5
(2) NOR-8-1/BorWin3
(3) NOR-2-3/DolWin3
(4) COBRAcable
N-II (1) NOR-7-1/BorWin5
(2) NOR-3-1/DolWin2
(3) NOR-2-2/DolWin1
(4) NOR-2-1 (alpha ventus)
(5) NOR-6-1/BorWin1
(6) NOR-6-2/BorWin2
(7) NOR-3-3/DolWin6
(8) NOR-3-2
(9) NOR-6-3
(10) NOR-9-2
N-II (1) NOR-9-1
(2) NOR-10-1
(1) Sea cable system to Norway
(2) Sea cable system to UK
(3) Sea cable system to UK
N-V (1) NOR-7-2
N-IV (1) NOR-4-2/HelWin2
(2) NOR-4-1/HelWin1
(3) NOR-5-1/SylWin1
(4) NordLink
O-I (1) OST-1-1 / Ostwind 1
(2) OST-1-2 / Ostwind 1
(3) OST-1-3 / Ostwind 1
(4) OST-2-1 / Ostwind 2
(5) OST-2-2 / Ostwind 2
(6) OST-2-3 / Ostwind 2
(7) OST-1-4
(8) OST-2-4 (under examination)
(9) Sea cable system to Denmark
(10) Sea cable system to Denmark
(11) Sea cable system for the development of other energy
production areas SEO-1
O-II (1) OST-2-1
O-III (1) OST-3-1
(2) OST-3-2
(3) Sea cable system to Schweden
46 Rules
(4) Sea cable system to Schweden
(5) Sea cable system to Denmark
O-IV (1) Kontek
(2) Sea cable system to Danmark
O-V (1) Sea cable system to Danmark
O-XIII (1) Sea cable system to Danmark
overall system, i.e. in particular with regard to the
Routes and route corridors for
connecting lines for OWPs.
cross-border power lines
On the basis of TYNDP 2018 (cf. Chapter 2.5.4)
For the purposes of this plan, cross-border
and the ENTSO-E System Needs Report on
power lines are submarine cable systems which
TYNDP 2018 (ENTSO-E AISBL, 2018), routes or
run through at least two countries bordering the
route corridors are to be spatially secured for the
North Sea or the Baltic Sea.
following possible cross-border power lines.
5.10.1 Current status Under this plan, nine additional cross-border
Several cross-border power lines run through power lines will be identified in the North Sea
the German North Sea EEZ. On the one hand, EEZ. Three of them are planned to connect to a
there is an operational cross-border submarine landing in Germany. All three of them start on the
cable system called "NorNed", which connects border corridor N-III in Lower Saxony.
Norway and the Netherlands. Furthermore, the The submarine cross-border cable system to
"COBRAcable" project linking the Netherlands Norway, which starts at border corridor N-III,
and Denmark is in operation. In addition, the runs parallel to "Europipe 2", shipping route 4 to
NordLink project, a link between Norway and shipping route 10 and from there, at the border
Germany, is in operation in the German EEZ. of areas N12 and N13, to border corridor N-VI.
The "Viking Link" project linking Denmark to the
UK was approved. The other two cross-border submarine cable
systems arriving in Germany lead to Great
The German EEZ of the Baltic Sea is also Britain. Both routes start at border corridor N-III
crossed by cross-border power lines in and then run parallel to "Europipe 2" in a
operation: "Kontek" (linking Denmark and northerly direction to the southern edge of
Germany) and "Baltic Cable" (linking Sweden shipping route 2. The two routes separate here.
and Germany). Furthermore, the cross-border From there, one route runs west to the crossing
submarine cable system called "Kriegers Flak of "Europipe 1" and then parallel to the "Norpipe"
Combined Grid Solution" is in operation. This pipeline or along the western EEZ border to
project links Denmark and Germany by border corridor N-XI. The other route runs north
connecting a Danish OWP project with a of the N-1, N-2 and N-3 areas and continues
German OWP project. west to border corridor N-XV.
5.10.2 Definition of routes and corridors for A cross-border system is planned to connect the
cross-border electricity lines converter platform in area N-1 with neighbouring
OWPs in the Netherlands. This leads from the
This plan is intended to secure the spatial
converter platform in area N-1 westwards
integrity of routes or route corridors for possible
through border corridor N-XV.
cross-border power lines in order to ensure that
in future the existing and planned cross-border In addition, four other cross-border submarine
submarine cable systems fit into a coordinated cable systems are planned which can only cross
Rules 47
the German EEZ and connect the Netherlands with a reduced distance of 350 m and 450 m to
with Denmark or Norway. Three routes run on the wind farm respectively, in order to minimise
both sides of the shipping route 10 and connect interference with the overlaying submarine
the border corridors N-VI and N-XIV as well as diving area. From border corridor O-I, two cross-
N-VII and N-XIII. One system is planned in border undersea cable systems are also planned
parallel to "Viking Link". Another system will in the direction of Bornholm, which will run
connect the border corridors N-X and N-XIII, parallel to the existing connection lines to border
which will run largely parallel to the Norpipe and corridors O-X and O-XI. With regard to border
then run along the EEZ border to the border corridor O-X, it is pointed out that it is located on
corridor N-XIII. the edge of a submarine diving area and that, for
reasons of national and Alliance defence
In the Baltic Sea EEZ, eight routes for cross-
security, a route should also be taken in the
border submarine cable systems will be laid out,
Danish area outside this NATO exercise area.
connecting the German territorial sea with the
Danish and Swedish EEZs. One system each is A further system is planned parallel to
planned in the area of the Fehmarn Belt crossing "NordStream 1" or between "NordStream 1" and
(O-V to O-VI) and parallel to "Kontek" (O-IV to O- "Nord-Stream 2" and connects the border
VII). Another system to Denmark leads from corridors O-XII and O-XIII.
border corridor O-III to border corridor O-VIII.
A route from Poland to Denmark does not seem
Also in border corridor O-III, two systems
possible at the moment due to existing
towards Sweden start, which lead to border
restrictions within the German EEZ.
corridor O-IX parallel to the "EnBW Windpark
Baltic 2" wind farm. These are planned in the
area of the "EnBW Windpark Baltic 2" wind farm
48 Rules
Figure 21: Cross-border submarine cable systems in the German North Sea EEZ
Figure 22: Cross-border submarine cable systems in the German Baltic Sea EEZ
8.4.3 Definition of border corridors for border corridors. It also does not indicate
cross-border electricity lines whether a conflict-free route in all directions is
The routes planned in the FEP must be able to possible in foreign areas.
be sensibly routed through the territorial sea or
Therefore, the border corridors in this plan are
the EEZs of neighbouring countries to the NVPs.
defined in close coordination with the coastal
The border corridors serve as places where the
countries and neighbouring states. In those
connecting pipelines cross the border between
areas in which it is possible according to the
the EEZ and the territorial sea or with
current state of knowledge, border corridors are
neighbouring countries. For the area of the North
defined in the transition area to the coastal sea
Sea EEZ, this concerns the territorial sea of
for the bundling of submarine cable systems,
Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein and the
through which all submarine cable systems
EEZs of the Netherlands, Great Britain and
landing in Germany are to be routed. In this way,
Denmark. In the Baltic Sea, this applies to the
the cable systems are to be concentrated at
territorial sea of Schleswig-Holstein and
these points as far as possible and bundled for
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the EEZs
further diversion towards the NVP. With regard
of Denmark, Sweden and Poland. The border
to the designation of the border corridors to the
corridors are defined with a standard width of 1
territorial sea, reference is made to Chapter 5.9.
km, unless existing restrictions lead to different
Reference is made to planning principle 4.4.4.3.
dimensions. This width does not indicate
whether, when and how many submarine cable The border corridors N-VI to N-XV and O-VI to
systems are to be routed through the respective O-XIII at the outer border of the EEZ serve the
Rules 49
purpose of bundling possible cross-border In border corridors O-IX and O-X, interference
submarine cable systems which are not yet with the submarine diving areas Bravo 2-5 used
known in terms of their specific route, in or by NATO must be reduced as far as possible. A
through the German EEZ. The border corridors route outside these areas is to be aimed for.
are based on existing plans for cross-border
Further co-ordination of the border corridors N-
submarine cable systems and wind farms as well
VI to N-XV and O-VI to O-XIII for cross-border
as on the pipelines and data cables already laid.
submarine cable systems with the riparian states
In defining the border corridors, the known plans
is to take place within the framework of updates
for OWPs in neighbouring countries were also
of the FEP, the respective regional development
taken into account in order to enable the
plans or the respective approval procedures.
development of a sea-wide network. Border
corridor N-XV was extended to the extent that Reference is made to Figure 21 and Figure 22.
submarine cables north of the Dutch wind farms
can be routed to the border corridor.
50 Rules
Table 14: Overview of border corridors and routes for cross-border power lines identified in the FEP
Cross border corridor Cross border corridor Country A Country B
A B
Nordsee
N-III N-VI Germany Norway
N-III N-XI Germany UK
N-III N-XV Germany UK
N-VI N-XIV Denmark / Norway Netherlands
N-VII N-XIII Denmark / Norway Netherlands
N-VIII N-XII Denmark UK
N-X N-XIII Norway Netherlands
NOR-1-1 N-XV Germany, Area N-1 Netherlands
Ostsee
O-V O-VI Germany Denmark
O-IV O-VII Germany Denmark
O-III O-VIII Germany Denmark
O-III O-IX Germany Schweden
O-III O-IX Germany Schweden
O-I O-X Germany Denmark
O-I O-XI Germany Denmark
O-XIII O-XII Germany n.n.
Rules for pilot offshore wind turbines 51
Routes and route corridors for Spatial requirements
connections between
Summary
installations
Table 8: Overview of train paths defined in the FEP for
- installation of pilot wind turbines only in areas
connections between installations defined under 5.1
Platform A Platform B - Compliance with the planning principles
North Sea
NOR-9-1 NOR-9-2
Baltic Sea Technical conditions and
- - requirements for grid connection
Summary
6 Rules for pilot offshore - Agreement or consent with or from affected
wind turbines third parties, e.g.
- OWP projects for the use of the
Available grid connection transformer platform and for the spatial
capacities and technical integration in its projects
Table 16: Grid connection capacities available - Neighbouring OWP projects
for pilot wind turbines
- Responsible TSO, e.g. to check that
Connecting line Available grid the connecting line is operated in
connection capacities conformity with the approval (e.g.
for pilot wind turbines
compliance with 2K criteria) and to
North Sea distribute the power in case of several
NOR-2-2 88 MW three-phase submarine cable systems
/DolWin1/alpha
NOR-2-3 50 MW - Interface agreement with OWP promoter or
/DolWin3/gamma TSO for connection to the platform
NOR-3-3 ca. 58,25 MW
/DolWin6/kappa
NOR-4-2 /HelWin2/beta 15 MW 1)
NOR-6-2 /BorWin2/beta 14,4 MW
Baltic Sea
OST-1-3 5 MW
OST-2-1 3 MW
OST-2-3 23,75 MW
1) As the 62 MW capacity available on the NOR-4-2
connection system (HelWin2/beta) is partly released for the
NOR-7-2 connection system to be built at the Büttel grid
connection point, the grid connection capacity available for
pilot wind turbines in area N-4 is reduced to 15 MW.
52 Areas for other forms of energy generation
7 Areas for other forms of examined whether it is also possible to designate
additional areas, e.g. in zones 4 and 5 (cf.
energy generation background information in Chapter 2.6.1.2). Due
to the limited space in the EEZ, competition
Call for tenders for other forms between grid-bound and off-grid energy
of energy generation production may arise.
For a better overview, the areas for other forms
Planning approval of other forms of energy generation are designated with the
of energy generation plants letters SEN or SEO for other energy generation
areas in the North Sea and Baltic Sea and
Definition of areas for other numbered consecutively.
forms of energy generation The area for other forms of energy generation
Two other areas for other forms of energy SEO-1 is under review due to possible conflicts
generation are identified under this plan. These of use with regard to nature conservation issues,
are areas which are too small to be connected to in particular bird migration. Reference is made to
the grid. Due to the proximity of the coast, the the comments on area O-2 in Section 5.2.2.
areas in distance zones 1 to 3 should initially be
Name Position Size Distance
reserved for grid-bound energy production. to shore
EEZ North
In this preliminary draft, two areas in zones 1 and SEN-1
Sea
ca. 28,8 km² Zone 2
2 are therefore put up for discussion. SEO-1
(under EEZ Baltic
In the longer term and taking into account the ca. 7,8 km² Zone 1
examination Sea
continuation of spatial planning, it can be )
Areas for other forms of energy generation 53
North sea
Figure 23: Areas for other forms of energy generation in the North Sea EEZ
SEN-1 borders northeast on the offshore wind option from a geographical point of view in
farms "EnBW Hohe See", "Albatros" and "Global relation to the capacity of a standard connection
Tech 1". The "NorNed" interconnector also runs in the North Sea with 2 GW transmission
roughly through the middle of the area. To the capacity. This is particularly true in view of the
west, north and east, the area is also bordered limited number of possible route corridors in the
by shipping routes. North Sea when crossing the territorial sea. In
order to achieve the medium- and long-term
The construction of own cables and pipelines to
expansion targets for offshore wind energy, the
transport energy or energy sources from another
available corridors, especially in the North Sea,
energy production area in the German North Sea
should be reserved for grid-bound wind energy.
EEZ is excluded for the other energy production
This also applies to a greater extent to the
area SEN-1 defined here. One of the reasons for
construction of a private pipeline with
this is that the possibility to construct a separate
comparatively low transmission capacity, which
power cable, e.g. to connect a land-based
would require even more space due to the
electrolysis plant to the area for other forms of
greater distances involved.
energy generation, is an inefficient connection
54 Areas for other forms of energy generation
Baltic Sea
Figure 24: Areas for other forms of energy generation in the Baltic Sea EEZ
SEO-1 (under review) is bounded to the north by operator of the area. Consistency of the
the "Baltica Segment 3" data cable, to the east specifications with private and public interests
by the OST-2-4 connection system under
review, to the south by a shipping route and to
the west by a research reserve area.
The area for other forms of energy generation
SEO-1 is under examination due to possible
conflicts of use with regard to nature
conservation issues, in particular bird migration.
Reference is made to the comments on area O-
2 in Chapter 5.2.2.
In the event that the SEO-1 (under review) is to
be connected by a submarine cable system, a
possible route for the development of the area
will be spatially secured on the basis of the
consultation of the preliminary draft. This would
have to be constructed and operated in
accordance with the legal requirements by the
Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns 55
8 Conformity of the rules The admissibility of the specifications was
examined by the state of Mecklenburg-Western
with private and public Pomerania for the coastal waters of
concerns Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Please see
the environmental report of the Mecklenburg-
According to section 5 subsection 3 of the Western Pomerania spatial development
WindSeeG, spatial specifications are programme (LEP-MV) with regard to the threat
inadmissible if there are overriding opposing to the marine environment.
public or private interests. A catalogue lists the
particular concerns involved. If any of these Legal grounds for exclusion
reasons for exclusion exists, a specification is
inadmissible in any case. The list of concerns is 8.1.1 Compliance with spatial planning
not exhaustive.7 Individual concerns must be requirements
weighed against each other where there is Any provisions that fail to comply with spatial
competition between them. planning requirements according to section 17
For the specification of sites and areas according subsection 3 of the Federal Spatial Planning Act
to section 5 subsection 1 nos. 1 and 2 of the are inadmissible. This will then involve the land
WindSeeG which are located in a cluster defined use aspects of the specifications according to
by the Spatial Offshore Grid Plan (BFO) under regional criteria. According to section 3
section 17a of the Energy Industry Act, or in a subsection 1 No. 1 of the Federal Spatial
priority, reserved or designated area of a Spatial Planning Act, the requirements of spatial
Plan according to section 17 subsection 3 planning represent the generic term for spatial
sentence 1 of the Federal Spatial planning Act, planning objectives, principles and other
the admissibility of the specification need only be requirements of spatial planning. According to
examined if additional or other significant section 4 subsection 1 No. 1 of the Federal
aspects are discernible or if updates and in- Spatial Planning Act, the spatial planning
depth examinations are required (cf. section 5 objectives must be observed in regionally
subsection 3 sentence 3 of the WindSeeG). significant planning operations and measures,
and other requirements of spatial planning must
The background to this is that when examining
be taken into account in balancing or
the specifications of the clusters in the Spatial
discretionary decisions.
Offshore Grid Plan and priority, reserved or
designated sites in the Spatial Plans for the The Spatial Plans for the German Exclusive
North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs, a balancing Economic Zone in the North and Baltic Sea
decision was already made in accordance with EEZs8 for the first time specify spatial planning
the applicable provisions in which the concerns objectives and principles for this region with
were weighed against and among one another. regard to economic and scientific use, ensuring
the safety and ease of shipping traffic and
7 Cf. BT DrS 18/8860 of 21 July 2016, draft bill of the 8 Appendix volume to Federal Law Gazette I No. 61 of 25
CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups, draft bill on the September 2009, annex to the Ordinance on Spatial
introduction of calls for tenders relating to renewable Planning in the German Exclusive Economic Zone in the
energies and further amendments to the law on renewable North Sea; appendix volume to the Federal Law Gazette I
energies, p. 273. No. 78 of 18 December 2009, annex to the Ordinance on
Spatial Planning in the German Exclusive Economic Zone
in the Baltic Sea.
56 Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns
protection of the marine environment. Guidelines Landscape planning) were extended to the area
for spatial development are formulated and of the German EEZ and the continental shelf in
objectives and principles are defined, in accordance with section 56 subsection 1 of the
particular areas for uses and functions. The Federal Nature Conservation Act. This means
Spatial Plan defines coordinated specifications that in particular, the requirements of statutory
for the individual uses and functions of shipping, biotope conservation (section 30 of the Federal
extraction of raw materials, pipelines and subsea Nature Conservation Act), European
cables, scientific marine research, wind power conservation of natural habitats (section 34 of
generation, fisheries and mariculture, and the Federal Nature Conservation Act) and
protection of the marine environment. special wildlife conservation (sections 44 ff. of
the Federal Nature Conservation Act) must be
The specifications of the draft were reviewed to
observed. The corresponding examinations
ensure that they are compliant with the spatial
were carried out as part of the Strategic
planning objectives and principles.
Environmental Assessment and presented in the
The spatial plans for the exclusive economic environmental reports. For assessment of the
zone are being updated. The first draft plan is risk to the marine environment, reference is
expected to be published by the end of made to chapters 7.3 to 7.6, the environmental
September 2020. The stipulations made in this reports and, for specifications based on previous
context will be observed and taken into account sectoral plans, the environmental reports for the
in the updating of the FEP, see also Chapter Spatial Offshore Grid Plan, in particular the
2.6.1.2. environmental report on the Spatial Offshore
Grid Plan for EEZ 2016/17.
8.1.2 No hrisk to the marine environment
According to section 5 subsection 3 sentence 2 8.1.3 No negative impact on safety or ease
no. 2 of the WindSeeG, specifications that of traffic
endanger the marine environment are Specifications that effect the safety and ease of
inadmissible. traffic are also inadmissible according to section
In this context, the existing provisions of specific 5 subsection 3 sentence 2 no. 3 WindSeeG.
legislation, i.e. above all those relating to wildlife In defining the areas, the requirements of the
conservation and conservation of natural spatial plans were observed and taken into
habitats, as well as the assessments with regard account. Changes to the areas defined in the
to likely significant environmental effects within BFO result primarily from the published and
the scope of the Strategic Environmental consulted concept for updating the spatial plans
Assessment, establish the fact of the threat to and are based on the shipping route 10 defined
the marine environment. therein. As matters related to navigation were
Reference is made to the maps in chapter 0 for otherwise already examined within the
the representation of the area. framework of the preparation and updating of the
BFO, a renewed examination of the areas and
Under Art. 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation sites pursuant to section 5 para. 3 sentence 3
Act (BNatSchG),9 all instruments of nature WindSeeG is generally not necessary or is not
conservation (with the exception of chapter 2:
9
Act dated 29 July 2009, Federal Law Gazette. I No. 51 p.
2542, last amended by article 1 of the Act dated 15
September 2017, Federal Law Gazette I p. 3434.
Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns 57
required in accordance with the following and Baltic Sea. Therefore, areas and sites are
explanations, except for the definition of areas N- not specified in nature conservation sites.
9 to N-13 and individual definitions.
8.1.6 No location outside the areas and
For the examination of the spatially modified
sites designated in BFO clusters or
areas N-9 to N-13, reference is made to Chapter
by coastal states
8.5, 2.6.1 and to the procedure for updating the
spatial plans for the EEZ. The specification of areas or sites outside
clusters 1 to 8 in the North Sea and clusters 1 to
8.1.4 No impairment of the security of 3 in the Baltic Sea of the BFO, or the areas or
national and Alliance defence sites designated by a coastal state in coastal
waters, are inadmissible according to section 5
According to section 5 section 3 subsection 4
subsection 3 sentence 2 no. 5b WindSeeG. This
WindSeeG, the security of national and Alliance
does not apply if sufficient areas and sites
defence must not be impaired by any
cannot be defined in these clusters, areas and
specifications.
sites in order to achieve the expansion target
The definitions of the areas in the North Sea and according to section 4 no. 2b of the Renewable
Baltic Sea were largely adopted from the clusters Energy Sources Act (15 GW in 2030). Since the
already defined in the BFO for the North Sea and first sentence of Article 1 (2) WindSeeG-E plans
Baltic Sea. Area O-3 was reduced to the actual to increase the expansion targets to 20 GW by
built-up area due to national and alliance 2030 and to a total of 40 GW by 2040, these
defence concerns. The routing of submarine expansion targets are taken as a basis.
cable systems in submerged submarine areas
With this regulation, connection of the new
will be avoided as far as possible. In the case of
system to previous sectoral planning with the
border corridor O-IX, the planned routing will be
BFO is ensured. In particular, expansion of the
carried out with reduced distances in the area of
use of offshore wind energy should initially take
the wind farm's safety zone. Issues related to
place in the clusters already examined in more
national and alliance defence have already been
detail and in the coastal area designated by a
examined within the framework of the
country. The opening clause ensures that
preparation and updating of the BFO, so that a
planning can go beyond the stated BFO clusters
renewed examination of the areas and sites
and areas and sites in coastal waters if this is
according to § 5 para. 3 sentence 3 WindSeeG
necessary in order to achieve the expansion
will probably not be necessary for the time being,
objective.
except for isolated specifications.
8.1.5 No location in a legally designated
protected area
Section 5 subsection 3 sentence 2 no. 5
WindSeeG stipulates that specifications of areas
or sites in protected sites designated in
accordance with section 57 of the Federal
Nature Conservation Act are inadmissible. The
specifications of the areas in the North Sea and
Baltic Sea were largely taken from the clusters
already defined in the BFOs for the North Sea
58 Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns
Other public and private memorandum – were a private interest, there is
interests no right to specify a site or a certain site layout.
In addition to the reasons for exclusion expressly Insofar as the conditions for the right of entry
listed in section 5 subsection 3 sentence 2 according to §§ 39 ff. WindSeeG, it is relevant
WindSeeG, a number of other concerns are that the right of entry in accordance with § 39
relevant within the framework of the review of the WindSeeG can be assigned a predominant
Site Development Plan specifications according share (at least 50 %) for the subsequent exercise
to section 5 subsection 3 sentence 1 WindSeeG. of the right of entry. This means that within the
These include, among others, other uses such framework of the FEP it is relevant whether the
as planned and existing data cables, pipelines existing project overlaps more than 50 % with the
and mining activities, the concerns of the fishing area defined in the FEP. If this is the case, the
industry, health and safety at work, cultural later right of entry - if the prerequisites are met -
heritage, disaster control, the economic costs of exists for the entire site.
constructing and operating wind farms, and the In the event that several existing projects have a
economic costs of constructing and operating right of entry - assuming the conditions are met -
offshore connecting lines. only the one which overlaps more than 50% of
The latter is also taken into account in the the FEP site has the right of entry. If this is the
specification of the sites and the chronological case, the later right of entry - assuming the
order of their tendering via criterion 1 of efficient conditions are met - applies to the entire site.
use and utilisation of the connecting lines and In the event that an site is not defined in the FEP,
criterion 2 of efficient planning, construction and even though the prerequisites for a right of entry
use of the connecting lines still to be completed in accordance with §§ 39ff. WindSeeG may
in accordance with section 5 subsection 4 exist, reference is made to Chapter 8.9 of FEP
sentence 2 nos. 1 and 2 WindSeeG. This also 2019.
applies to the geographical proximity to the coast
according to section 5 subsection 4 sentence 3 As a basis, planning principles were introduced
no. 3 WindSeeG, which influences the costs of in order to prevent hazards to the marine
the offshore connecting line. The operational environment, impairments to safety and ease of
costs are included in the specifications of the traffic, and impairments to safety and ease of
draft via the criteria of geographical proximity to national and Alliance defence, and to mitigate
the coast, the expected actual these to such an extent that there are no
impairments or hazards. Besides the general
The interests of existing projects that have not principles, the planning principles also
been awarded contracts in the tendering specifically concern areas and sites, platforms
procedures are not private or public interests and subsea cable systems (see chapter 4.4).
which preclude specification.10 This is indicated
by the wording of section 5 subsection 3 The requirements of spatial planning are taken
sentence 2 WindSeeG, which lists the concerns up by the following planning principles in the
with a potential degree of involvement and does FEP:
not mention the right of subrogation. Even if the
right of subrogation – contrary to the explanatory
10 Cf. BT DrS 18/8860 of 21 June 2016, draft bill of the introduction of tenders from renewable energies and further
CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups, draft bill on the amendments to the law on renewable energies, p. 273.
Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns 59
- Consideration of regulatory standards,
specifications and concepts
- Emission mitigation
- the principle of overall coordination of
construction and laying work over time - Economic area use
- the objective of respecting nature - Bundling of subsea cable systems
conservation areas and taking legally
- Bundling of subsea cable systems in the
protected biotopes into account
sense of parallel routing
- the objective or principle stating that the
- Careful installation
safety and efficiency of shipping must not be
compromised - Covering
- the objective of dismantling wind turbines, - Mitigation of sediment heating (compliance
subsea cables and pipelines with 2 K criteria)
- the objective of taking into account all The following planning principles serve to
existing and authorised uses prevent impairments to the safety and efficiency
of shipping:
- the principle of taking into account locations
where cultural assets have been found - Overall chronological coordination of
installation works
- the principle of economic area use
- No negative impact on safety and efficiency
- the principle of bundling of subsea cable
of shipping
systems
- Dismantling of wind turbines, subsea cables
- the objective of crossing the priority areas by
and pipelines
the shortest route
- Bundling of subsea cable systems in the
- the objective of ensuring that shipping traffic
sense of parallel routing
crosses priority and reservation areas by the
shortest possible route - Ensuring that shipping traffic crosses priority
and reservation areas by the shortest
- the principle of least intrusive laying
possible route
procedures
- Consideration of regulatory standards,
The following planning principles concern
specifications and concepts
threats to the marine environment:
- Perpendicular crossing of shipping priority
- Overall chronological coordination of
and shipping reservation areas
installation works
- Preventing crossings; any crossings should
- Consideration of nature conservation areas
be as perpendicular as possible
and regard to legally protected biotopes
- Accessibility of platforms with ships
- Dismantling of wind turbines, subsea cables
and pipelines - Careful installation
- Consideration of locations of cultural assets - Covering
- Noise mitigation As regards air traffic, a planning principle has
been introduced stating that the safety and ease
- Minimisation of scour and cable protection
of air traffic must not be compromised.
60 Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns
The following planning principles serve to With regard to military training areas, there are
prevent impairment of the safety and ease of overlaps with specifications of areas in the draft.
national and Alliance defence Thus areas N-3, N-4, O-1, O-2 and large parts of
O-3 are located within military training areas. As
- No interference with the security of national
the areas have already been defined as clusters
and alliance defence
with the BFO North Sea and Baltic Sea, and
- Consideration of all existing and approved partly as priority areas for wind energy in the
usages Spatial Plan for the North Sea, and no additional,
- Dismantling of wind turbines, subsea cables other significant or new aspects are discernible,
and pipelines admissibility according to section 5 subsection 3
sentence 3 of the WindSeeG does not need to
- Covering be re-examined for the time being.
- Installation of sonar transponders For the N-4 area, data are available, particularly
With regard to other public and private concerns, from the monitoring results of the OWPs
health and safety at work concerns are included operated and from research projects, which call
via the planning principle of compliance with into question the designation of the N-4 area for
official standards; as are data cables and possible subsequent use, so that the area is
pipelines via the planning principle that involves under review in this respect.
taking existing and approved uses into For details, please refer to Chapter 5.1.2.
consideration.
In area N-5, the existing wind farm "Butendiek"
Admissibility of the specification is presented for information. Pursuant to section
of areas 5 (3) sentence 2 no. 5a WindSeeG, designation
as an area or surface would be impermissible
The specifications of areas in the North Sea and with regard to any subsequent use, as this area
Baltic Sea were largely taken from the clusters is located in the "Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern
already defined in the BFOs for the North Sea German Bight" nature conservation area. This
and Baltic Sea. As related issues have already also results from Objective 3.5.1 (3) of the North
been examined within the framework of the Sea EEZ ROV. In addition, compared to the
preparation and updating of the BFO, re- designation of cluster 5 in BFO-N 2012 - 17, the
examination according to section 5 subsection 3 area now only includes projects in operation, as
sentence 3 WindSeeG is generally not required. additional significant aspects have become
Updating or consolidation of the examination is apparent in accordance with section 5 (3)
probably not necessary beyond the aspects sentence 3 WindSeeG.
described below, due to the last update which
took place as recently as the end of 2017. For reasons of nature conservation and
environmental law, the area N-5 is under review
This applies, in particular, to the designation of with regard to a possible subsequent use for
areas N-9 to N-13 in accordance with the offshore wind energy. For details, please refer to
explanations given in Chapter 5.1 and 2.6.1.2. section 5.1.2.
The designated areas are in any case outside Furthermore, the definition of the areas is not
the priority and reservation areas for shipping impermissible under section 5 (3) sentence 2 no.
traffic and outside nature conservation areas. 5b WindSeeG, which stipulates that areas and
sites must be located within clusters 1 to 8 of the
North Sea and 1 to 3 of the Baltic Sea as defined
Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns 61
by the BFO. The definition of areas and sites in area of divers corresponds to 5.5 km of habitat
the North Sea and Baltic Sea was largely loss due to aversive activities, in order to protect
adopted from the clusters already defined in the grebes. For this reason, no threat to the marine
BFO for the North Sea and Baltic Sea. This also environment is initially assumed (see
does not apply if these clusters, areas and land Environmental Report Chapters 4.5.1, 4.6.1,
cannot be sufficiently defined in order to achieve 5.1.2, 5.2.2 and 6).
the expansion targets of 20 GW by 2030 and a
In order to counteract a threat to national and
total of 40 gigawatts by 2040 pursuant to section
alliance defence due to a military exercise area
1(2) sentence 1 WindSeeG-E.
located in the eastern part of Area O-3, Area O-
Although areas N-9 and N-10 lie outside clusters 3 was reduced in the eastern part to the area of
1 to 8 of the BFO for the North Sea, a designation the existing "Baltic 2" wind farm.
of areas in areas N-9 and N-10 with areas N-9.1,
N-9.2, N-9.3, N-9.4, N-10.1 and N-10.2 is Admissibility of specification of
necessary to ensure that the expansion target the sites
pursuant to section 1 (2) sentence 1 WindSeeG-
The specified sites are outside the priority and
E is achieved (cf. Chapter 8.1.6)
reserved areas for shipping and outside nature
The areas N-11, N-12 and N-13 listed in the reserves. Please refer to Section 8.3 for the
Annex for an enhanced expansion path until location of individual areas in military training
2035 are also located outside of clusters 1 to 8. areas.
They would be necessary to achieve an
With regard to the permissibility of defining site
enhanced expansion target.
N-3.7, reference is made to FEP 2019 (Chapter
As regards the identification of areas N-11 and 7.4).
N-13, concerns were expressed in the context of
According to the current state of knowledge, an
the establishment of the FEP 2019 and were
extension of area N-5 for the use of offshore
repeated during the consultation on the 2020
wind energy beyond the OWPs "Butendiek",
draft. In their comments during the consultation
"Dan Tysk" and "Sandbank" in operation at the
on the draft FEP 2019, BMU and BfN recently
time of this review and specifically with regard to
pointed out that clusters 13 and 11 are also of
the site N-5.4 described in the drafts of FEP
great importance for harbour porpoises (main
2019 under review is not compatible with the
distribution area of harbour porpoises from May
prohibition under Section 44 para. 1 no. 2 of the
to August) and for sea and resting birds as a
Federal Nature Conservation Act. The exclusion
resting and feeding habitat as well as a wintering
of site N-5.4 is based on the extent of the
habitat. If necessary at all, clusters 9 and 10
cumulative adverse impacts of OWPs already
should be developed by OWPs first, followed by
identified from the area of the main concentration
cluster 12 (cf. BMU statement of 25 June 2018
of divers in the German North Sea EEZ. The
and BfN statement of 14 June 2018).
observed loss of 19% of the food and resting
As the development of the areas in zone 3 will habitat within the main concentration area, which
be necessary to implement the expansion path, is valuable for the conservation of the local grebe
this was taken into account in the FEP update / population, in connection with the statistically
amendment by initially defining areas only for significant decrease in the abundance of grebes,
areas N-9 and N-10. The N-13 area has been prohibits a possible increase of the area of
adjusted compared to the FEP 2019 in such a intervention for reasons of species protection of
way that the distance to the main concentration the grebe species.
62 Conformity of the rules with private and public concerns
This also applies against the background of the issues has become apparent, which makes
independent study on divers in the German other areas (e.g. areas in area 9) more suitable
North Sea now available, commissioned by the for the expansion of offshore wind energy. For
German Offshore Wind Energy Association details, reference is made to the explanations in
(BIOCONSULT SH et al., 2020). The study Chapters 5.1.2, 5.2.2 of the FEP and Chapters
confirms the findings from research and 4.12.4, 5.2.2.1 and 6.3.2.2 of the draft North Sea
monitoring on the functional importance of the Environmental Report, as well as to the FEP
main concentration area and the extent of the 2019 and the corresponding environmental
avoidance effects on divers caused by offshore reports.
wind farm projects (GARTHE et al. 2018), on
With regard to the area O-1.3, concerns were
which the FEP 2019 was based. In addition,
expressed by GDWS in its statement on FEP
calculated numbers and developments of the
2019 and the draft FEP 2020 regarding a
stock are qualitatively and quantitatively
possible hazard to shipping. These can be
comparable to the stock calculations of the FTZ
clarified by further investigations, not only by a
(SCHWEMMER H, 2019). As a result, the
risk analysis but also by nautical, traffic and
species protection assessment of the area N-5.4
shipping police investigations. This will be
from the environmental report of the FEP 2019
presented and evaluated within the scope of the
remains valid.
suitability test. The definition of the area O-2.2 is
In accordance with the precautionary principle currently still being examined. The background
under Article 3 UVPG, and in order to exclude a to this is the concerns about the risks to shipping
significant disturbance within the meaning of and the marine environment due to bird
Article 44 para. 1 No. 2 BNatSchG with the migration (see Chapter 5.2.2 and Environmental
necessary degree of certainty, further Report for the Baltic Sea Chapters 4.12.5 and
cumulative effects from the construction of 5.2.2.1).
further offshore wind turbines in area N-5 must
be avoided. Admissibility of further
Due to the considerable cumulative effects on designations
the stock of divers resulting from the realisation The locations of platforms, routes and route
of further wind farm projects in the main corridors for offshore connecting lines, as well as
concentration area, which cannot be excluded, for cross-border power lines, for possible
there is already a threat to the marine connections between or among the turbines,
environment within the meaning of Article 5 para. locations where the connecting lines cross the
3 sentence 2 no. 2 WindSeeG - irrespective of boundary between the EEZ and coastal waters,
the question of admissibility under species and standardised technical and planning
protection law. One of the reasons for this is that principles are also examined with regard to
the main concentration area is an important whether they are admissible under section 5
functional component of the marine environment subsection 3 sentence 2 WindSeeG.
with regard to seabirds and resting birds. For this
According to BfN reports, the grid connections
reason, the designation of area N-5.4 is not
leading through border corridor N-I run on a
permitted.
sandbank, which is a legally protected biotope
In addition, a conflict of use in accordance with under Article 30 BNatSchG. This does not cause
section 5 (4) sentence 2 no. 4 WindSeeG any significant impairment of the biotope. In area
between the use of offshore wind energy and N-2 there are available grid connection
nature conservation and environmental law capacities for pilot wind energy plants. According
Summary consideration 63
to BfN reports, the southern part of area N-2 is Assessment has shown that this is not likely to
also on the sandbank. The determination of have any significant environmental impacts (see
available grid connection capacities is not a Chapter 6.5.1 of the Environmental Report for
subject of the inadmissibility review according to the North Sea and Baltic Sea).
the list of § 5 (3) sentence 1 WindSeeG. Apart
With regard to the test site, Land M-V confirmed
from this, however, the specification would not
that all public and private interests were
cause any significant impairment of the biotope
comprehensively examined in the procedure for
(see North Sea Environmental Report, Chapter
the adoption of the Land spatial development
6.2.1). Whether and where exactly the
programme.
construction and operation of pilot wind energy
plants at sea is permissible is solely decided by The other energy generation area SEO-1 is
the approval procedure for pilot wind energy under examination with regard to nature
plants at sea to be carried out later. conservation issues, in particular bird migration
The route for the NOR-7-2 connection system is 9 Summary consideration
currently only up to the border corridor N-V.
Depending on the route in the territorial sea, [will be executed after consultation]
intersections of existing connection systems
10 Summary environmental
north of border corridor N-IV in the EEZ may be
necessary. The route in this area is currently declaration and monitoring
being coordinated. measures
Two cross-border submarine cable systems
[will be executed after consultation]
cross the "Doggerbank" nature reserve from
border corridor N-XI to border corridor N-XIV and
from border corridor N-XII to N-III. In the Baltic
Sea, cross-border undersea cable systems run
from border corridor O-XII to border corridor O-
XIII through the "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank"
nature reserve and from border corridor O-V to
border corridor O-VI through the "Fehmarn Belt"
nature reserve. The Strategic Environmental
64 Bibliography
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68 Annex: Maps (information purposes)
12 Annex: Maps (information purposes)
Figure 25: Shipping routes of the North Sea EEZ Spatial plan 2009 [will be updated in the final version taking into account the ongoing
update procedure of the spatial plans].
Figure 26: Shipping routes of the Baltic Sea EEZ Spatial plan 2009 [will be updated in the final version taking into account the ongoing
update procedure of the spatial plans].
Annex: Maps (information purposes) 69
Figure 27: North Sea EEZ Spatial plan 2009 [will be updated in the final version taking into account the ongoing process of updating the
spatial plans].
Figure 28: Baltic Sea EEZ Spatial plan 2009 [will be updated in the final version taking into account the current update procedure for the
spatial plans].
70 Annex: Maps (information purposes)
Annex: Maps (information purposes) 71
Figure 29: Designations submarine cables, pipelines, traffic separation areas (North Sea)
Figure 30: Designations submarine cables, pipelines, traffic separation areas (Baltic Sea)
72 Annex: Maps (information purposes)
Figure 31: National defence areas (North Sea)
Figure 32: National defence areas (Baltic Sea)
Annex: Maps (information purposes) 73
Figure 33: Areas for the erection and operation of offshore wind energy plants in the German North Sea EEZ and nature conservation
areas.
Figure 34: Areas for the erection and operation of offshore wind energy plants in the German Baltic Sea EEZ and nature conservation
areas.
74 Annex: Informational illustration of a long-term development path (scenario framework 2021-2035)
13 Annex: Informational areas against the background of the effects of
long-range wake effects. In addition, an
illustration of a long-term assessment of the spatial outline of the areas
development path requires the completion of the currently ongoing
update procedure of the spatial plans for the
(scenario framework 2021- German EEZ. In the context of this informative
2035) presentation, a range of 8 to 10 GW is therefore
initially assumed for the expected installed
The scenario framework for NEP 2021-2035 capacity for the areas N-11 to N-13. To connect
approved by the BNetzA on 26 June 2020 the corresponding areas, four to five additional
contains three probable paths (so-called grid connection systems would be required.
scenarios) for a development of the expansion of Although Table 17 does not provide any
offshore wind energy The scenario framework is information on the chronological order, it would
the basis for the preparation of the NEP pursuant probably start with areas in area N-12 before N-
to Article 12b EnWG for determining the 11 and N-13.
expansion requirement in the transmission grid
and is approved by the BNetzA after a To illustrate the scenario framework of NEP
consultation and review pursuant to Article 12a 2021-2035, additional areas and surfaces would
(3) EnWG. therefore be required in areas N-11 to N-13,
depending on the amount of power expected to
The middle scenario B 2035 of the scenario be installed. With regard to further potential
framework 2021-2035 envisages an expansion areas in zones 4 and 5, reference is made to the
of offshore wind energy of 30 GW by 2035. With update of the spatial plans for the German North
scenario B 2040, the scenario framework Sea and Baltic Sea EEZ.
contains an outlook beyond 2035 until 2040, with
the scenario being based on scenario B 2035 Reference is made to the challenges and
with regard to expansion until 2035. Scenario B prerequisites for the implementation of the
2040 envisages an expansion of offshore wind scenarios listed in FEP 2019.
energy of 40 GW by 2040. Furthermore, reference is made to the
In the procedure of the FEP 2019, it was preparation, review and confirmation of the NEP
requested with reference to the scenario 2021-2035.
framework 2019-2030 that the FEP should
present a corresponding scenario even before a
legal adaptation. In order to comply with this
requirement in the FEP update and for the
purpose of long-term planning, a long-term
scenario is presented here for information
purposes only, which gives an outlook on the
areas available in the N-11 to N-13 areas after
the target year 2030, without, however,
specifying concrete tender or commissioning
years.
As shown in Chapter 4.7.3, there is still a need
for further investigation to determine the
expected installed capacity for the N-11 to N-13
Annex: Informational illustration of a long-term development path (scenario framework 2021- 75
2035)
Table 17: Informative presentation of the sites potentially available in zones 1-3 beyond 2030 based on the scenario framework 2021-
2035 (30 GW by 2035)
Calender year Calender year Site Connection Expected Total expected
tender commissioning system installed power installed power
[MW] [MW]
N-12.1/N-12.2 NOR-12-1 2.000
N-12.3/N-12.4 NOR-12-2 2.000
after 2025 after 2030 N-11.1/N-11.2 NOR-11-1 2.000 8.000-10.000
N-13.1/N-13.2 NOR-13-1 2.000
ggf. N-11.3/N-12.5/N-13.3 ggf. NOR-11-2 ggf. 2.000
ca. 28.400-
Expected total potential in zones 1-3 30.4001)
1) Additional potential could result from the development of open spaces in area O-6. However, this is subject to the actual availability of
the land.
Draft environmental report for the draft
Site Development Plan 2020
for the German North Sea
Exclusive Economic Zone
Hamburg, 4 September 2020
II Inhalt
Content
1 Introduction 1
Legal basis and tasks of the environmental assessment 1
Brief description of the content and most important objectives of
the Site Development Plan 1
Relationship with other relevant plans, programmes and policies 1
Presentation and consideration of environmental protection
objectives 7
1.4.1 International conventions on the protection of the marine environment 7
1.4.2 Environmental and nature conservation requirements at EU level 8
1.4.3 Environmental and nature conservation requirements at national level 8
1.4.4 The Federal Government's energy and climate conservation aims 8
Strategic Environmental Assessment methodology 9
1.5.1 Introduction 9
1.5.2 Area of investigation 10
1.5.3 Carrying out the environmental assessment 11
1.5.4 Criteria for status description and assessment 14
1.5.5 Assumptions for discription and assessment of likely significant
environmental effects 14
1.5.6 Cumulative assessment 15
1.5.7 Interrelationships 16
1.5.8 Specific assumptions for the assessment of likely significant
environmental impacts 16
Data sources and indications of difficulties in compiling the
documents 20
1.6.1 Overview of data source 21
1.6.2 Indications of difficulties in compiling the documents 21
2 Description and assessment of state of the environment 25
Introduction 25
Soil/Area 25
2.2.1 Data availability 25
2.2.2 Geomorphology 25
2.2.3 Sediment distribution on the seabed 25
Inhalt III
2.2.4 Geological structure of the near-surface subsoil 25
2.2.5 Distribution of pollutants in the sediment 25
2.2.6 Status assessment 25
Water 25
2.3.1 Currents 25
2.3.2 Swell 25
2.3.3 Temperature, salinity and seasonal stratification 25
2.3.4 Ice conditions 25
2.3.5 Fronts 25
2.3.6 Suspended matter and turbidity 25
2.3.7 Status assessment with regard to nutrient and pollutant distribution 25
Plankton 26
2.4.1 Data availability 26
2.4.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of phytoplankton 26
2.4.3 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of zooplankton 26
2.4.4 Status assessment of plankton 26
Biotopes 26
2.5.1 Data availability 26
2.5.2 Legally protected marine biotopes according to section 30 of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act and FFH habitat types 26
2.5.3 Status assessment 26
Benthos 26
2.6.1 Data availability 26
2.6.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 26
2.6.3 Status assessment of the factor Benthos 26
Fish 26
2.7.1 Data availability 26
2.7.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 26
2.7.3 Status assessment of the factor Fish 26
Marine mammals 26
2.8.1 Data availability 26
2.8.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 26
IV Inhalt
2.8.3 Status assessment of the factor Marine mammals 26
Seabirds and resting birds 27
2.9.1 Data availability 27
2.9.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 27
2.9.3 Status assessment of seabirds and resting birds 27
Migratory birds 27
2.10.1 Data availability 27
2.10.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of migratory birds 27
2.10.3 Status assessment of the factor Migratory birds 27
Bats and bat migration 27
2.11.1 Data availability 27
2.11.2 Spatial distribution and status assessment 27
Biodiversity 27
Air 27
Climate 27
Landscape 27
Material assets, cultural heritage (archaeology) 27
Human beings, including human health 27
Interrelationships between the factors 27
3 Expected development in the event of non-implementation of
the plan 28
Soil/Area 29
Water 29
Plankton 29
Biotopes 29
Benthos 30
Fish 30
Marine mammals 30
Seabirds and resting birds 30
Migratory birds 30
Bats and bat migration 30
Biodiversity 30
Inhalt V
Air 30
Climate 30
Landscape 30
Material assets, cultural heritage (archaeology) 30
Human beings, including human health 30
Interrelationships between the factors 30
4 Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of
the implementation of the Site Development Plan on the
marine environment 31
Soil/Areas 31
4.1.1 Areas, sites and platforms 31
4.1.2 Subsea cable systems 31
Benthos 31
4.2.1 Areas and sites 31
4.2.2 Platforms 31
4.2.3 Subsea cable systems 31
Biotopes 31
4.3.1 Areas and sites 31
4.3.2 Platforms 31
4.3.3 Subsea cable systems 32
Fish 32
4.4.1 Areas and sites 32
4.4.2 Platforms 32
4.4.3 Subsea cable systems 32
Marine mammals 32
4.5.1 Areas and sites 32
4.5.2 Platforms 32
4.5.3 Subsea cable systems 32
Seabirds and resting birds 32
4.6.1 Areas and sites 32
4.6.2 Platforms 32
4.6.3 Subsea cable systems 32
VI Inhalt
Migratory birds 32
4.7.1 Areas and sites 32
4.7.2 Platforms 32
4.7.3 Subsea cable systems 32
Bats and bat migration 32
4.8.1 Areas and sites 32
4.8.2 Platforms 32
4.8.3 Subsea cable systems 32
Climate 32
Landscape 32
4.10.1 Areas and sites 32
4.10.2 Platforms 32
Interrelationships 32
Cumulative effects 32
4.12.1 Soil/area, benthos and biotopes 32
4.12.2 Fish 32
4.12.3 Marine mammals 32
4.12.4 Seabirds and resting birds 32
4.12.5 Migratory birds 32
Transboundary impacts 32
5 Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations 34
Marine mammals 34
5.1.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of killing and injury) 34
5.1.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of disturbance) 34
Avifauna (seabirds, resting birds and migratory birds) 34
5.2.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of killing and injury) 34
5.2.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of disturbance) 34
Bats 35
Inhalt VII
5.3.1 Section 44 subsection 1 nos. 1 and 2 of the Federal Nature
Conservation Act 35
6 Assessment of the implications 36
Legal basis 36
Assessment of the compatibility of the FEP with protected
species 38
6.2.1 Impact assessment pursuant to Article 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in
conjunction with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats Directive and under Article
5 (6) of the Ordinance on the Establishment of the "Borkum Riffgrund"
Nature Reserve 38
6.2.2 Impact assessment pursuant to Article 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in
conjunction with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats Directive and Article 5 (6) of
the Ordinance on the Establishment of the "Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern
German Bight" Nature Reserve with regard to marine mammals and
protected bird species 38
6.2.3 Impact assessment pursuant to Article 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in
conjunction with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats Directive and Article 5 (7) of
the Ordinance on the designation of the Doggerbank nature
conservation area 39
Natura2000 sites outside the German EEZ 39
Results of the impact assessment 40
7 Overall plan evaluation 41
8 Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative
effects of the Site Development Plan on the marine
environment 42
Introduction 42
Areas and sites for offshore wind turbines 43
Platforms 44
Subsea cable systems (DC and AC cable systems) 45
9 Investigated alternatives 47
Zero alternative 48
Strategic alternatives 48
Spatial alternatives 48
9.3.1 Alternative assessment for areas 48
9.3.2 Comparison of the sites with each other 48
9.3.3 Bypass sandbank Borkum reef ground 54
VIII Inhalt
Technical alternatives 57
10 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental
impacts 59
Monitoring of the potential effects of the areas and sites for
offshore wind turbines 61
Monitoring of potential effects of platforms 62
Monitoring of the potential effects of sea cables 62
11 Non-technical summary 64
12 References 83
Inhalt IX
List of figures
Figure 1: Overview of the staged planning and approval process in the central model. ................... 3
Figure 2: Overview of the protected assets in the environmental assessments. .............................. 4
Figure 3: Environmental assessments in the staged planning and approval process, with emphasis
on the assessment in question. ....................................................................................................... 2
Figure 4: Object of the planning and approval procedures, with emphasis on environmental
assessment..................................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 5: Overview of the priorities of environmental assessments in the planning and approval
process ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 6: Overview of the standards of the relevant legal acts for the SEA. .................................... 9
Figure 7: Definition of the area of investigation for the SEA for the Site Development Plan for the
North Sea EEZ. ............................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 8: General methodology for assessing the likely significant environmental effects. ............ 13
Figure 9: Alternative routes for gates N-IV and N-V. ..................................................................... 54
Figure 10: Alternative routes for connecting sites N-6.6, N-6.7, N-9.3 und N-9.4........................... 56
X Inhalt
List of figures
Table 1 Project-related effects of implementing the site development plan. .................................. 14
Table 2: Parameters for the consideration of areas and sites. ....................................................... 18
Table 3: Parameters for the consideration of network connections and platforms ......................... 18
Table 4: Parameters for the consideration of sea cable systems................................................... 20
Table 5: Site comparison using nature conservation criteria. ........................................................ 49
Table 6: Comparison of the route lengths for the variants via the sandbank versus bypassing the
Borkum Reef Ground sandbank. ................................................................................................... 56
Inhalt XI
List of abbreviations
AC Alternating current
AIS Automatic Identification System (for ships)
ASCOBANS Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas
AWI Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
BBergG Federal Mining Act
BfN Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
BFO Spatial Offshore Grid Plan
BFO-N Spatial Offshore Grid Plan North Sea
BFO-O Spatial Offshore Grid Plan Baltic Sea
BGBI Federal Law Gazette
BIAS Baltic Sea Information on the Acoustic Soundscape
Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 No-
Birds Directive
vember 2009 on the conservation of wild birds
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Construction and Nu-
BMUB
clear Safety
Act concerning nature conservation and landscape management
BNatSchG
(Federal Nature Conservation Act)
Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications,
BNetzA
Post and Railway
BSH Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
CTD Conductivity, Temperature, Depth Sensor
DC Direct current
DDT Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
DEPONS Disturbance Effects on the Harbour Porpoise Population in the North Sea
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EIA Environmental impact assessment
EIS Environmental impact study
Recording of marine mammals and seabirds in the German North Sea
EMSON
and Baltic Sea EEZs
EnWG Act concerning electricity and gas supply (German Energy Act)
ERASNO Recording of resting birds in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs
EUROBATS Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats
FEP Site Development Plan
FFH Flora Fauna Habitat
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habi-
FFH-RL
tats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive)
Compatibility testing according to Art. 6 subsection 3 of the Habitats Directive or
FFH-VP
section 34 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
FPN North Sea Research Platform
HELCOM Helsinki Convention
XII Inhalt
HCB Hexachlorobenzene
IBA Important bird area
ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
IfAÖ Institute for Applied Ecosystem Research
IHC NMS Noise mitigation System from IHC
IOW Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
IWC International Whaling Commission
K Kelvin
CI Confidence interval
kn Knots
LRT Habitat type according to the Habitats Directive
Automated monitoring network of stations in the German Bight and western Baltic
MARNET
Sea
MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
Marine warm-blooded animals in the North and Baltic Seas: Foundations for as-
MINOS
sessment of offshore wind farms
Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and the Council dated 17 June
MSRL 2008 for the establishment of a Framework for Community Action in the field of
Marine Environment (Marine Strategy Framework Directive)
NAO North Atlantic Oscillation
n.m. Nautical mile
NN Sea level
O-NDP Offshore network development plan
OSPAR Oslo-Paris Agreement
OWP Offshore wind farm
PAH Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyl
POD Porpoise Click Detector
PSU Practical Salinity Units
R&D Research and Development
RL Red List
SAMBAH Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise
SCANS Small Cetacean Abundance in the North Sea and Adjacent Waters
Ordinance concerning offshore installations for defining German coastal waters
SeeAnlV
(Offshore Installations Ordinance)
SEL Sound event level
SPA Special Protected Area
Species of European Conservation Concern (important species for bird conserva-
SPEC
tion in Europe)
SPLp-p Peak emission sound pressure level (peak-peak)
StUK4 Standard "Investigation into the impacts of offshore wind turbines"
"Accompanying ecological research at the alpha ventus offshore test area pro-
StUKplus
ject"
SEA Strategic environmental assessment
Inhalt XIII
Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June
SEA Directive 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the
environment
TFEU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
TSO Transmission system operator
TOC Total Organic Carbon
UBA German Environment Agency
UVPG Environmental Impact Assessment Act
VARS Visual Automatic Recording System
WEA Wind turbine
Act concerning the development and promotion of offshore wind energy (Offshore
WindSeeG
Wind Energy Act - WindSeeG)
Introduction 1
1 Introduction 2001/42/EC, the objective of strategic environ-
mental assessment is to ensure a high level of
environmental protection in order to promote
Legal basis and tasks of the en-
sustainable development, and thereby to con-
vironmental assessment tribute to ensuring that environmental consider-
In accordance with sections 4 et seq. of the Wind ations are taken into account in an appropriate
Energy at Sea Act (WindSeeG), the BSH draws manner well in advance of concrete project plan-
up a site development plan (FEP) in consultation ning, when the plans are compiled and adopted.
with the Federal Network Agency (BNetz-A) and The Strategic Environmental Assessment has
in agreement with the Federal Agency for Nature the task of identifying, describing and evaluating
Conservation (BfN), the Directorate-General for the likely significant environmental effects of the
Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) and the implementation of the plan. It serves as an effec-
coastal Länder. The FEP was drawn up for the tive environmental precaution in accordance
first time in 2018 and 2019 and published on 28 with the applicable laws and is implemented ac-
June 2019 and is currently being updated. cording to consistent principles, and with public
When the FEP was drawn up, a detailed environ- participation. All factors in accordance with sec-
mental assessment was carried out in accord- tion 2 subsection 1 of the Environmental Impact
ance with the law on environmental impact as- Assessment Act must be considered:
sessment (UVPG), the so-called Strategic Envi- Human beings, in particular human
ronmental Assessment (SEA). The environmen- health,
tal reports were also published on 28.06.2019.
Fauna, flora and biodiversity,
The performance of a strategic environmental
assessment and the preparation of an environ- Area, soil, water, air, climate and land-
scape,
mental report is governed by Article 35 (1) No. 1
UVPG in conjunction with No. 1.17 of Appendix Cultural heritage and other material as-
5, as site development plans are subject to the sets, and
SEA obligation under Article 5 WindSeeG. In Interrelationships between the above-
principle, this also applies if the FEP is updated mentioned factors.
or amended. The main content document of the Strategic En-
The SEA for FEP 2019 does not formally include vironmental Assessment is this draft environ-
new area layouts and the definition of new areas mental report. This identifies, describes and as-
or other energy production areas. Thus, a strate- sesses the likely significant environmental im-
gic environmental assessment must be carried pact of the implementation of the Site Develop-
out for the specifications that have not yet been ment Plan, as well as possible planning alterna-
reviewed, as it is not possible to exclude the pos- tives, taking into account the essential purposes
sibility of significant environmental impacts. As of the plan.
far as new findings on existing specifications are
available and relevant, these will also be taken
into account. Brief description of the content
The SEA for updating the FEP is based on the and most important objectives of
environmental reports from 2019 and will closely the Site Development Plan
follow the existing SEA in terms of methodology
and content. Relationship with other relevant
According to Art. 1 of the SEA Directive plans, programmes and policies
2 Introduction
The FEP is related to other plans and pro- claims. A strategic environmental assessment
grammes within the EEZ, in adjacent areas, in must be carried out when the spatial develop-
particular in the Coastal Sea, and to plans and ment plan is drawn up.
projects at upstream and downstream planning
The next stage is the FEP. Within the framework
and licensing levels.
of the so-called central model, the FEP is the
1.3.1 Regional development plans in adjacent control instrument for the orderly expansion of
areas offshore wind energy and electricity grids in a
phased planning process. The FEP has the char-
In the interests of coherent planning, coordina-
acter of a sectoral plan. The sectoral plan is de-
tion processes with the plans of neighbouring
signed to plan the use of offshore wind energy
states and coastal federal states are advisable
and the electricity grids in a targeted manner and
and must be taken into account in the cumulative
as optimally as possible under the given frame-
assessment of impacts on the marine environ-
work conditions - in particular the requirements
ment. In particular, close coordination is required
of regional planning - by defining areas and sites
with the coastal federal states with regard to the
as well as locations, routes and route corridors
onshore connection of the offshore wind farms
for grid connections or for cross-border subma-
and the routing of the routes through the coastal
rine cable systems. In principle, a strategic envi-
sea. At present, the state spatial planning is be-
ronmental assessment is carried out to accom-
ing updated for both Lower Saxony and Schles-
pany the establishment, updating and modifica-
wig-Holstein.
tion of the FEP.
1.3.1.1 Lower Saxony
In the next step, the areas for offshore wind en-
1.3.1.2 Schleswig-Holstein ergy plants defined in the FEP will be pre-exam-
1.3.2 MSRL programme of measures ined. If the requirements of § 12 para 2 Wind-
SeeG are met, the preliminary investigation is
1.3.3 Management plans for the North Sea followed by a determination of the suitability of
EEZ nature reserves the site for the construction and operation of off-
1.3.4 Staged planning procedure for offshore shore wind energy plants. A strategic environ-
wind energy and power lines (central model) mental assessment shall also be carried out to
accompany the preliminary investigation.
Within the framework of the central model, the
FEP is the steering instrument for the orderly ex- If the suitability of a site for the use of offshore
pansion of offshore wind energy in a staged wind energy is determined, the site is put out to
planning process. The SEA for the FEP is related tender and the winning bidder or the correspond-
to upstream and downstream environmental as- ingly entitled party can submit an application for
sessments. approval (planning approval) for the construction
and operation of wind energy plants on the site
In an overall view of the central model, the plan-
specified in the FEP. As part of the planning ap-
ning process for the area of the EEZ is divided
proval procedure, an environmental impact as-
into several stages:
sessment is carried out if the prerequisites are
At the highest and superordinate level is the in- met.
strument of maritime spatial planning. The spa-
While the areas defined in the FEP are pre-ex-
tial development plan is the forward-looking
amined and put out to tender for the use of off-
planning instrument which coordinates the most
shore wind energy, this is not the case for de-
diverse interests of users in the fields of industry,
fined sites, routes and route corridors for grid
science and research as well as protection
connections or cross-border submarine cable
Introduction 3
systems. Upon application, a planning approval Under Article 1 (4) UVPG, the UVPG also ap-
procedure including environmental assessment plies if federal or Länder legislation does not
will be carried out for the construction and oper- specify the environmental impact assessment in
ation of grid connection lines in the Re-gel. The more detail or does not comply with the essential
same applies to cross-border submarine cable requirements of the UVPG.
systems.
Figure 1: Overview of the staged planning and approval process in the central model.
In the case of multi-stage planning and approval content and subject matter of the plan are to be
processes, it follows from the relevant legislation taken into account.
(e.g. Spatial Planning Act, Wind-SeeG and
In the case of subsequent plans and subsequent
BBergG) or, more generally, from Article 39 (3)
approvals of projects for which the plan sets a
UVPG that, in the case of plans, it should be de-
framework, the environmental assessment pur-
termined at the stage of defining the scope of the
suant to Article 39 (3) sentence 3 UVPG shall be
investigation at which certain environmental im-
limited to additional or other significant environ-
pacts are to be assessed in particular. In this
mental impacts as well as to necessary updates
way, multiple assessments are to be avoided.
and further details.
The nature and extent of the environmental im-
pacts, technical requirements, as well as the
4 Introduction
Within the framework of the staged planning and objects of protection. They serve to ensure effec-
approval process, all reviews have in common tive environmental protection in accordance with
that environmental impacts on the objects of pro- the applicable laws and are carried out according
tection listed in § 2 para. 1 UVGP are consid- to uniform principles and with public participa-
ered, including their interactions. tion.
According to the definition in § 2 para. 2 UVPG, In the offshore sector, the following sub-catego-
environmental impacts within the meaning of the ries of the legally protected assets: animals,
UVPG are direct and indirect effects of a project plants and biological diversity have become es-
or the implementation of a plan or programme on tablished as sub-categories of the legally pro-
the protected assets. tected assets: avifauna: seabirds/resting and mi-
gratory birds, benthos, biotope types, plankton,
According to Article 3 UVPG, environmental im-
marine mammals, fish and bats.
pact assessments comprise the identification,
description and assessment of the significant im-
pacts of a project or a plan or programme on the
Figure 2: Overview of the protected assets in the environmental assessments.
Introduction 5
In detail, the staged planning process is as fol- procedure) for offshore wind tur-
lows: bines
1.3.1.1 Maritime spatial planning (EEZ) 1.3.1.5 Approval procedure for grid con-
nections (converter platforms and
1.3.1.2 Site Development Plan subsea cable systems)
1.3.1.3 Preliminary investigation 1.3.1.6 Cross-border cables
1.3.1.4 Approval procedure (planning ap-
proval and planning permission
2 Introduction
1.3.1.7 Summary overviews of environmental assessments
Figure 3: Environmental assessments in the staged planning and approval process, with emphasis on the
assessment in question.
Introduction 3
Figure 4: Object of the planning and approval procedures, with emphasis on environmental assessment
4 Introduction
Spatial planning Site Development Plan Site investigation Approval process Approval process
Suitability evaluation Cross-border cables
Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) Strategic environmental assessment (Planning approval or planning permission)
grid connections
(SEA) Strategic environmental EA
assessment (SEA) EA
Strategic planning for the rules Strategic planning for the rules Strategic Environmental assessment Environmental assessment
suitability evaluation for Application for Application for
sites with wind turbines
Rules and object of the assessment
Priority and reservation areas Areas for offshore wind turbines Assessment of the suitability of the
Sites for offshore wind turbines, including the expected site for the erection and operation of
for ensuring the safety and ease of movement of shipping traffic generation capacity wind turbines, including the capacity
for further economic uses, especially offshore wind energy and to be installed
pipelines Based on the assigned and col-
for scientific uses and lected data (STUK)
Protection and improvement of the marine environment
Aims and principles Platform locations the erection and operation of platforms and con-
Routes and route corri- nection lines
Use of the ecosystem approach dors for subsea cable According to the specifications of spatial plan- the erection and operation of cross-bor-
systems ning and the Site Development Plan der cables (interconnectors)
Technical and planning
approaches according to the specifications of spatial
planning and the Site Development Plan
Analysis of environmental impacts
Analyses (determines, describes and assesses) the expected con- Analyses (determines, describes and assesses) the ex- Analyses (determines, describes and Analyses (determines, describes and assesses the Analyses (determines, describes and as-
siderable effects of the plan on the marine environment. pected considerable environmental impacts of the plan on assesses) the expected considerable environmental impacts of the actual project (where sesses) the environmental impacts of the
the marine environment. environmental impacts of the erection applicable, platform and connection line). actual project.
and operation of wind turbines, which
can be assessed independently of the
subsequent design of the project.
Aim
Aimed at the optimisation of overall planning solutions, Deals with the fundamental issues for the use of offshore Deals with the fundamental issues for Handles question about the actual design ('how') of Handles question about the actual design
i.e. a comprehensive package of measures. wind energy according to the use of wind turbines according to a project (technical equipment, construction work). ('how') of a project (technical equipment,
requirement and/or legal aims suitability of the site construction work).
Consideration of a wide spectrum of uses. purpose Assesses the environmental impact of the project
technology Makes available information about the and formulates corresponding stipulations.
Assesses the environmental impact of the project
capacities site which is legally regulated for the bid
Used at the beginning of the planning process for clarification of fun- and formulates corresponding stipulations.
locating of sites for platforms and cabling routes. submission.
damental strategic issues, i.e. at an early point in time while there is
still plenty of room for manoeuvre. Searches for environmentally appropriate groups of actions, Searches for environmentally appropri-
without assessing the absolute environmental impact of the ate groups of actions without assessing
planning. the environmental impact of the actual
project.
Functions essentially as a controlling planning instrument of the plan- Functions primarily as a controlling planning instrument of Functions as an instrument between Functions primarily as a passive assessment in- Functions primarily as a passive assess-
ning administration agency, to create an environmentally appropriate the planning administration agency, to create an environ- the Site Development Plan and ap- strument that reacts to the application ment instrument that reacts to the applica-
framework for all uses. mentally appropriate framework for individual projects (wind proval process for wind turbines on an from the project developer. tion from the project developer.
turbines and grid connections, cross-border subsea cables) actual site.
Assessment depth
Introduction 5
Characterised by greater examination width, i.e. a larger number of Characterised by greater examination width, i.e. a larger Characterised by a smaller-scale inves- Characterised by reduced examination width (lim- Characterised by reduced examination
alternatives, and reduced investigation depth (no detailed analyses) number of alternatives and reduced investigation depth (no tigation area, greater investigation ited number of alternatives) and a greater investi- width (limited number of alternatives) and a
detailed analyses) depth (detailed analyses). gation depth (detailed analyses). greater investigation depth (detailed anal-
Includes regional, national and global impacts as well as secondary, yses).
cumulative and synergetic effects in the sense of an overall assess- Includes local, national and global impacts as well as sec- The suitability evaluation may include Assesses the environmental impact of the project
ment. ondary, cumulative and synergetic effects in the sense of an and formulates corresponding stipulations. Considers primarily local effects in the vi-
specifications for the later project, in
overall assessment. cinity of the project.
particular the nature and extent of the Considers primarily local effects in the vicinity of the
construction on the site and its location. project.
Focus of the assessment
Cumulative effects Cumulative effects Local effects relating to the site and its Environmental impacts caused by the system, its Environmental impacts caused by the sys-
Overall plan assessment Overall plan assessment location. erection and operation tem, its erection and operation
Strategic and extensive alternatives Strategic, technical and regional alternatives
Possible transboundary impacts Possible transboundary impacts System dismantling Assessment based on the actual system
design.
Assessment based on the actual system design.
Intervention, compensation and replace-
Intervention, compensation and replacement ment measures.
measures.
Approval process (planning approval and/or planning permission) for wind turbines
Environmental Impact Assessment
Object of the assessment
Assessment of the environmental impact upon application for
the erection and operation of wind turbines
on the previously investigated site specified in the Site Development Plan
according to the rules of the Site Development Plan and the requirements of the site investigation.
Assessment of environmental impacts
Analyses (determines, describes and assesses) the environmental impacts of the actual project (wind turbines, where applicable, platforms and cabling within the wind farm)
The responsible authority draws up a summary in accordance with section 24 UVPG (Environmental Impact Assessment Act)
of the environmental impacts of the project,
the characteristics of the project and site, the effect of which is to exclude, mitigate or offset significant adverse environmental impacts,
the measures with which significant adverse environmental impacts are to be excluded, reduced or offset, as well as
the replacement measures for interventions in the natural environment and countryside (Note: Exception according to section 56 subsection 3 BNatSchG (Federal
Nature Protection Law)
Aim
Handles the question about the actual design ('how') of a project (technical equipment, construction work)
Functions primarily as a passive assessment instrument that reacts to the application of the successful tenderer/project developer.
Assessment depth
Characterised by reduced examination width (i.e. a limited number of alternatives) and a greater investigation depth (detailed analyses).
Assesses the environmental impact of the project on the previously investigated site and formulates corresponding stipulations.
Considers mainly local effects in the vicinity of the project.
Focus of the assessment
Environmental impacts caused by erection and operation.
Assessment based on the actual system design.
6 Introduction
System dismantling.
Figure 5: Overview of the priorities of environmental assess-
ments in the planning and approval process
Introduction 7
Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation
Presentation and consideration
(1978) and Trilateral Monitoring and As-
of environmental protection ob- sessment Programme, 1997 (TMAP)
jectives
Agreement for cooperation in dealing
The establishment, updating and amendment of with pollution of the North Sea by oil and
the Site Development Plan and implementation other harmful substances, 1983 (Bonn
of the SEA take into account the environmental Agreement)
protection objectives. These provide information
on what state of the environment is being sought Convention for the Protection of the Ma-
in the future (environmental quality targets). The rine Environment of the North-East Atlan-
environmental protection objectives can be gath- tic, 1992
ered in an overall view from the international, (OSPAR Convention)
common and national conventions and regula- UNECE Convention on the EIA in a
tions which deal with protection of the marine en- transboundary context (Espoo-Konven-
vironment and on the basis of which the Federal tion1)
Republic of Germany has committed itself to cer-
tain principles and objectives. UNECE-Protokoll on SEA to the conven-
tion on EIA in a transboundary context
1.4.1 International conventions on the pro- (SEA-Protokoll)
tection of the marine environment
1.4.1.3 Agreements specific to factors
The Federal Republic of Germany is a party to
all relevant international conventions on protec- Convention on the Conservation of Euro-
tion of the marine environment. pean Wildlife and Natural Habitats, 1979
(Bern Convention)
1.4.1.1 Conventions in force throughout
Convention on the Conservation of Mi-
the world that serve to protect the
gratory Species of Wild Animals, 1979
marine environment in whole or in
(Bonn Convention)
part
Within the framework of the Bonn Convention,
International Convention for the Preven-
regional agreements for the conservation of the
tion of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as
species listed in Annex II were concluded in ac-
modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MAR-
cordance with Art. 4 no. 3 of the Bonn Conven-
POL 73/78)
tion:
Convention on the Prevention of Marine
Agreement on the Conservation of Afri-
Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and
can-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds,
Other Matter (London, 1972) and Proto-
1995 (AEWA)
col, 1996
Agreement on the Conservation of Small
United Nations Convention on the Law of
Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas,
the Sea dated 1982
1991 (ASCOBANS)
1.4.1.2 Regional conventions on the pro-
tection of the marine environment
1 Convention from 25. 2. 1991 about the EIA in a trans- 2002, BGBl. 2002 II, S. 1406 ff. and the Second Espoo-Act
boundary context, implemented by the Espoo-Act of 7. 6. from 17. 3. 2006, BGBl. 2006 II, S. 224 f
8 Introduction
Agreement on the Conservation of Seals 2001 on the assessment of the effects of
in the Wadden Sea, 1991 certain plans and programmes on the en-
vironment (Strategic Environmental As-
Agreement on the Conservation of Popu-
sessment Directive, SEA Directive)
lations of European Bats, 1991 (EURO-
BATS) Directive 2008/56/EC of the European
Parliament and the Council dated 17
Convention on Biological Diversity, 1993
June 2008 for the establishment of a
1.4.2 Environmental and nature conserva- Framework for Community Action in the
tion requirements at EU level field of Marine Environment (Marine
Strategy Framework Directive, MSRL)
The material scope of application of the TFEU2
and thus in principle also that of secondary law Directive 2009/147/EC of the European
is extended if the Member States experience an Parliament and of the Council on the con-
increase in rights in an area outside their territory servation of wild birds (Birds Directive)
which they have transferred to the EU (ECJ, Richtlinie 2009/147/EG des Europäischen
Commission/United Kingdom, 2005). In the field Parlaments und Rates über die Erhaltung
of protection of the marine environment, nature
der wildlebenden Vogelarten (V-RL)
conservation or water protection, the applicabil-
ity of the legal EU requirements is also valid for 1.4.3 Environmental and nature conserva-
the EEZ. tion requirements at national level
The relevant EU legislation is to be taken into ac- There are various legal provisions at a national
count: level, too, and their specifications must be taken
into account in the environmental report.
Council Directive 337/85/EEC of 27 June
1985 on the assessment of the effects of Act for regulating water resources (WHG)
certain public and private projects on the
Act concerning nature conservation and
environment (Environmental Impact As-
landscape management (Federal Nature
sessment Directive, EIA Directive)
Conservation Act - BNatSchG)
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May
Act concerning the environmental impact
1992 on the conservation of natural hab-
assessment (UVPG)
itats and of wild fauna and flora (Flora
and Fauna Habitats Directive)3, Act concerning the development and pro-
motion of offshore wind energy (Offshore
Directive 2000/60/EC of the European
Wind Energy Act - WindSeeG)
Parliament and the Council dated 23 Oc-
tober 2000 for the establishment of a Protected region regulations
Framework for Community Action in the
field of Water Policy (Water Framework 1.4.4 The Federal Government's energy
Directive, WRRL) and climate conservation aims
Directive 2001/42/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 27 June
2 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, OJ EC 3 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the con-
no. C 115, dated 09.05.2008, p. 47. servation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ
L 206 dated 22.07.1992.
Introduction 9
Figure 6: Overview of the standards of the relevant legal acts for the SEA.
fects on the factors in question is identified, de-
Strategic Environmental Assess-
scribed and evaluated for the individual specifi-
ment methodology cations. In accordance with section 1 subsection
4 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act
1.5.1 Introduction
in conjunction with section 40 subsection 3 of the
When carrying out the Strategic Environmental Environmental Impact Assessment Act, in the
Assessment, various approaches to the planning environmental report the competent authority
status can be considered within the framework provisionally assesses the environmental effects
of the methodology. This environmental report of the specifications with regard to effective en-
builds on the methodology already used for the vironmental precautions in accordance with ap-
Strategic Environmental Assessment of the plicable laws. According to the special legal
2019 Site Development Plan. standard of section 5 subsection 3 WindSeeG,
The methodology is based primarily on the spec- the specifications must not endanger the marine
ifications of the plan that are to be assessed. environment.
Within the framework of this SEA, whether the The subject matter of the environmental report
specifications are likely to have significant ef- corresponds to the provisions of the Site Devel-
opment Plan as stated in section 5 subsection 1
10 Introduction
WindSeeG (see 1.3). However, the relevant fac- 1.5.2 Area of investigation
tors here are not so much the specifications in The description and assessment of the state of
concrete temporal terms, as the chronological the environment relates primarily to the North
order of the call for tenders or the calendar years Sea EEZ, for which the Site Development Plan
of commissioning, as there are no further envi- essentially defines specifications. The SEA area
ronmental effects in this regard compared with of investigation covers the German North Sea
the environmental specifications. Although some EEZ (Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht ge-
planning and technical principles serve to miti- funden werden.). It should be noted that the
gate environmental effects, they can also lead to data availability for the region up to shipping
effects, making a review necessary. route 10 is significantly better than for the area
The following specifications are each examined north-west of shipping route 10 due to the avail-
with regard to their anticipated significant envi- able project-related monitoring data.
ronmental effects relating to factors: For the area north-west of shipping route 10, the
Site Development Plan makes statements on
Areas and sites for offshore wind en- possible routes, route corridors or gates for
ergy, including specification of the an- cross-border cables. Based on the available
ticipated capacity sediment data and findings from monitoring for
Routes and corridors, including gates the "Dogger Bank" protected area, it is also pos-
sible to describe and assess the state of the en-
Locations for platforms (converter
vironment and potential environmental effects in
and collector platforms and trans-
this area.
former platforms)
The adjacent coastal waters and the adjacent re-
Designation of other gions of the neighbouring states are not directly
Energy production areasRelevant covered by this plan, but they will be considered
planning and technical principles in the cumulative and cross-border perspective
of this SEA.
Introduction 11
Figure 7: Definition of the area of investigation for the SEA for the Site Development Plan for the North Sea
EEZ.
tified significance" that cannot be considered in-
1.5.3 Carrying out the environmental as-
dependently of the "specific characteristics of
sessment
plans or programmes" (SOMMER, 2005, 25 ff.).
The assessment of the likely significant environ- In general, significant effects can be defined as
mental effects of the implementation of the Site
effects that are serious and significant in the con-
Development Plan includes secondary, cumula- text being considered.
tive, synergistic, short-, medium- and long-term,
permanent and temporary, positive and negative According to the criteria in Annex 6 of the Envi-
effects related to the factors. Secondary or indi- ronmental Impact Assessment Act that are sig-
rect effects are those that are not immediate and nificant to the assessment of the likely significant
therefore may only become effective after some environmental effects, the significance is deter-
time and/or at other locations. Occasionally, mined by
there is also reference to consequences or inter- the probability, duration, frequency and re-
relationships. versibility of the effects;
Possible effects of the implementation of the the cumulative nature of the effects;
plan are described and evaluated in relation to
the transboundary nature of the effects;
the factors. There is no common definition of
"significance" as this involves "individually iden- the risks to human health or the environment
(e.g. due to accidents);
12 Introduction
the magnitude and spatial extent of the ef- the Site Development Plan on the marine envi-
fects (geographical area and size of the pop- ronment also refer to the factors described. All
ulation likely to be affected); plan contents that may potentially have signifi-
the value and vulnerability of the area likely to cant environmental effects are examined.
be affected due to special natural character-
The effects of construction and dismantling, as
istics or cultural heritage, exceeded environ-
mental quality standards or limit values, as well as system-related and operational factors,
well as intensive land-use; are taken into account. Moreover, effects that
may arise in the course of maintenance and re-
the effects on areas or landscapes which
pair work are taken into account. This is followed
have a recognised national, Community or in-
ternational protection status". by a description of possible interrelationships
and consideration of possible cumulative effects
The characteristics of plans and programmes,
and potential cross-border effects.
having regard, in particular, to
"the degree to which the plan or programme The following factors are considered with regard
sets a framework for projects and other activ- to assessment of the state of the environment:
ities, either with regard to the location, nature,
size and operating conditions or by allocating Area
resources;
Soil
the degree to which the plan or programme
influences other plans and programmes in- Water
cluding those in a hierarchy; Plankton
the relevance of the plan or programme for
the integration of environmental considera- Biotopes
tions in particular with a view to promoting Benthos
sustainable development;
Fish
environmental problems relevant to the plan
or programme; Marine mammals
the relevance of the plan or programme for Resting and migratory birds
the implementation of Community legislation
on the environment (e.g. plans and pro- Bats
grammes linked to waste-management or wa-
ter protection) (Appendix II SEA Directive). Biodiversity
Specialist law provides further specifications as Air
to when an effect reaches the significance Climate
threshold. Threshold values were also compiled
sub-legally so as to be able to make a distinction. Landscape
The potential environmental effects are de- Material assets, cultural heritage
scribed and assessed separately in relation to Human beings, in particular human health
the factors for areas and sites, platforms, subsea
cable systems and other energy production Interrelationships between factors
sites, taking into account the assessment of the .
status. Furthermore, where necessary, a differ-
entiation is made according to different technical
designs. The description and assessment of the
likely significant effects of the implementation of
Introduction 13
In general, the following methodological ap- • Assessments by experts / the specialist
proaches are used in the environmental assess- community
ment:
The effects of the Site Development Plan speci-
• Qualitative descriptions and evaluations fications are assessed on the basis of the de-
scription and assessment of the condition and
• Quantitative descriptions and evaluations
the function and significance of the individual ar-
• Evaluation of studies, technical literature eas, sites and routes for the individual factors on
and reports the one hand, and the effects originating from
• Visualisations these specifications and the resulting potential
effects on the other. A forecast of the project-re-
• Worst-case assumptions lated effects in the case of implementation of the
• Trend estimates (e.g. on the state of the Site Development Plan is compiled as a function
art of systems) of the criteria of intensity, scope and duration of
the effects (see Figure 8).
Figure 8: General methodology for assessing the likely significant environmental effects.
14 Introduction
1.5.4 Criteria for status description and as- for bird migration are considered as well as rar-
sessment ity, vulnerability and pre-load.
The status assessment of the individual factors
1.5.5 Assumptions for discription and as-
is based on various criteria. For the factors
sessment of likely significant envi-
area/soil, benthos and fish, the assessment is
ronmental effects
based on the aspects of rarity and vulnerability,
diversity and singularity, as well as pre-load. The The likely significant effects of the implementa-
description and assessment of the protected as- tion of the Site Development Plan on the marine
sets marine mammals and sea and resting birds environment are described and assessed in re-
is based on the aspects listed in the figure. As lation to factors, based on the status assessment
these are highly mo-bile species, it is not expe- as described above, separately for areas and
dient to adopt a similar approach to the factors sites, platforms, subsea cable systems and other
area/soil, benthos and fish. The criteria of pro- energy production sites. The following table sets
tection status, assessment of the occurrence, out the potential environmental effects, based on
assessment of territorial units and initial loads, significant factors, that form the basis for the as-
are applied for seabirds, resting birds and marine sessment of the likely significant environmental
mammals. The aspects of assessment of the oc- effects. The effects are differentiated according
currence and large-scale significance of the area to whether they are due to construction, disman-
tling or operation, or are caused by the system
itself.
Table 1 Project-related effects of implementing the site development plan.
Object of Effect Potential impact
Commis-
(De)Con
struction
Turbine
protection
sioning
Areas/ Sites and Platforms
Soil Placement of hard substrate change of habitats X
(foundations)
permanent land use change of habitats X
Scouring/sediment relocation change of habitats X
Benthos formation of turbidity plumes Impact on benthic species X
Resuspension of sediment Impairment or damage to benthic X
and sedimentation species or communities
Placement of hard substrate Change of habitats, habitat loss X
Fish Sediment swirls and turbidity Physiological effects and frightening X
plumes effects
Noise emissions during pile Averting X
driving
Introduction 15
Land use Local habitat loss X
Placement of hard substrate Attraction effects, increase in spe- X
cies diversity
Seabirds Visual unrest due to con- Local scaring and barrier effects X
and struction activity
resting
birds Obstacle in airspace Scaring effects => habitat loss X
Lightemissions Attraction effects X X
Maintenance-related ship Scaring effects => habitat loss X
traffic
Migratory Obstacle in airspace Bird strike X
birds
Barrier effect
Lightemissions Attraction effects => bird strike X X
Marine Noise emission during pile Danger if no prevention and reduc- X
mammals driving tion measures are taken
Sea cable systems
Soil Placement of hard substrate change of habitats X
(Stone pile)
Benthos Heat emissions Impairment/displacement of cold-wa- X
ter loving species
magnetic fields Impact on benthic species X
formation of turbidity plumes Impact on benthic species X
Insertion of hard substrate change of habitats, habitat loss X
(cable crossing)
Fish formation of turbidity plumes Physiological effects and frightening X
effects
magnetic fields Impairment of the orientation behav- X
iour of individual migratory species
Cumulative effects and interrelationships be- According to Art.5 (1) SEA Directive, the environ-
tween factors are also assessed in addition to mental report also includes an assessment of cu-
the effects on the individual factors. mulative effects. Cumulative effects arise from
the interaction of various independent individual
1.5.6 Cumulative assessment effects which either add up as a result of their
interaction (cumulative effects) or reinforce each
other and thus generate more than the sum of
16 Introduction
their individual effects (synergetic effects) (e.g. increasing the impact on one or more protected
SCHOMERUS et al., 2006). Both cumulative assets.
and synergetic effects can be caused both by
The focus of the environmental report on the
temporal and spatial coincidence of effects. Ef-
FEP is on the cumulative consideration of similar
fects of the construction phases are mainly of a
uses, namely those for which the FEP makes
short-term and temporary nature, while plant-re-
stipulations. A cumulative consideration of differ-
lated and operational effects can occur perma-
ent uses, i.e. intersectoral, is carried out within
nently. The impact can be intensified by similar
the framework of the SEA at the higher level of
uses or different uses with the same effect, thus
the spatial development plan for the EEZ.
Figure 9: Exemplary cumulative effect of similar uses (effects of energy on underwater sound and marine
mammals).
In order to examine the cumulative effects, it is
1.5.8 Specific assumptions for the assess-
necessary to assess the extent to which the pro-
ment of likely significant environmen-
visions of the plan can be attributed a significant
tal impacts
adverse effect when taken together. An exami-
nation of the areas is carried out at the level of In detail, the analysis and examination of the re-
spective specifications is carried out as follows:
this sectoral plan on the basis of the current state
of knowledge within the meaning of Art. 5 para. Areas and sites, including the expected capacity
2 SEA Directive. An important basis for as- to be installed:
sessing the impacts of habitat loss and underwa-
Regarding the areas, a total of 13 areas are as-
ter noise is provided by the position paper on the
sumed in the sense of a worst-case considera-
cumulative assessment of the loss of harbour-
tion, irrespective of the concrete specification in
root habitat in the German North Sea (BMU,
the plan and the probability of implementation.
2009) and the BMUB's noise abatement concept
According to Article 5 (1) No. 5 WindSeeG, the
(2013).
expected installed capacity of offshore wind en-
1.5.7 Interrelationships ergy plants is to be specified in the FEP for the
areas. For this purpose, the sites within the ar-
In general, effects on a factor lead to various
eas are essentially assigned to two categories
consequences and interrelationships between
within the framework of the legal requirements
the factors. The essential interdependence of
on the basis of criteria such as area geometry,
the biotic factors results from the food chains. In-
wind speed, state of the art of offshore wind en-
terrelationships can only be described very inac-
ergy installations and grid connection capacity.
curately due to the variability of the habitat
Introduction 17
On the basis of these parameters and assump- that these are only partly estimation-based as-
tions, the power density to be applied is deter- sumptions, as project-specific parameters are
mined in megawatt/km² per area. not or cannot be checked at SEA level.
To support the plausibility check of the method- In order to depict the spectrum of possible real-
ology for the determination of the expected istic developments, the Strategic Environmental
power to be installed on the respective areas, Assessment is essentially based on a range of
wind farm plans are simulated in model form the above-mentioned model parameters.
with, among others, wind energy plants that may
In contrast to the approach used in the SEA for
be available in the future. Although one or more
the FEP 2019, the individual parameters are pre-
layouts for offshore wind farm planning are not
sented in the form of a possible bandwidth and
used as a basis for determining the expected in-
not, as in 2019, as separate model wind farms in
stalled capacity, certain parameters are as-
the form of two scenarios. This approach allows
sumed in this SEA for a consideration of the pro-
for greater flexibility in the subsequent assess-
tected property. In detail, these are for example
ment within the scope of the suitability test and
the number of turbines, hub height [m], height of
the approval procedures by more frequently
the lower rotor tip [m], rotor diameter [m], total
adopting "worst-case" considerations. The re-
height [m] of the turbines, diameter of foundation
spective worst-case scenario for the individual
types [m] and diameter of scour protection [m].
objects of protection must be defined. For the
The Strategic Environmental Assessment takes tender year 2021 (sites O-1-3, N-3.7 and N-3-8)
particular account of these factors: the parameters from the investigation framework
and the environmental report for the FEP 2019
- installations already in operation or in the li-
are still valid. Due to the year of commissioning
censing procedure (as reference and existing
in 2026, an adjustment does not appear neces-
load)
sary.
- Transfer of the average Parameter of the instal-
Furthermore, the pa-rameters will be adapted to
lations commissioned in the last 5 years to the
the advancing state of the art. The current ap-
areas to be planned in the central model
proval procedures for OWPs show that a nomi-
- Assumption that existing projects will be real- nal capacity of 10 MW can already be consid-
ised on the basis of effective authorisation during ered state of the art for wind farms in the transi-
the transition period (worst-case scenario) tional system. The parameters in the upper
- Forecast of certain technical developments. range of the bandwidth are also being raised to
take account of the advancing state of the art,
The following tables provide an overview of the particularly in the later years of commissioning.
parameters to be used. It should be noted here
18 Introduction
Table 2: Parameters for the consideration of areas and sites.
Range
from to
Power pro turbine [MW] 10 20
Hub Height [m] 125 200
Height lower rotor tip [m] 25 50
Rotor diameter [m] 200 300
Total height [m] 225 350
Diameter foundation [m]* 10 15
Diameter scour protection 50 75
[m]
* The calculation of the land use is based on the assumption of a monopile foundation. However, it is assumed
that monopile and jacket together have about the same total land use on the sea bed.
Sites for platforms (transformer or residential parameters such as the number of platforms,
platforms) length of the internal cabling [km], diameter of
one or more foundations [m] and area for foun-
A similar approach is followed for the assess-
dations (including scour protection) [m²] are as-
ment of the sites for platforms (transformer, con-
sumed.
verter or residential platforms). Here, too, certain
Number trans- 0 2 0
Table 3: Parameters for the consideration of network former platform
connections and platforms Number ac- 2 0 2
comodation
320 kV 525 kV platforms
Network Diameter foun- ca. 2 x 10 ca. 2 x ca. 2 x
connec- 66 kV 155 kV 66 kV dation [m]** 10 10
tion
Area founda- ca. 160 ca. 160 ca. 160
converter tion excl. scour
plat- protection [m2]
forms,
Diameter scour ca. 2 x 50 ca. 2 x ca. 2 x
Trans- protection [m] 50 50
former /
Area founda- ca. 4.000 ca. 4.000 ca.
accomo- 4.000
tion incl. scour
dation
protection [m]
plat-
forms*
specific length ca. 0,12 ca. 0,12 ca. 0,12
park internal
cabling
[km/MW]
Number con- 1 1 1
verter plat-
forms
Area Founda- ca. 600 ca. 600 ca. 600
tion Converter
platform [m²]
Introduction 19
* The figures for transformer/residential platforms re-
fer to the number of transformer/residential platforms
Routing and route corridors for submarine cable
per grid connection (only for completions from 2026)
systems
for the different connection concepts. Only the length
The definition of route and route corridors for
of the park-internal cabling depends on the expected
submarine cable systems (connecting lines,
installed capacity of the respective area and was de-
termined on the basis of existing plans. cross-border submarine cable systems and in-
terconnections) is based on the assumption of
** The calculation of the land use is based on the as-
certain widths of the cable trench [m] and a cer-
sumption of a monopile foundation. It is assumed that
tain area of the crossings [m2]. In particular, the
monopile and Jacket each have approximately the
environmental effects of construction, operation
same total land use on the sea bed.
and repair are considered.
20 Introduction
Table 4: Parameters for the consideration of sea cable systems
Sea Cable Sys-
tem
Width cable trench [m] ca. 1
Area of intersection build- ca. 900
ings [m2]
Other energy production areas also the subject of the environmental assess-
ment of the BFO. Changes, for example in the
For the definition of "other energy production ar-
standard transmission capacity, will be exam-
eas", the strategic environmental assessment is
ined in the environmental report.
based on the assumption of a "classic" offshore
wind farm, based on the previous knowledge of
Data sources and indications of
electricity production. Environmental impacts go-
ing beyond this are strongly dependent on the difficulties in compiling the doc-
respective use variant and should therefore be uments
comprehensively examined at the approval A description and assessment of the state of the
level. In this respect, the SEA for other energy environment in the investigation area form the
production areas is carried out in the same way basis for the SEA. All factors must be included.
as for offshore wind energy areas and is based The data source forms the basis for the assess-
on the same model parameters. ment of the likely significant environmental ef-
Relevant planning and technical principles fects, assessment of natural habitat and wildlife
conservation regulations and the alternative as-
By regulating planning and technology principles sessment.
in the FEP, the required land use can be mini-
mised and the potential environmental impact re- According to section 39 subsection 2 sentence 2
duced to a minimum. The predominant number of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act,
of planning principles serve to avoid or reduce the environmental report contains the infor-
environmental impacts and are not expected to mation that can be obtained with reasonable ef-
lead to significant effects. fort, taking into account the current state of
knowledge and public statements known to the
The FEP also contains some planning principles authority, generally accepted assessment meth-
that do not relate to the reduction of environmen- ods, content and level of detail of the plan and its
tal impacts. If these are based on regional plan- position in the decision-making process.
ning objectives, they are to be observed to a
lesser extent than the binding nature of the re- According to section 40 subsection 4 of the En-
gional planning objectives. Remaining planning vironmental Impact Assessment Act, information
principles are examined for probable significant available to the competent authority from other
environmental impacts on protected assets. procedures or activities may be included in the
environmental report if it is suitable for the in-
With regard to the technical principles, a direct tended purpose and sufficiently up-to-date.
current system as a self-commutated high-volt-
age direct current transmission with a voltage The environmental report will be based on the
level of +/- 320 kV was already defined within the environmental assessments that were carried
framework of the North Sea BFO and was thus out when the FEP 2019 was established.
Introduction 21
The draft environmental report will describe and ies and the construction and operation monitor-
assess the current state of the environment and ing for the offshore wind farm projects and the
present the likely development in the event of accompanying ecological research.
non-implementation of the plan. On the other
In general, the following data are used as a basis
hand, it will forecast and assess the likely signif-
for the environmental report:
icant environmental impacts resulting from the
implementation of the plan. - Data and findings from the operation of offshore
wind farms
A detailed description and assessment of the
state of the environment is the basis for the as- - Data and findings from approval procedures for
sessment of possible effects. The description offshore wind farms, submarine cable systems
and assessment of the current state of the envi- - Results from the preliminary area survey
ronment and the probable development in the
event of non-implementation of the plan will be - Results of the monitoring of Natura 2000 sites
carried out with regard to the following objects of - Mapping instructions for §30 biotope types
protection
- MSRL initial and progress evaluation
Area/Soil - OSPAR status reports
Water - Findings and results from R&D projects com-
missioned by BfN and/or BSH and from accom-
Plankton
panying ecological research
Biotopes
- Results from EU cooperation projects, such as
Benthos Pan-Baltic Scope and SEANSE
Fish - Studies/ Technical literature
Marine mammals - Current red lists
Resting and migratory birds - Comments of the technical authorities
Air - Comments from the (specialist) public
Climate A detailed overview of the individual data and
knowledge bases can be found in the Annex
Landscape (Chapter 8) of the framework study.
Cultural heritage, other material assets Since the data basis may vary depending on the
Human beings and human health protected property, the data basis is discussed
at the beginning of Chapter 2.
Interrelationships between factors.
1.6.2 Indications of difficulties in compiling
the documents
1.6.1 Overview of data source Indications of difficulties arising when compiling
the data, such as technical gaps or lack of
The data and knowledge situation has improved
knowledge, are to be presented according to
considerably in recent years, particularly as a re-
section 40 subsection 2 no. 7 UVPG. The de-
sult of the extensive data collection within the
scription and evaluation of the individual factors
framework of environmental compatibility stud-
(chapter 2) make it clear that there are still gaps
22 Introduction
in knowledge in places. Information gaps exist in 1.6.2.3 Fish
particular with regard to the following points: There is a lack of more detailed infor-
Long-term effects from the operation of mation on pelagic fish.
offshore wind farms and associated sys- Information on the reaction of fish to
tems, such as converter platforms noise emissions is available only to a
Data for assessment of the state of the very limited extent.
environment of the various factors in the The likely effects of habitat change on the
area of the outer EEZ. development of fish fauna due to the in-
troduction of hard substrate are still
1.6.2.1 Soil/Area and biotopes
largely unknown.
There has been no extensive, detailed
mapping to date of sediment distribution 1.6.2.4 Seabirds and resting birds
in the EEZ outside the nature conserva- The species-specific risk of seabirds col-
tion areas: the description and evaluation liding with offshore wind turbines can
of environmental effects with regard to only be partially predicted and is currently
the soil as a factor are based primarily on being recorded with the investigations
the evaluation of selective data collec- according to StUK4 in the operating
tion. In particular, there is no comprehen- phase, but also in ongoing research pro-
sive sediment description for the detailed jects. In particular, suitable technology
distribution of coarse sand/fine gravel for recording effects is being developed.
sites and residual sediments in the form
of gravel, stones and rocks. Behavioural changes and habituation ef-
fects among disturbance-sensitive spe-
Detailed and extensive mapping of ma- cies in the German EEZ have only been
rine biotopes in the EEZ is currently be- investigated since the commissioning of
ing developed as part of R&D projects the first large, commercial wind farms, in-
ongoing at the Federal Agency for Nature cluding the converter platforms. Operati-
Conservation, with spatial emphasis on onal monitoring is still ongoing.
nature conservation areas. There is no
detailed mapping to date of the biotopes, There is still insufficient knowledge of the
including the legally protected biotopes effects of disturbances or habitat loss at
according to section 30 of the Federal species population level, and these will
Nature Conservation Act, in the EEZ out- only be investigated on the basis of the
side the nature conservation areas data currently being collected.
Please see planning principle 4.4.4.8 for
assessment of compliance with
measures regarding temperature in-
creases in the sediment.
1.6.2.2 Benthos
It is not possible to predict reliably the an-
ticipated effects of the introduction of
hard substrate on the development of
benthic communities.
Introduction 23
1.6.2.5 Migratory birds There is a lack of knowledge about the
There is currently a lack of sufficient quality and quantity of migratory bat pop-
knowledge of the effects of offshore con- ulations in the North Sea.
struction in some areas. Knowledge from There is currently a lack of sufficient
coastal waters and on land is only trans- knowledge of the effects of offshore con-
ferable to a very limited extent due to the struction. Knowledge from coastal waters
different conditions. and on land is only transferable to a very
The species-specific risk of migratory limited extent due to the different condi-
birds colliding with offshore wind turbines tions.
is largely unknown. The species-specific risk of bats colliding
Possible barrier impacts of offshore wind with offshore wind turbines is largely un-
turbines on species-specific sea migra- known.
tion routes are largely unexplored.
1.6.2.8 Summary
Whether the intensity of broad front mi- In principle, forecasts on the development of the
gration of songbirds decreases accord- living marine environment after implementation
ing to the distance from the coast is not of the Site Development Plan are subject to spe-
clear for the bulk of songbirds that mi- cific uncertainties. Long-term data series or ana-
grate at night. lytical methods are often lacking, e.g. for inter-
section of extensive information on biotic and
1.6.2.6 Marine mammals
abiotic factors so as to provide a better under-
The data availability can currently be de- standing of complex interrelationships in the ma-
scribed as very good: the data is system- rine ecosystem.
atically quality-assured and used for
studies, so the current state of In particular, there is a lack of extensive, detailed
knowledge on the occurrence of marine sediment and biotope mapping outside the na-
mammals in German waters can also be ture conservation areas of the EEZ. As a result,
classified as good. there is no scientific basis to permit assessment
of the effects of the possible use of strictly pro-
The most comprehensive data source is tected biotope structures. Research and univer-
provided by data from environmental im- sity institutions, and an environmental consul-
pact studies and the monitoring of off- tancy, are currently carrying out sediment and bi-
shore wind farms. Data is collected regu- otope mapping with spatial emphasis in the na-
larly as part of the monitoring of nature ture conservation areas on behalf of the Federal
conservation areas on behalf of the Fed- Agency for Nature Conservation and in cooper-
eral Agency for Nature Conservation. Fi- ation with the Federal Maritime and Hydro-
nally, research projects provide data on graphic Agency.
specific issues. SCANS observations are
providing information for the entire distri- Furthermore, there are no scientific assessment
bution area of harbour porpoise so as to criteria for some factors, both with regard to the
allow the abundance of the entire popu- assessment of their status and with regard to the
lation of harbour porpoise to be as- effects of anthropogenic activities on the devel-
sessed. opment of the living marine environment, to allow
cumulative effects to be considered in both tem-
1.6.2.7 Bats poral and spatial terms.
24 Introduction
Various R&D studies on assessment ap-
proaches, including for underwater noise, are
currently being developed on behalf of the Fed-
eral Maritime and Hydrographic Agency. These
projects are being used for continuous refine-
ment of a consistent, quality-assured basis of in-
formation on the marine environment for assess-
ment of possible effects of offshore installations.
Overall, the following recommendations can be
made for the development of criteria for assess-
ment of effects and the status of protected bio-
logical assets:
Consolidation of results and evaluation of
all existing data relating to factors,
Intersection of biological data with infor-
mation from marine physics, marine
chemistry, marine geology and marine
meteorology,
Review of methods, in particular with re-
gard to possible cumulative or trans-
boundary impacts, for developing as-
sessment criteria with regard to the con-
dition of the living marine environment,
Evaluation of effect monitoring so as to
be able to record possible effects on fac-
tors.
Description and assessment of state of the environment 25
2 Description and assess- 2.2.2 Geomorphology
ment of state of the envi- 2.2.3 Sediment distribution on the seabed
ronment 2.2.4 Geological structure of the near-sur-
face subsoil
Introduction
According to section 40 subsection 2 no. 3 2.2.5 Distribution of pollutants in the sedi-
UVPG, the environmental report includes a de- ment
scription of the characteristics of the environ-
ment and the current state of the environment in 2.2.5.1 Metals
the SEA investigation area. The description of
2.2.5.2 Organic substances
the current state of the environment is necessary
in order to predict its change when the plan is 2.2.5.3 Radioactive substances (radionu-
implemented. The survey considers the factors clides)
listed in section 2 subsection 1 sentence 2 nos.
1 to 4 UVPG and interrelationships between 2.2.5.4 Inherited waste
them. The information is presented in a problem-
oriented fashion. Priority will therefore be given 2.2.6 Status assessment
to potential initial loads, environmental elements
that are particularly worthy of protection, and the 2.2.6.1 Natural factors
factors on which the implementation of the plan
will have a greater impact. In spatial terms, the 2.2.6.2 Anthropogenic factors
description of the environment is based on the
relevant environmental effects of the plan. De- Water
pending on the type of impact and the factor in
2.3.1 Currents
question, these will have differing extents and
may go beyond the limits of the plan (Land- 2.3.2 Swell
mann/Rohmer, 2018).
As at July 2018, 38 offshore wind farms have 2.3.3 Temperature, salinity and seasonal
been approved in the North Sea EEZ (five under stratification
construction and 16 in trial operation), while ap-
2.3.4 Ice conditions
plications have been submitted for an additional
four offshore wind farms. The first offshore wind 2.3.5 Fronts
farm to go into trial operation in 2010 was the
"alpha ventus" offshore test field, with 12 wind 2.3.6 Suspended matter and turbidity
turbines. There are currently 16 wind farms with
958 wind turbines in trial operation, and five wind 2.3.7 Status assessment with regard to nu-
farms with 275 wind turbines are under construc- trient and pollutant distribution
tion.
2.3.7.1 Nutrients
Soil/Area
2.3.7.2 Metals
2.2.1 Data availability
2.3.7.3 Organic substances
26 Description and assessment of state of the environment
2.3.7.4 Radioactive substances (radionu- North Sea EEZ
clides)
2.6.2.2 Red List species
Plankton
2.6.2.3 Symbiotic communities
2.4.1 Data availability
2.6.3 Status assessment of the factor Ben-
2.4.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari- thos
ability of phytoplankton
2.6.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
2.4.3 Spatial distribution and temporal vari- benthic communities
ability of zooplankton
Fish
2.4.4 Status assessment of plankton
2.7.1 Data availability
Biotopes
2.7.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari-
2.5.1 Data availability ability
2.5.2 Legally protected marine biotopes ac- 2.7.2.1 Red List species in the German
cording to section 30 of the Federal North Sea area
Nature Conservation Act and FFH
habitat types 2.7.2.2 Typical regional fish communities
in the EEZ
2.5.2.1 Reefs
2.7.3 Status assessment of the factor Fish
2.5.2.2 Sandbanks
2.7.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
2.5.2.3 Species-rich gravel, coarse sand fish
and shell layers in marine and
coastal areas Marine mammals
2.5.2.4 Seapen and burrowing megafauna 2.8.1 Data availability
communities
2.8.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari-
2.5.3 Status assessment ability
2.5.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for 2.8.2.1 Harbour porpoise
biotopes
2.8.2.2 Seals and grey seals
Benthos
2.8.3 Status assessment of the factor Ma-
2.6.1 Data availability rine mammals
2.6.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari- 2.8.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
ability marine mammals
2.6.2.1 Current species spectrum of the 2.8.3.2 Protection status
Description and assessment of state of the environment 27
2.8.3.3 Hazards 2.10.3.2 Indirect losses
Seabirds and resting birds 2.10.3.3 Climatic changes
2.9.1 Data availability 2.10.3.4 Importance of areas and sites for
migratory birds
2.9.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari-
ability Bats and bat migration
2.9.2.1 Abundance of seabirds and resting 2.11.1 Data availability
birds in the German North Sea
2.11.2 Spatial distribution and status asses-
2.9.2.2 Frequently occurring species and sment
species of special importance for
the nature conservation area "Sylt Biodiversity
Outer Reef – Eastern German
Bight" Air
2.9.2.3 Occurrence of seabirds and rest- Climate
ing birds in the areas
Landscape
2.9.3 Status assessment of seabirds and
resting birds Material assets, cultural heritage
2.9.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for (archaeology)
seabirds and resting birds
Human beings, including human
2.9.3.2 Protection status health
2.9.3.3 Hazards Interrelationships between the
factors
Migratory birds
2.10.1 Data availability
2.10.2 Spatial distribution and temporal vari-
ability of migratory birds
2.10.2.1 Bird migration over the German
Bight
2.10.2.2 Species composition
2.10.3 Status assessment of the factor Mi-
gratory birds
2.10.3.1 Anthropogenic influences on bird
migration
28 Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan
3 Expected development in According to section 17d subsection 1 sentence
1 of the Energy Industry Act, the responsible
the event of non-implemen- TSO must ensure the grid connection of offshore
tation of the plan wind farms or, as of 1 January 2019, construct
and operate this connection in accordance with
Expansion of offshore wind energy plays a key the network development plan and the Site De-
role in meeting the German government's cli- velopment Plan according to section 5 Wind-
mate protection and energy policy objectives. SeeG.
Section 6 WindSeeG gives the Federal Maritime It is absolutely necessary to lay the current-car-
and Hydrographic Agency the task of compiling rying subsea cable systems up to the grid con-
and updating a Site Development Plan for the nection points on land in order to allow the elec-
EEZ under the conditions set out in section 4 ff. tricity generated at the offshore wind farms in the
WindSeeG and, if an administrative agreement North Sea EEZ to be fed into the onshore high
is concluded, also for coastal waters. The task of voltage grid. The need to connect offshore wind
the plan, therefore, is to spatially define the ar- farms to the grid would exist even if the plan
eas and sites for wind turbines, the expected were not implemented. This means that even if
generation capacity there and the necessary the plan were not implemented, these uses
routes and locations for the entire required grid would still be exercised in accordance with the
infrastructure or grid topology in the North Sea applicable legal bases.
EEZ. Furthermore, the plan also develops the
temporal component of the expansion by deter- The TSO which is obliged to connect the off-
mining the temporal sequence of the calls for shore wind farms in the North Sea to the grid, is
tender for the sites for offshore wind turbines and pursuing a connection concept based on high-
the calendar years of the commissioning of con- voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission due
necting lines. to the required route lengths, which regularly ex-
ceed 100 km for the EEZ area. When using the
It is necessary to install offshore wind turbines in HVDC, due to the relatively high system power,
order to meet the expansion targets laid down in offshore wind farms are connected as a collec-
section 4 no. 2b of the Renewable Energy tive connection in which several offshore wind
Sources Act. Even if the Site Development Plan farms can be connected to an HVDC grid con-
were not to be implemented, further wind farms nection system consisting of a converter plat-
would still be built and commissioned in accord- form and DC cable. This means that a signifi-
ance with the applicable legal bases. The sec- cantly smaller number of cable systems is re-
toral plan is used for spatially and temporally or- quired compared to a connection using three-
dered, space-saving and efficient expansion of phase current technology, thereby reducing the
offshore wind energy in order to implement frag- space required for the cable systems. As already
mentation by further application outside the ar- explained, these sites are used for subsea cable
eas, and hence to control land usage and systems and converter platforms independently
thereby ensure minimal conflict in the develop- of the implementation of the Site Development
ment of this technology. Therefore, the environ- Plan in the EEZ. Therefore, the environmental
mental effects of the Site Development Plan's effects of the Site Development Plan's specifica-
specifications do not go beyond the effects of the tions do not go beyond the effects of the zero al-
zero alternative (non-implementation of the ternative (non-implementation of the plan), but in
plan), but in fact can be reduced by the Site De- fact can be reduced by the Site Development
velopment Plan on account of its steering effect. Plan by way of steering.
Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan 29
The specification of the direct connection of wind probably be more difficult to ensure the protec-
turbines to the converter platform as a standard tion of the individual factors if the Site Develop-
concept also leads to savings in terms of space ment Plan were not implemented than if the plan
required. This is due to the fact that transformer were implemented.
platforms are no longer necessary and may be
The grid connection of the individual sites pro-
omitted, but a separate platform may be required
vided for in the plan, staggered in terms of time,
for maintenance and accommodation purposes
has the potential to minimise disturbances to
for offshore wind farms. There could also be sav-
protected species in particular. Failure to imple-
ings in terms of subsea cables, depending on the
ment the plan would probably increase area use
spatial location of the future converter platform.
and the associated burden on the marine envi-
The reservation in the draft of the Site Develop-
ronment. Inadequate spatial coordination in the
ment Plan is pointed out regarding the specifica-
event of non-implementation of the plan could,
tion of the 66 kV connection concept based on
for example, lead to significantly more frag-
the outstanding analysis of the costs of this con-
mented wind farm areas and cable crossings
cept.
with corresponding effects – caused by intersec-
The sites for the cabling within the wind farm will tions becoming necessary – on the factors in
be used independently of the implementation of question.
the Site Development Plan in the EEZ. The en-
Although it is not possible to quantify in concrete
vironmental impact of the specifications of the
terms the number of additional land uses or
Site Development Plan does not therefore go be-
crossings and the associated additional land re-
yond the effects of non-implementation of the
quirements, it is clear from the specifications in
plan. Rather, the Site Development Plan may
the Site Development Plan - in particular the ar-
serve to mitigate them due to its steering effect.
eas for wind turbines, routing and gates - that the
The aim of the Site Development Plan is to spec- planning of the TSO has already progressed to
ify the expansion of offshore wind turbines and such an extent due to the earlier system charac-
the grid topology, in particular with regard to grid terised by individual approvals and connections,
connection of offshore wind farms in the EEZ, that complete overall coordination is no longer
coordinated in spatial and temporal terms ac- possible due to existing constraints. Taking
cording to the legal requirements in the sense of these constraints into account, a considerable
a predictive and coordinated overall planning. If number of crossings could no longer be pre-
the Site Development Plan were not to be imple- vented at this planning stage. For future projects,
mented, the previously practised system of pro- the aim is to coordinate these and to plan ahead
ject-specific individual planning and connection in accordance with the planning principles (see
would remain in place; in other words, wind details in chapter 4 of the Site Development
farms and their grid connections would be Plan).
planned and implemented without systematic in-
clusion of the entire area. The required space re- Soil/Area
quirements can be minimised and the potential
environmental impact can be reduced by regu- Water
lating planning and technical principles in the
Site Development Plan. As the plan makes nu- Plankton
merous specifications relating to the most com-
patible possible design of the uses, it would Biotopes
30 Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan
Benthos
Fish
Marine mammals
Seabirds and resting birds
Migratory birds
Bats and bat migration
Biodiversity
Air
Climate
Landscape
Material assets, cultural heritage
(archaeology)
Human beings, including human
health
Interrelationships between the
factors
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site 31
Development Plan on the marine environment
4 Description and assess- 13 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act are
also covered in the assessment of the individual
ment of the likely signifi- objects of protection.
cant effects of the imple- Under Article 5 (2a) WindSeeG, the FEP can
mentation of the Site Devel- also make specifications for "other energy pro-
duction areas" for a total of 40 to 70 km². Accord-
opment Plan on the marine ing to Section 3 No. 8 WindSeeG, another en-
environment ergy production area is an area outside areas
where offshore wind energy plants and other en-
In the following, the description and evaluation of ergy production plants can be erected in spatial
the environmental impacts concentrates on the proximity to each other. The installations may not
objects of protection for which significant im- be connected to the public grid. In the North Sea
pacts cannot be excluded from the outset by the EEZ, the former area N-8.4 is designated in the
implementation of the FEP. FEP 2020 as an other energy production area
According to Article 40 (1) UVPG, the likely sig- (SEN-1). Within the framework of the strategic
nificant environmental impacts of the implemen- environmental assessment, a "classic" offshore
tation of the plan must be assessed. According wind farm is assumed on the basis of previous
to Article 40 (3) UVPG, the environmental im- findings with regard to electricity generation. En-
pacts of the plan are provisionally assessed with vironmental impacts beyond this are strongly de-
a view to effective environmental precautions. pendent on the respective variant of use and are
According to Article 3, sentence 2 UVPG, the en- therefore comprehensively examined at the ap-
vironmental assessment serves to ensure effec- proval level. In this respect, the SEA for the other
tive environmental precautions in accordance energy production areas is carried out in the
with the applicable laws. Within the framework of same way as the assessment of areas for off-
the FEP and the provisions of §§ 4 ff. WindSeeG, shore wind energy.
a hazard to the marine environment must be ex-
cluded in the specifications contained in the plan Soil/Areas
in accordance with Article 5 (3) WindSeeG. The
marine environment includes the objects of pro- 4.1.1 Areas, sites and platforms
tection and their habitat, including possible inter-
4.1.2 Subsea cable systems
actions, described in this environmental report.
Those objects of protection for which a signifi- Benthos
cant impairment could already be excluded in the
previous chapter 2 are not taken into account. 4.2.1 Areas and sites
This applies to plankton, water, air, cultural her-
itage and other material goods as well as to hu- 4.2.2 Platforms
man beings, including human health. Possible
4.2.3 Subsea cable systems
impacts on biological diversity are dealt with un-
der the individual biological assets to be pro-
Biotopes
tected. All the objects of protection listed in Arti-
cle 2 (1) of the UVPG are examined before the
4.3.1 Areas and sites
species protection and site protection assess-
ments are presented. Statements on the general 4.3.2 Platforms
protection of nature and landscape under Article
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site Development
32
Plan on the marine environment
4.3.3 Subsea cable systems 4.10.2 Platforms
Fish Interrelationships
4.4.1 Areas and sites Cumulative effects
4.4.2 Platforms 4.12.1 Soil/area, benthos and biotopes
4.4.3 Subsea cable systems 4.12.2 Fish
Marine mammals 4.12.3 Marine mammals
4.5.1 Areas and sites 4.12.4 Seabirds and resting birds
4.5.2 Platforms 4.12.5 Migratory birds
4.5.3 Subsea cable systems Transboundary impacts
The SEA concludes that, as things stand at pre-
Seabirds and resting birds sent, the provisions of the FEP do not have a
significant impact on the areas of the neighbour-
4.6.1 Areas and sites
ing countries bordering the German North Sea
4.6.2 Platforms EEZ. This also applies with regard to the exten-
sion of areas N-9, N-10, N-12 and N-13 in a
4.6.3 Subsea cable systems north-western direction and the designation of
other energy production areas.
Migratory birds Significant transboundary impacts can be ruled
out in principle for the following assets to be pro-
4.7.1 Areas and sites
tected: soil, water, plankton, benthos, biotope
4.7.2 Platforms types, landscape, cultural heritage and other
material assets, and the human being and hu-
4.7.3 Subsea cable systems man health. Possible significant transboundary
impacts could only arise if all the planned wind
Bats and bat migration farm projects in the area of the German North
Sea for the highly mobile objects of protection
4.8.1 Areas and sites fish, marine mammals, sea birds and resting
birds as well as migratory birds and bats are
4.8.2 Platforms taken into account cumulatively.
4.8.3 Subsea cable systems For fish, the SEA comes to the conclusion that,
according to the current state of knowledge, no
Climate significant transboundary impacts on fish are to
be expected as a result of the implementation of
Landscape the FEP, since on the one hand the areas for
which the FEP has been defined do not have a
4.10.1 Areas and sites prominent function for fish fauna and on the
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site 33
Development Plan on the marine environment
other hand the recognisable and predictable ef-
fects are of a small-scale and temporary nature.
According to the current state of knowledge and
taking into account impact-minimizing and dam-
age-limiting measures, significant transboundary
effects can also be ruled out for the protected
marine mammal species. For example, the in-
stallation of the foundations of wind turbines and
converter platforms is only permitted in the spe-
cific licensing procedure if effective noise reduc-
tion measures are implemented (cf. 4.4.1.7
FEP). With regard to the protection of seabirds
and resting birds, the Danish bird sanctuary
"Sydlige Nordsø", which is directly adjacent to
the German EEZ to the north and also has a high
occurrence of seaweed, must be taken into ac-
count when considering possible significant
cross-border impacts. The non-designation of
the N-5.4 area counteracts a possible impair-
ment of the Danish bird sanctuary, including the
presence of loons.
For migratory birds, the wind turbines and plat-
forms erected on the FEP sites may constitute a
barrier or collision risk. However, as the plat-
forms are individual structures in the immediate
vicinity of offshore wind farms, no significant im-
pairment of bird migration is to be expected from
platforms alone. When considering the collision
risk posed by wind turbines, the existing devel-
opment of some areas in connection with future
development with new types of larger turbines
must be taken into account. The collision risk
must therefore be assessed differently for each
specific area. A final cumulative consideration of
the effects on bird migration, taking into account
all the offshore wind farms to be considered, is
not possible at the present time due to a lack of
information on the actual collision risk.
34 Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations
5 Assessment of wildlife con- takes place at the primary level of the sectoral
plan. A detailed assessment of wildlife conserva-
servation regulations tion regulations for the individual sites and pro-
According to section 37 of the Federal Nature jects must be carried out as part of the assess-
Conservation Act, general wildlife conservation ment of the suitability of specific sites or the indi-
generally includes vidual approval procedure in question.
protection of wild species of fauna and Marine mammals
flora and their communities from human
interference, and safeguarding of their 5.1.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the
other living conditions, Federal Nature Conservation Act
protection of habitats and biotopes of (prohibition of killing and injury)
wild animal and plant species, and
reintroduction of fauna and flora of dis- 5.1.1.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
placed wild species in suitable biotopes turbines
within their natural distribution area.
5.1.1.2 Platforms
Special provisions with prohibitions are applica-
ble to fauna of specially or strictly protected spe- 5.1.1.3 Subsea cable systems
cies. According to section 44 subsection 1 no. 1
of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, wild 5.1.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the
fauna of specially protected species must not be Federal Nature Conservation Act
injured or killed. According to section 44 subsec- (prohibition of disturbance)
tion 1 no. 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation
5.1.2.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
Act, wild fauna of strictly protected species and
energy
European bird species must not be significantly
disturbed during reproduction, rearing, moulting, 5.1.2.2 Platforms
hibernation and migration periods. Significant
disturbance occurs when the conservation sta- 5.1.2.3 Subsea cable systems
tus of the local population of a species deterio-
rates as a result of the disturbance. Avifauna (seabirds, resting birds
It does not matter whether a relevant injury or and migratory birds)
disturbance is due to reasonable grounds; nor do
reasons, motives or subjective tendencies play 5.2.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the
any part in respect of compliance with the prohi- Federal Nature Conservation Act
bitions (LANDMANN/ROHMER, 2018). (prohibition of killing and injury)
Whether the Site Development Plan meets the 5.2.1.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
wildlife conservation requirements of section 44 turbines
of the Federal Nature Conservation Act for spe-
cially protected animal species is examined in 5.2.1.2 Platforms
the context of this study on assessment of wild-
life conservation regulations. It will examine in 5.2.1.3 Subsea cable systems
particular whether the plan violates prohibitions
under wildlife conservation regulations. This as- 5.2.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the
sessment of wildlife conservation regulations Federal Nature Conservation Act
Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations 35
(prohibition of disturbance)
5.2.2.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
turbines
5.2.2.2 Platforms
5.2.2.3 Subsea cable systems
Bats
5.3.1 Section 44 subsection 1 nos. 1 and 2
of the Federal Nature Conservation
Act
5.3.1.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
turbines
5.3.1.2 Platforms
5.3.1.3 Subsea cable systems
36 Assessment of the implications
6 Assessment of the implica- subsection 1 and section 5 subsection 6 of the
Regulation on the designation of the nature con-
tions servation area "Dogger Bank" (NSGDgbV)6).
Within the framework of the present SEA, the ar- These projects and plans are to be examined for
eas, sites, platforms and submarine cable routes their compatibility with the conservation objec-
planned in the FEP will be examined separately tive of the relevant regulation. They are permis-
for their compatibility with the protection pur- sible if, according to section 34 subsection 2 of
poses of the nature reserves. The impact as- the Federal Nature Conservation Act, they can-
sessment carried out here for areas and sites not lead to significant impairments of the compo-
takes place at the planning level and does not nents of the nature conservation area significant
replace the corresponding assessment at the for the conservation objective or if they meet the
level of concrete projects, which is carried out as requirements according to section 34 subsec-
part of the planning approval process. To this ex- tions 3 to 5 of the Federal Nature Conservation
tent, further avoidance and mitigation measures Act (see section 7 subsection 2 of the NSGSylV,
are to be expected if they are deemed necessary section 5 subsection 2 of the NSGBRgV and
by the impact assessment within the framework section 5 subsection 2 of the NSGDgbV). Com-
of planning approval procedures in order to ex- patibility according to the Federal Nature Con-
clude any impairment of the conservation objec- servation Act has to be examined according to
tives of the protected areas by use within or out- the assessment previously carried out for the
side a nature conservation area. fauna-flora-habitat areas (FFH areas). By a de-
cision made by the EU Commission dated
Legal basis 12.11.2007, the nature conservation areas in the
EEZ were previously included under European
The German North Sea EEZ includes the nature
law as FFH sites in the first updated list of sites
conservation areas "Sylt Outer Reef – Eastern
of Community importance in the Atlantic biogeo-
German Bight", "Borkum Reef Ground" and
graphical region according to Art. 4 subsection 2
"Dogger Bank", which were established by de-
of the Habitats Directive (Official Journal of the
cree on 22 September 2018.
EU, 15.01.2008, L 12/1), so an FFH assessment
Essentially, construction of artificial installations of the implications has already been carried out
and buildings in nature conservation areas is within the framework of the Spatial Offshore Grid
prohibited. However, this does not apply to pro- Plan.
jects and plans for the generation of wind energy
Sections 34 and 36 of the Federal Nature Con-
and the laying or operation of subsea cables,
servation Act stipulate that plans or projects
subject to an admissibility check (see section 6
which, individually or in conjunction with other
subsection 1 and section 7 subsection 6 of the
plans or projects, may significantly effect an FFH
Regulation on the designation of the nature con-
and EU bird sanctuary and which do not directly
servation area "Sylt Outer Reef – Eastern Ger-
serve the administration of the site, must be as-
man Bight" (NSGSylV)4; section 4 subsection 1
sessed for their compatibility with the protection
and section 5 subsection 6 of the Regulation on
and conservation objectives of a Natura 2000
the designation of the nature conservation area
site. This is also applicable to projects outside
"Borkum Reef Ground" (NSGBRgV)5; section 4
the site which, individually or in combination with
4 Regulation of 22.09.2017, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 3423. 6 Regulation of 22.09.2017, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 3400.
5 Regulation of 22.09.2017, Federal Law Gazette I, p. 3395.
Assessment of the implications 37
other projects or plans, are likely to significantly specifications defined within the EEZ on the pro-
undermine the conservation objectives of the tected areas in the adjacent 12 nautical mile
sites. With the designation of the nature conser- zone and the adjacent waters of the neighbour-
vation areas, this assessment now refers to the ing states. This also concerns assessment and
conservation objective of these nature conserva- consideration of functional relationships be-
tion areas. The assessment of the implications tween the individual protected areas and the co-
under the Habitats Directive has a narrower herence of the network of protected areas under
scope than the SEA as it is limited to reviewing section 56 subsection 2 of the Federal Nature
the impact using the conservation objectives es- Conservation Act, since the habitats of some tar-
tablished for the protected area. Other environ- get species (e.g. avifauna, marine mammals)
mental effects do not need to be assessed. may extend over several protected areas due to
their large range. Specifically, the protected ar-
The total area of the three nature conservation
eas "Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park"
areas amounts to 7,947 km² (26.8% of the EEZ
and the EU bird sanctuary "Lower Saxon Wad-
zone of the North Sea), the nature conservation
den Sea and adjacent coastal waters" in Lower
site "Sylt Outer Reef – Eastern German Bight"
Saxon coastal waters, the "Schleswig-Holstein
covers an site of 5,603 km² (11.0%), the nature
Wadden Sea National Park", the "Ramsar Area
conservation site "Borkum Reef Ground" covers
Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea and adjacent
an site of 652 km2, and the nature conservation
coastal areas", the FFH area "Steingrund" and
site "Dogger Bank" covers 1,692 km2.
the "Helgoland seabird sanctuary" in Schleswig-
The factors as a whole are the habitat types Holstein coastal waters, as well as the Natura
"reefs" and "sandbanks" according to Annex I of 2000 area "Southern North Sea" in the Danish
the Habitats Directive, certain fish species and EEZ, are taken into account.
marine mammals according to Annex II of the
Apart from the effects within the EEZ, this as-
Habitats Directive (mud lamprey, waite, harbour
sessment of the implications explicitly examines
porpoise, grey seal and seal), as well as various
only possible remote effects of the areas and
bird species according to Annex I of the Birds Di-
sites, platforms and subsea cable routes that are
rective (red-throated diver, black-throated diver,
planned in the EEZ in protected sites in adjacent
little gull, sandwich tern, common tern, Arctic
areas. The planned areas and sites, platforms
tern, fulmar, gannet, common scoter, great skua,
and subsea cable routes are regularly located
pomarine skua, common gull, lesser black-
sufficiently far away from the protected sites in
backed gull, kittiwake, guillemot, razorbill). Spe-
coastal waters, so no significant effects on these
cies listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive,
protected sites can be assumed in this respect.
e.g. the harbour porpoise, must be strictly pro-
However, this consideration is not made with re-
tected everywhere, including outside the defined
gard to routes in coastal waters, which are con-
protected areas.
nected to the gates provided for in the Site De-
Within the framework of the Site Development velopment Plan. This assessment is the subject
Plan, individual areas and sites, platforms, sub- of the coastal states' environmental reports on
sea cable routes and gates are planned in or Spatial Plans or secondary procedures.
near the nature conservation sites "Borkum Reef
Ground" and "Sylt Outer Reef – Eastern German
Bight".
In addition, the assessment of the implications
also takes into account the remote effects of the
38 Assessment of the implications
Assessment of the compatibility the protection purposes and con-
of the FEP with protected spe- servation objectives of Area I of
the nature reserve "Sylter Außen-
cies
riff - Östliche Deutsche Bucht"
6.2.1 Impact assessment pursuant to Arti- with regard to marine mammals
cle 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in conjunc-
6.2.2.2 Assessment of the compatibility of
tion with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats
the FEP for areas N-4, N-5, N-11
Directive and under Article 5 (6) of
and N-13 and associated areas and
the Ordinance on the Establishment
platforms with regard to marine
of the "Borkum Riffgrund" Nature Re-
mammals
serve
6.2.2.3 Assessment of the compatibility of
6.2.1.1 Assessment of the compatibility of
the FEP for areas N-1 to N-3, N-6 to
the FEP for areas N-1 to N-3 and
N-10 and N-12 and associated ar-
associated areas and platforms
eas and platforms with marine
with marine mammals
mammals
6.2.1.2 Assessment of the compatibility of
6.2.2.4 Testing the compatibility of the
the FEP for areas N-4 to N-13 and
FEP for submarine cable systems
associated areas and platforms
with marine mammals
with marine mammals
6.2.2.5 Assessment of the plan's compati-
6.2.1.3 Testing the compatibility of the
bility with the protection purposes
FEP for submarine cable systems
and conservation objectives of
with marine mammals
Area II of the nature reserve "Sylt
6.2.1.4 Assessment of the compatibility of Outer Reef - Eastern German
the FEP for areas N-4 to N-13 and Bight" with regard to the Avifauna
associated areas and platforms
6.2.2.6 Assessment of the compatibility of
with marine mammals
the FEP for the area N-4 and the
6.2.1.5 Testing the compatibility of the associated areas and platforms
FEP for submarine cable systems with regard to protected bird spe-
with marine mammals cies
6.2.2 Impact assessment pursuant to Arti- 6.2.2.7 Assessment of the compatibility of
cle 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in conjunc- the FEP for the area N-5 and the
tion with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats associated areas and platforms
Directive and Article 5 (6) of the Ordi- with regard to protected bird spe-
nance on the Establishment of the cies
"Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern German
6.2.2.8 Assessment of the compatibility of
Bight" Nature Reserve with regard to
the FEP for the area N-5 and the
marine mammals and protected bird
associated areas and platforms
species
with regard to protected bird spe-
6.2.2.1 Assessment of compatibility with cies
Assessment of the implications 39
6.2.2.9 Assessment of the compatibility of Adjacent Coastal Sea" are located in the coastal
the FEP for areas N-1 to N-3, N-6 to sea of Lower Saxony, the "National Park Schles-
N-10 and N-12 and the areas and wig-Holstein Wadden Sea", the "Ramsar Area
platforms belonging to them with Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea and Adjacent
regard to protected bird species Coastal Areas", the FFH area "Steingrund" and
the "Seevo bird sanctuary Helgoland" in the
6.2.2.10 Testing the compatibility of the coastal sea of Schleswig-Holstein as well as the
FEP for submarine cable systems Natu-ra2000 area "Sydlige Nordsø" in the Dan-
with regard to protected bird spe- ish EEZ, the Dutch bird sanctuary "Friese Front"
cies and the Dutch FFH area "Doggersbank".
6.2.3 Impact assessment pursuant to Arti- The protection and conservation objectives for
cle 34 para. 1 BNatSchG in conjunc- the Natu-ra2000 sites outside the EEZ are taken
tion with Article 6 (3) of the Habitats from the following documents:
Directive and Article 5 (7) of the Ordi- - FFH area "Lower Saxony Wadden Sea Na-
nance on the designation of the Dog- tional Park": § 2 in connection with Annex 5 Law
gerbank nature conservation area on the "Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National
Park" (NWattNPG) of 11 July 2001
6.2.3.1 Assessment of the compatibility of (http://www.lexsoft.de/cgi-bin/lexsoft/nieder-
the FEP for areas, sites and asso- sachsen_recht.cgi?chosenIn-
ciated platforms with regard to ma- dex=Dummy_nv_6&xid=173529,3)
rine mammals
- EU Bird Sanctuary "Lower Saxony Wadden
6.2.3.2 Testing the compatibility of the Sea and adjacent coastal sea": Natura 2000
FEP for submarine cable systems sites of the Tideweser in Lower Saxony and Bre-
with marine mammals men (http://www.umwelt.bremen.de/sixcms/me-
dia.php/13/Fachbeitrag-
Natura2000 sites outside the 1_Natura%202000_Teil%203.pdf)
German EEZ - FFH area "Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea
The impact assessment also takes into account National Park and adjacent coastal areas": Con-
the remote effects of the provisions adopted servation objectives for the FFH proposal area
within the EEZ on the protected areas in the ad- DE-0916-391 "NTP S-H Wadden Sea and adja-
jacent 12-mile zone and in the adjacent waters cent coastal areas" (http://www.umwelt-
of neighbouring countries. This also applies to daten.landsh.de/public/natura/pdf/erhaltung-
the assessment and consideration of functional sziele/DE-0916-391.pdf)
relationships between the individual protected - EU Bird Sanctuary "Ramsar Area S-H Wadden
areas and the coherence of the network of pro- Sea and adjacent coastal areas": Conservation
tected areas pursuant to Article 56 (2) of the Fed- objectives for the DE- 0916-491 "Ramsar Area
eral Nature Conservation Act, since the habitat S-H Wadden Sea and adjacent coastal areas"
of some target species (e.g. avifauna, marine (http://www.umweltdaten.landsh.de/pub-
mammals) may extend over several protected lic/natura/pdf/erhaltungsziele/DE-0916-491.pdf)
areas due to their large radius of action.
- "Seabird sanctuary Helgoland": conservation
In detail, the protected areas "National Park objectives for the DE-1813-491 bird sanctuary
Lower Saxony Wadden Sea" and the EU bird
protection area "Lower Saxony Wadden Sea and
40 Assessment of the implications
"Seabird sanctuary Helgo-land" (http://www.um- With regard to seabirds and resting birds, the
weltdaten.landsh.de/pub- Danish bird sanctuary "Sydlige Nordsø", which is
lic/natura/pdf/erhaltungsziele/DE-1813-491.pdf) directly adjacent to the German EEZ to the north
and has a high concentration of loons, must be
- FFH site "Steingrund": conservation objectives
taken into account when considering possible
for the site DE 714-391 "Steingrund", designated
significant impacts on protected areas outside
as a site of Community importance (www.um-
the German EEZ. The non-designation of the N-
weltdaten.landsh.de/pub-
5.4 area counteracts a possible deterioration of
lic/natura/pdf/erhaltungsziele/DE-1714-391.pdf)
the Danish bird sanctuary, including the pres-
- Denmark: FFH and bird sanctuary "Sydlige ence of loons.
Nordsø": EUNIS factsheet (http://eunis.eea.eu-
ropa.eu/sites/DK00VA347) Results of the impact assess-
- Netherlands: "Friese Front" bird sanctuary: ment
EUNIS factsheet (https://eunis.eea.eu- As a result, a considerable impairment of the
ropa.eu/sites/NL2016166) protection purposes of the nature conservation
- The Netherlands: Habitats Area "Doggers- area "Borkum Riffgrund", the protection pur-
bank": EUNIS Factsheet (https://eunis.eea.eu- poses of the nature conservation area "Sylter
ropa.eu/sites/NL2008001). Außenriff - Östliche Deutsche Bucht" and the
protection purposes of the nature conservation
In addition, under Article 12 of the Habitats Di- area "Doggerbank" as well as on protected areas
rective for species listed in Annex IV of the Hab- outside the German EEZ can be excluded with
itats Directive, EU Member States shall take the the necessary certainty by implementing the
necessary measures within and outside pro- FEP and taking into account avoidance and re-
tected areas to establish a system of strict pro- duction measures for FFH habitat type, marine
tection for the above species in their natural mammals, avifauna and other animal groups
range. According to the Habitats Directive, this protected under the FFH.
includes all whale species. The FFH areas are
intended to preserve parts of the feeding habitat. It should be noted that the FFH impact assess-
ment carried out here could not examine project-
In addition to the effects of the plan within the specific properties which are only concretised
EEZ, the present impact assessment explicitly and defined in the course of planning approval
only examines possible remote effects of the ar- procedures by project developers. The impact
eas, surfaces, platforms and submarine cable- assessment is therefore carried out as part of the
ways planned within the EEZ on protected areas planning approval procedure for the project in
in adjacent areas. The planned areas, sites, plat- question with the aim of deriving and defining the
forms and submarine cableways are at a suffi- necessary avoidance and mitigation measures
cient distance from the protected areas in the at project level.
coastal sea so that no significant effects on these
protected areas are to be expected. However, According to the current state of knowledge, a
this consideration is not made with regard to the significant impairment of the FFH-LRT "Reefs"
routes in the coastal sea, which are connected and "Sandbanks with only weak permanent in-
to the border corridors provided for in the FEP. undation by seawater" can be ruled out, even if
This examination is the subject of the environ- the plan and existing projects for the nature con-
mental reports of the coastal countries on the re- servation areas "Borkum Riffgrund", "Sylt Outer
spective regional development plans or subordi- Reef - Eastern German Bight" and "Doggerbank"
nate procedures. are considered cumulatively.
Overall plan evaluation 41
7 Overall plan evaluation conclusively within the framework of the present
SEA or are subject to uncertainties and need to
In summary, with regard to the planned areas be assessed more closely within the framework
and sites, platforms and subsea cable routes of subsequent planning stages.
and the designation of the orther energy produc-
tion side SEN-1, the effects on the marine envi-
ronment will be minimised as far as possible by
means of orderly, coordinated overall planning of
the Site Development Plan. By adhering strictly
to prevention and mitigation measures, in partic-
ular for noise mitigation during the construction
phase, considerable effects can be prevented by
implementing the planned sites, areas and plat-
forms. No areas or sites have been defined in the
nature conservation sites. From a precautionary
point of view, no corresponding specifications
have yet been included in the main concentration
area for divers.
The laying of subsea cable systems can be
made as eco-friendly as possible, e.g. by by-
passing nature conservation areas and pro-
tected biotopes and by choosing a laying method
that is as unobtrusive as possible. The planning
principle for sediment warming should ensure
that significant negative effects of cable heating
on benthic communities are prevented. Prevent-
ing crossings between subsea cable systems as
far as possible also serves to prevent negative
effects on the marine environment, in particular
on the factors Soil, Benthos and Biotopes. Given
the above descriptions and assessments, the
Strategic Environmental Assessment concludes
that, with regard to possible interrelationships,
no significant effects on the marine environment
within the investigation area are to be expected
from the planned specifications on the basis of
current knowledge and the comparatively ab-
stract level of sectoral planning. The potential ef-
fects are frequently small-scale and mostly
short-term, as they are limited to the construction
phase. To date, there is a lack of sufficient sci-
entific knowledge and consistent evaluation
methods for cumulative assessment of the ef-
fects on individual factors such as bat migration.
Therefore, these effects cannot be assessed
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development Plan
42
on the marine environment
8 Measures to prevent, miti- ning level, others only come into play at the spe-
cific implementation stage and are regulated
gate and offset significant there in the individual approval procedure ac-
negative effects of the Site cording to the project and location. With regard
to planning prevention and mitigation measures,
Development Plan the Site Development Plan defines spatial and
on the marine environment textual specifications which, according to the en-
vironmental protection objectives set out in
Introduction chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht
gefunden werden., serve to prevent or mitigate
According to section 40 subsection 2 UVPG, the
significant negative effects in the marine envi-
environmental report includes a description of
ronment due to implementation of the Site De-
the planned measures to prevent, mitigate and,
velopment Plan. This mainly concerns
as far as possible, compensate for significant ad-
verse environmental effects resulting from imple- Consideration of nature conservation areas
mentation of the plan. In principle, the Site De- and legally protected biotopes
velopment Plan will take marine environment exclusion effect of wind turbines in nature
concerns into account more effectively when ex- conservation areas,
exclusion effect of platforms in nature
panding power generation by means of offshore
conservation areas
wind turbines and the corresponding connecting the principle of laying subsea cable sys-
lines. The specifications of the Site Development tems outside these areas as far as pos-
Plan will prevent negative effects on the devel- sible,
opment of the state of the environment of the as little land usage as possible, ensured by
North Sea EEZ. This is due in particular to the the planning principles
fact that there is always a need to expand off- economic area use when arranging wind
shore wind energy and the corresponding con- turbines
maximum possible bundling of subsea
necting lines and that the corresponding infra-
cable routes in the sense of parallel rout-
structure (wind farms, platforms and subsea ca- ing,
ble systems) would have to be created even prevention of cable and pipeline cross-
without an Site Development Plan (see chapter ings,
Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden the planning principle for noise mitigation,
werden.). If the plan were not implemented, the planning principle for sediment warming,
however, the uses would develop without the Reduction of scour protection measures to a
space-saving and resource-conserving steering minimum so as to prevent having to introduce
and coordination effect of the Site Development artificial hard substrate
specifications for the dismantling of structural
Plan.
installations, and
Moreover, the specifications of the Site Develop- consideration of best environmental practice
ment Plan are subject to a continuous optimisa- in accordance with the OSPAR Convention
tion process, as the knowledge obtained on a and the state of the art.
The measures listed below serve to prevent and
rolling basis within the framework of the SEA and
mitigate insignificant and significant negative ef-
the consultation process is taken into account
fects in the specific implementation of the Site
when the plan is compiled.
Development Plan. These mitigation and pre-
While individual prevention, mitigation and com- vention measures are specified and ordered by
pensation measures may begin even at the plan- the competent licensing authority at project level
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development 43
Plan
for the planning, construction and operation e.g. large bubble curtains, hydro silenc-
phases. ers or sheathing. These noise protection
measures must be specified in detail in
Areas and sites for offshore the individual approval procedures for
wind turbines specific locations and installations.
The following measures to prevent and mitigate Adaptation of the pile-driving process to
significant and insignificant negative environ- location- and project-specific conditions
mental effects must be taken into account in the by control of the pile-driving energy and
specific planning and construction of wind tur- impact frequency
bines: Noise prevention measures: use appro-
When installing foundations, suitable priate methods to prevent killing and in-
measures must be implemented to en- juring fauna near the pile-driving site:
sure that noise emissions (sound pres- Use of suitable deterrent devices
sure SEL05) at a distance of 750 m does such as the FaunaGuard system
not exceed 160 decibels (dB re 1 μPa²s) or, in special cases, "pingers" and
and the peak sound pressure level does "seal scarers"
not exceed 190 decibels "Soft-start procedure": delaying
(dB re 1 μPa). the increase of pile-driving en-
Adherence to pile-driving times, including ergy should allow fauna in the vi-
aversive conditioning measures, of no cinity of the pile-driving site to
move away from the construction
more than 180 minutes during the inser-
tion of monopiles and no more than 140 site.
minutes per pile for jacket structures. Coordination of pile-driving work for vari-
ous projects in order to minimise overall
Monitoring activities during the construc- noise output times
tion phase, in particular by recording the
underwater noise level during the instal- Consideration of the noise protection
lation of foundations. Monitoring of noise concept of the Federal Ministry for the
level and compliance with limits must be Environment, Nature Conservation and
carried out by an accredited facility. The Nuclear Safety (2013)
suitability of the measuring equipment is Assessment of alternative, low-noise
to be demonstrated by accreditation in foundation forms, such as "suction buck-
accordance with ets". The environmental impact of alter-
DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 with regard to native forms of foundation must always
ISO 18406:2017 and DIN SPEC be assessed with regard to any additional
45653:2017. significant effects on the marine environ-
Noise mitigation measures: use of the ment, in particular also from the introduc-
relevant best available method according tion of continuous noise.
to the state of the art in science and tech-
nology in order to reduce the level of un- Reduction of shipping traffic for construc-
derwater noise so as to comply with ap- tion and operation of platforms, and the
plicable noise protection specifications associated acoustic and visual impair-
during the installation of foundation piles, ments, to a minimum by optimal con-
struction and time planning
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development Plan
44
on the marine environment
Ensuring that no preventable emissions The following measures to prevent and mitigate
of pollutants, noise or light occur during significant and insignificant negative environ-
the construction or operation of the instal- mental effects must be taken into account in the
lation in accordance with the state of the specific planning and construction of platforms
art (converter platforms, collector platforms, trans-
Lighting that is as compatible as possible former platforms and residential platforms):
with nature during operation of the instal- When installing foundations, suitable
lations in order to reduce attraction as far measures must be implemented to en-
as possible, taking into account the re- sure that noise emissions (sound pres-
quirements of safe shipping and air traffic sure SEL05) at a distance of 750 m does
and occupational safety, e.g. switching not exceed 160 decibels (dB re 1 μPa²s)
obstruction lighting on and off as re- and the peak sound pressure level does
quired, selection of suitable lighting in- not exceed 190 decibels
tensities and spectra or lighting intervals (dB re 1 μPa).
Restriction of the introduction of hard
substrate to a minimum Adherence to pile-driving times, including
Use of low-pollution paints aversive conditioning measures, of no
Use of traffic safety vehicles during the more than 180 minutes during the inser-
construction and commissioning phases tion of monopiles and no more than 140
in order to prevent collisions minutes per pile for jacket structures.
Correct disposal of oil residues from ma- Monitoring activities during the construc-
chinery, faeces, packaging, waste and tion phase, in particular by recording the
wastewater on land. Preparation of a underwater noise level during the instal-
"waste concept" for construction and lation of foundations. Monitoring of noise
operation level and compliance with limits must be
Compilation of emergency plans, includ- carried out by an accredited facility. The
ing for accidents involving water-polluting suitability of the measuring equipment is
substances during the construction and to be demonstrated by accreditation in
operation phases accordance with
If, during planning or installation of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 with regard to
plants, so far undiscovered ordnance is ISO 18406:2017 and DIN SPEC
found on the seabed, corresponding pro- 45653:2017.
tective measures must be taken.
Noise mitigation measures: use of the
Monitoring of possible effects on the
relevant best available method according
marine environment due to the construc-
to the state of the art in science and tech-
tion or operation of the installations by
nology in order to reduce the level of un-
means of mandatory ecological monitor-
derwater noise so as to comply with ap-
ing during the construction and opera-
plicable noise protection specifications
tion phase in accordance with StUK 4
during the installation of foundation piles,
e.g. large bubble curtains, hydro silenc-
The above-mentioned avoidance and reduction
ers or sheathing. These noise protection
measures for areas and land apply accordingly
measures must be specified in detail in
to other energy production areas.
the individual approval procedures for
specific locations and installations.
Platforms
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development 45
Plan
Adaptation of the pile-driving process to the construction or operation of the instal-
location- and project-specific conditions lation in accordance with the state of the
by control of the pile-driving energy and art
impact frequency
Lighting that is as compatible as possible
Noise prevention measures: use appro- with nature during operation of the plat-
priate methods to prevent killing and in- forms in order to reduce attraction as far
juring fauna near the pile-driving site: as possible, taking into account the re-
quirements of safe shipping and air traffic
Use of suitable deterrent devices
and occupational safety, e.g. switching
such as the FaunaGuard system
obstruction lighting on and off as re-
or, in special cases, "pingers" and
quired, selection of suitable lighting in-
"seal scarers"
tensities and spectra or lighting intervals
"Soft-start procedure": delaying
Restriction of the introduction of hard
the increase of pile-driving en-
substrate to a minimum
ergy should allow fauna in the vi-
cinity of the pile-driving site to Use of low-pollution paints
move away from the construction
Use of traffic safety vehicles during the
site.
construction and commissioning phases
Coordination of pile-driving work for vari- in order to prevent collisions
ous projects in order to minimise overall
Correct disposal of oil residues from ma-
noise output times
chinery, faeces, packaging, waste and
Consideration of the noise protection wastewater on land. Preparation of a
concept of the Federal Ministry for the "waste concept" for construction and
Environment, Nature Conservation and operation
Nuclear Safety (2013)
Compilation of emergency plans, includ-
Assessment of alternative, low-noise ing for accidents involving water-polluting
foundation forms for platforms, such as substances during the construction and
"suction buckets" or gravity foundations. operation phases
The environmental impact of alternative
If, during planning or installation of plat-
forms of foundation must always be as-
forms, so far undiscovered ordnance is
sessed with regard to any additional sig-
found on the seabed, corresponding
nificant effects on the marine environ-
protective measures must be taken.
ment, in particular due to the introduction
of continuous noise.
Reduction of shipping traffic for construc- Subsea cable systems (DC and
tion and operation of platforms, and the
AC cable systems)
associated acoustic and visual impair-
ments, to a minimum by optimal con- Measures for prevention and mitigation must be
struction and time planning taken into account as early as the route planning
and technical design stages (see Fehler! Ver-
Ensuring that no preventable emissions weisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.).
of pollutants, noise or light occur during The magnetic field development of the cable sys-
tems is kept to a minimum by the use of HVDC
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development Plan
46
on the marine environment
technology as specified in the Site Development ordnance is found on the seabed, corre-
Plan and the cable configurations specified in ac- sponding protective measures must be
cordance with the state of the art. The planning taken.
principle for sediment warming should ensure
The aim is to implement the following measures
compliance with the "2K criterion", i.e. a maxi-
with a view to achieving the most eco-friendly de-
mum permissible temperature increase of 2 K at
sign possible:
a sediment depth of 20 cm.
Investigation and presentation of the ef-
Moreover, the following measures that help to
fects of platforms and subsea cable sys-
prevent and mitigate environmental effects are
tems on the marine environment within
to be implemented in the specific implementation
the scope of a monitoring operation, in-
of the individual projects:
cluding monitoring of coverage during the
Relocation outside nature conservation operating phase of the cables;
areas and known occurrences of pro-
Evaluation of the monitoring results in re-
tected biotope structures, if possible
spect of cumulative effects or interrela-
Selection of the shortest possible route tionships of various uses;
Bundled cable laying Consideration of the monitoring results
within the framework of the update, i.e.
Optimisation of route selection within the
experience from implementation of the
framework of fine routing in order to pre-
projects is used to continuously improve
vent and not effect known occurrences of
mitigation and prevention measures.
particularly sensitive biotopes as far as
possible in accordance with section 30 of
the Federal Nature Conservation Act
Use of laying methods that protect the
soil as much as possible for installation
of the cable systems, depending on sed-
iment conditions and water depths and
taking into account the required minimum
coverage
Use of cable types that develop electric
and magnetic fields that are as low as
possible
Use of materials in cable systems that
are as eco-friendly as possible
Reduction of intersections to the required
minimum
Use of inert, natural materials for filling
and intersections that become necessary
If, during planning or installation of sub-
sea cable systems, so far undiscovered
Investigated alternatives 47
9 Investigated alternatives jects. Conceptual/strategic design, the spatial lo-
cation and technical alternatives therefore play a
In accordance with Art. 5 subsection 1 sentence part at the planning level.
1 of the SEA Directive in conjunction with the cri-
In principle, it should be noted that preliminary
teria in Annex I of the SEA Directive and section
examination of possible and conceivable alter-
40 subsection 2 no. 8 UVPG, the environmental
natives is already inherent in all specifications in
report contains a brief description of the reasons
the form of standardised technical and planning
for the choice of reasonable alternatives exam-
principles. As can be seen from the justification
ined. The reasonable alternatives under consid-
of the individual planning principles, in particular
eration are explained below. Essentially, differ-
those relating to the environment – such as, for
ent types of alternatives can be considered for
example, Avoiding threats to the marine environ-
an assessment of alternatives; in particular stra-
ment, respecting nature reserves, routing that is
tegic, spatial or technical alternatives. The pre-
as bundled as possible and implementation that
requisite is always that these are reasonable or
is as free from crossings as possible – the prin-
can be seriously considered.
ciple in question is already based on considera-
Thus not all conceivable alternatives need to be tion of possible public concerns and legal posi-
assessed. However, it is no longer sufficient to tions, so that a "preliminary assessment" of pos-
identify, describe and evaluate only those alter- sible alternatives has already been carried out.
natives that "seriously offer" or "impose" them- There are already a large number of different
selves. The obligation to investigate thus ex- uses and legally protected concerns in the EEZ.
tends to all alternatives that "are not obviously ... A "Regulation on Regional Planning in the Ger-
remote" (Landmann/Rohmer, 2018). Assess- man EEZ in the North Sea" of 21 September
ment of alternatives does not explicitly require 2009, which defines objectives and principles,
the development and assessment of particularly also exists in order to regulate the usage inter-
eco-friendly alternatives. Rather, the "reasona- ests within the North Sea EEZ. An overall as-
ble" alternatives in the above sense should be sessment of the uses and functions in the EEZ
presented in a comparative manner with regard has already been carried out as part of the prep-
to their environmental effects, so that considera- aration of the Spatial Plan. The objectives and
tion of environmental concerns becomes trans- principles of the Spatial Plan have largely been
parent when deciding on the alternative to be adopted in the Spatial Plan and are being re-
pursued (S. Balla, 2009). viewed and weighed against the specific regula-
At the same time, the effort required to identify tory issues of the concerns and rights presented
and assess the alternatives under consideration in this procedure.
must be reasonable. This means that the greater Possible reasonable alternatives in detail:
the expected environmental effects and hence
the need for planning conflict resolution, the
more likely it is that comprehensive or detailed
investigations will be required.
By way of example, Annex 4 no. 2 UVPG refers
to the assessment of alternatives with regard to
the design, technology, location, size and scope
of the project, but explicitly refers only to pro-
48 Investigated alternatives
Zero alternative 9.3.2 Comparison of the sites with each
other
Strategic alternatives Within the framework of the FEP (Chapter 5.2.2),
a comparison is made between the areas identi-
Spatial alternatives fied or examined below in the FEP with regard to
the criteria that are decisive for the decision on
9.3.1 Alternative assessment for areas the definition of the areas, among other things
With regard to the assessment of alternatives for with regard to conflicts with other uses. In addi-
areas, reference is made to the comments in the tion to the FEP implementation, possible con-
FEP on the definition of the individual areas flicts are examined in detail here from a nature
(Chapter 5.1). There are no seriously considered conservation perspective.
alternatives to areas N-1 to N-13 on the basis of
The following criteria are used for the nature con-
the provisions of the current regional develop-
servation area comparison:
ment plan for the North Sea EEZ or conflicts with
other uses, such as nature conservation areas or - Distance to the nearest protected area
military training areas. Areas north-west of the in km (FFH and bird sanctuary)
shipping route 10, which has been defined by - Location within/ outside the main con-
spatial planning, are not seriously considered as centration area of loons
alternatives to the areas designated in the FEP. - Location inside / outside the main dis-
With the designated areas N-1 to N-13 (areas N- tribution area of harbour porpoises
4 and N-5 are being examined for possible sub- - Affection of biotopes protected under
sequent use) in the North Sea, there is on the Section 30 BNatSchG and suspected
one hand a contiguous planning area and on the areas on the site
other hand the areas northwest of shipping route - Route of the connecting pipeline
10 are significantly further from the coast. This through a nature reserve (EEZ) in km
results in a significant extension of the respective - Route of the connecting pipeline
necessary connection systems and thus in any through § 30 biotope / suspected areas
case in a greater impact on the seabed. In addi- (EEZ) in km
tion, the available data and information basis for - Significance of the area for the individ-
the area northwest of shipping route 10 is con- ual objects of protection (textual).
siderably worse than for the areas designated in
the FEP due to the lack of project-related moni-
toring data.
In the Baltic Sea EEZ, too, no reasonable alter-
natives to the areas O-1 to O-3 are discernible
due to the provisions of the current spatial plan-
ning plan for the Baltic Sea EEZ. In the territorial
sea of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, areas
O-4, O-5 (area under examination) and O-6 and
a test field will be selected by means of an ad-
ministrative agreement. For these areas, refer-
ence is made to the SEA assessments of the
State Spatial Development Programme Meck-
lenburg-Pomerania.
Investigated alternatives 49
Table 5: Site comparison using nature conservation criteria.
Site Minimum distance Site inside the Site within the Affection of § Connection Connection
(km) to the nearest main concen- main porpoise 30 bio- line through § 30 bio-
protected area af- tration area of distribution topes/sus- through tope / suspected
ter loons area pected areas conserva- areas (share of
FFH-Dir | VS-Dir tion area EEZ route, km)
(EEZ share,
km)
N-3.7 26 21 No No Not known No No
N-3.8 20 22 No No Not known No No
O-1.3 9 13 - - Suspected area No No
not confirmed
N-7.2 28 58 No No Not known No Yes, 2 km suspected
area
N-3.5 14 18 No No Not known No No
N-3.6 11 21 No No Not known No No
N-6.6 27 6 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-6.7 40 33 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-9.1 48 30 No No Not known No No
N-9.2 48 50 No No Not known No No
N-9.3 51 28 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-9.4 50 43 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-10.1 29 70 No No Not known No No
N-10.2 34 66 No No Not known No No
O-2.2 (in 12 23 - - Not known No No
Prüfung)
N-5.4 (in 5 17 Yes Yes Yes Yes, 157 km Yes, approx. 3 km
den FEP- (Chap. sandbank + 13 km
Entwürfen 9.3.3) suspected area
2019 in (Chap. 9.3.3)
Prüfung)
*compare Chapter. 9.3.4
In detail: be medium to - seasonally in spring - high. Mon-
itoring results for the area N-1 to N-3 show a sig-
North Sea
nificantly higher occurrence in the "Borkum
The designated sites N-3.7, N-3.8, N-3.5 and N- Riffgrund" conservation area with decreasing
3.6 in area N-3 are located at a distance of more densities in an easterly direction (section
than 10 km from the nearest nature reserve 2.8.3.1). There are no known occurrences of pro-
"Borkum Riffgrund". The shortest distance to the tected biotopes in the area of the designated
main concentration area of loons is around 40 sites N-3.5, N-3.6, N-3.7 and N-3.8. Due to the
km, and the main distribution area of harbour only slight overlap of the N-3 area with the
porpoises is at least 34 km away from the indi- "Borkum Riff Ground" sandbank and the other-
vidual areas. According to current knowledge, wise predominantly homogeneous, fine to me-
the areas are considered to be of medium im- dium-sand sedimentary conditions, the N-3 area
portance for resting and foraging birds (cf. is considered to be of only slight overall, and av-
2.9.3.1). For harbour porpoises, the importance erage, importance in the south-western sub-area
of the areas in area N-3 is currently assumed to with regard to the protected biotope types. The
50 Investigated alternatives
connecting pipelines for all four areas run in the and ecological importance of the burrowing meg-
EEZ outside nature reserves and outside known afauna, the benthic community in the designated
occurrences of legally protected biotopes. Thus, areas of the N-6 area is considered to be of av-
according to the current state of knowledge, no erage to above-average importance (section
significant nature conservation conflicts are dis- 2.6.3.1). Based on current knowledge, the des-
cernible for the areas designated in area N-3. ignated sites N-6.6 and N-6.7 are not expected
to contain any legally protected biotopes (Sec-
The site N-7.2 is located at a considerable dis-
tion 2.5.3.1). The connecting pipelines for both
tance from nature reserves (min. 28 km). The
areas in area N-6 run completely outside nature
main concentration area of loons and the main
conservation areas in the EEZ, and the routes
distribution area of harbour porpoises are both
cross the protected sandbank biotope type over
more than 50 km away from N-7.2. According to
a length of around 10 km. Based on current
current knowledge, area N-7 is of medium im-
knowledge, potential conflicts with regard to the
portance for harbour porpoises (cf. 2.8.3.1) and
route of the connecting pipeline are therefore
sea and resting birds (cf. 2.9.3.1). This area is
conceivable, but less so with regard to the areas
most frequently used by species of seabirds
themselves. Reference is made to the examina-
which are widespread throughout the North Sea.
tion of alternatives to bypassing the sandbank in
Disturbance-sensitive species such as loons are
Section 9.3.4.
only found in the areas for short periods in
search of food and during the main migration pe- The sites N-9.1 to N-9.4 are at a distance of at
riods. Due to the occurrence of species of bur- least 28 km from the nearest protected area. The
rowing bottom megafauna, the benthic commu- distance to the main distribution area of harbour
nity is assigned average to above-average im- porpoises is around 50 km, and even 54 km to
portance in the area of the N-7.2 site (section the main concentration area of loons. Overall,
2.6.3.1). Based on current knowledge, the occur- the areas are of medium importance for the pro-
rence of legally protected biotopes in the site of tected species of marine mammals and sea and
N-7.2 is not to be expected (Section 2.5.3.1). resting birds. The areas are of average to above-
The connecting pipeline for the N-7.2 site runs average importance for the benthic species pro-
outside of nature conservation areas in the EEZ tected due to the presence of species of digging
at all events, but over a length of around 2 km bottom megafauna. The occurrence of legally
the pipeline crosses suspected areas of "spe- protected biotopes on the sites can be ruled out
cies-rich gravel, coarse sand and schill". Based on the basis of the available information. Despite
on the current state of knowledge, this means the occurrence of sediments with a sometimes
that any potential small-scale conflicts with re- high proportion of silt and types of digging soil
gard to the route of the connecting pipeline can megafauna (Section 2.6.3.1), the absence of sea
be identified. feathers means that the legally protected biotope
type "silt beds with digging soil megafauna" can
Sites N-6.6 and N-6.7 are also located far from
be ruled out. The connecting pipeline NOR-9-2
nature conservation areas (min. 25 km) and at a
runs for just under 10 km through the protected
considerable distance from the main concentra-
sandbank biotope type, although it is completely
tion area of loons and the main distribution area
outside protected areas in the EEZ. Based on
of harbour porpoises (more than 55 km in each
current knowledge, potential conflicts could thus
case). The areas are considered to be of me-
arise with regard to the route of the connecting
dium importance both for harbour porpoises and
pipeline (cf. also the assessment of alternatives
for sea and resting birds. Due to the occurrence
to bypassing the sandbank in Chapter 9.3.4).
Investigated alternatives 51
The sites N-10.1 and N-10.2 are at a distance of 2.8.3.1). For the protection of sea and resting
at least 29 km from the nearest protected area. birds, the very high importance of the surround-
The distance to the main distribution area of har- ing area of the entire N-5 area for the black-
bour porpoises is 30 km and to the main concen- throated and black-throated divers listed in An-
tration area of loons 35 km. The areas are of me- nex I of the Birds Directive must be emphasised
dium importance for the protected species of ma- (cf. 2.9.3.1).
rine mammals and sea and resting birds. Due to
Research and monitoring results unanimously
the ecological importance of the proven species
show that the avoidance behaviour of divers to-
of the burrowing ground megafauna, the benthos
wards offshore wind farms and the associated
in these areas is of average to above-average
habitat loss is much more pronounced than orig-
importance overall. The existence of legally pro-
inally assumed. Current results from the wind
tected biotopes on the sites can be ruled out on
farm projects in the N-5 area show significant
the basis of the available information. Despite
mean avoidance distances of about 15 km in the
the occurrence of sediments with a sometimes
western sub-area (cf. Chapter 5.2.2.1). In ac-
high proportion of silt and species of digging soil
cordance with the precautionary principle and in
megafauna (Section 2.6.3.1), the absence of sea
order to avoid endangering the marine environ-
feathers means that the legally protected biotope
ment within the meaning of Article 5 (3) Wind-
type "silt beds with digging soil megafauna" can
SeeG and causing a significant disturbance
be ruled out.
within the meaning of Article 44 (1) No. 2
The site N-5.4 shown in the (preliminary) drafts BNatSchG with the required degree of certainty,
of the FEP 2019 under review is at a minimum the FEP continues to refrain from designating the
distance of 5 km from the nature conservation site N-5.4, which is currently being examined in
area "Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern German Bight"; the (preliminary) drafts of FEP 2019 (see Chap-
the distance to the nearest bird sanctuary "East- ters 8.4 and 8.5 of the FEP draft).
ern German Bight" is around 17 km. The area
The required connecting pipeline for the site N-
lies both within the main concentration area of
5.4, which is currently being examined in the
loons and in the main distribution area of harbour
(preliminary) drafts of the FEP 2019, runs in the
porpoises. Due to the sometimes extensive oc-
EEZ over a distance of 157 km and thus almost
currence of the biotopes "Sublito-rale Sand-
completely through the nature reserve "Sylt
bank", "Reefs" and "Species-rich gravel, coarse
Outer Reef - Eastern German Bight". This in-
sand and schill beds", the site N-5.4, which is
volves crossing known occurrences of the FFH-
currently being examined in the (preliminary)
LRT "Sandbank" over a length of around 3 km
drafts of FEP 2019, is of great importance with
and over a distance of around 13 km of sus-
regard to the conservation value of biotope
pected areas of the § 30 biotope "Species-rich
types. In view of the relatively high species diver-
gravel, coarse sand and schill grounds". In the
sity and the high structural heterogeneity, the
procedure for the parallel connection system
benthic community can be regarded as above
SylWin1 it became apparent that a bypass of
average in terms of the area as a whole. Accord-
these KGS deposits was problematic. From a
ing to the current state of knowledge, the sur-
nature conservation point of view, this results in
roundings of the site N-5.4, which is currently un-
considerable conflicts with regard to the area N-
der review in the (preliminary) drafts of FEP
5.4, which is being examined in the (preliminary)
2019, are of great importance to harbour por-
drafts of the FEP 2019.
poises and represent the core area of the identi-
fied main distribution range of harbour porpoise For migratory birds, the individual marine areas
in the German North Sea (BMU, 2013; cf. in the area of areas N-1 to N-13 are of average
52 Investigated alternatives
to above-average importance overall. The cur- 2.8.3.1 Baltic Sea Baltic Sea Baltic Sea Unit).
rent state of knowledge does not indicate any For seabirds, all findings to date indicate that the
significant differences between the individual site O-1.3 is of medium importance. Area O-1, in
areas and zones. It is also not possible at which the area is located, has a medium overall
present to draw any final conclusion about a pos- seabird occurrence and also only a medium oc-
sible decrease in migratory intensity with increa- currence of endangered species and species re-
sing distance from the coast. Consequently, the quiring special protection (section 2.9.3.1 Baltic
protection status of migratory birds is no longer Sea Terminal). With regard to migratory birds,
taken into account when comparing the areas in the area of the O-1.3 site is of average im-
the North Sea that have been designated and portance for migrating waterfowl, and of average
those under examination. The same applies to to above-average importance for night migra-
fish, for which the importance of the areas and tors. A differentiated consideration is required for
sites can only be described in general terms on migratory birds. Known main migration routes
the basis of the available catch data and me- are undoubtedly of above-average importance.
thods. The overview of species records by area The neighbouring areas of these main migration
did not show any particular significance of a spe- routes such as the area O-1.3 are probably of
cific area for the constant, common character average to above-average importance depen-
species. ding on wind force and direction. In strong wes-
terly winds, cranes may drift from the main mig-
The result shows that the sites N-9.1 to N-9.4 as
ration route into the area O-1 (Chapter 2.10.3.3
well as N-10.1 and N-10.2 represent a
Baltic Sea sub-area). The route connecting site
reasonable alternative to the area N-5.4 exa-
O-1.3 runs in the EEZ outside protected areas
mined in the (preliminary) drafts of the FEP
and outside known occurrences of protected bi-
2019, at least in terms of the nature conservation
otopes. There are indications of possible con-
issues examined here.
flicts with bird migration in the O-1.3 site, and the
Baltic Sea suitability of the O-1.3 site is currently being re-
The site O-1.3 in the Baltic Sea is located at a viewed. Based on the results of the SEA within
distance of almost 10 km from the nearest pro- the framework of the suitability test, the need for
tected area "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank". Ac- the establishment of guidelines to avoid a signi-
cording to the current state of knowledge, the ficantly increased risk of collision for certain ty-
benthic biocoenosis in the area of site O-1.3 is of pes of migratory birds is seen.
medium importance overall (Section 2.6.3.1 Bal- The site under examination O-2.2 is located at a
tic Sea Environmental Information). In the north- distance of 12 km from the nearest nature re-
eastern area of site O-1.3, a residual sediment serve. The route connecting the area also runs
area with coarser sediments and deposits of in the EEZ outside nature reserves and outside
overgrown stones was identified. This suspected known occurrences of protected biotopes. The
reef area was not confirmed in the course of the site O-2.2 has a low structural richness overall.
suitability test. For harbour porpoises, the area No legally protected biotopes are expected to oc-
of site O-1.3 is of medium to seasonal im- cur in this area (Section 2.5.4.1 Baltic Sea En-
portance in the winter months. The importance vironmental Report). The area is of little signifi-
results from the possible use by individuals of the cance for benthos. The predominant benthic
Baltic Sea's separate and highly endangered species are predominantly composed of species
harbour porpoise population. However, the area that regenerate rapidly (Section 2.6.3.1 Baltic
is used irregularly by harbour porpoises for cros- Sea BU). According to current knowledge, the
sing, staying and as a source of food (section area is used by harbour porpoises as a transit
Investigated alternatives 53
area. On the basis of available information, it is site. Questions which cannot yet be conclusively
currently possible to deduce that the O-2 area is assessed need to be discussed and clarified, for
of medium to high importance for harbour por- example on the issue of bird migration and spe-
poises. The seasonally high importance of the cies protection prohibitions (Article 44 of the Fe-
area is due to the potential use of the separate deral Nature Conservation Act), so that the defi-
and highly endangered Baltic Sea population of nition of the O-2.2 site will be further examined
harbour porpoise by individuals during the winter within the framework of the continuation of the
months (section 2.8.3.1 Baltic Sea BU). All fin- FEP.Alternative routes for gates N-IV and N-V
dings to date indicate that the O-2 area is of mi-
Alternative routes to Lower Saxony for gate N-II
nor importance for seabirds. The area has a low
(Norderney) were assessed for the NOR-7-2
occurrence of endangered species and species
system, in addition to the route proposed in the
requiring special protection (section 2.9.3.1 Bal-
plan for gate N-IV/N-V. These are solely spatial
tic Sea disaster area). Overall, the area of site O-
variants as they do not represent an alternative
2.2 under review is of average to above-average
in temporal terms. Please see the alternative as-
importance for migrating waterbirds. In particu-
sessment of NOR-3-2 and NOR-6-3 for NOR-7-
lar, the baseline survey of the area south of O-
2 in the draft Site Development Plan in chap-
2.2 revealed a high number of common scoter
ter 5.5.2.
individuals. Thus, 8174 animals were counted in
2011. This means that approx. 1.5% of the bio- In BFO-N 2016/2017, instead of NOR-7-2, the
geographic population passed through area O-2, connecting line NOR-5-2 led to boundary corri-
which is of above-average importance for the dor
Common Scoter migration. Most of the nocturnal N-V. Therefore, an alternative consideration of
bird migration takes place across a wide front NOR-7-2 and NOR-5-2 for boundary corridor N-
across the Baltic Sea. Due to the very high num- V is given here (see Fehler! Verweisquelle
bers of expected individuals and the significant konnte nicht gefunden werden.). It should be
proportion of endangered species, Area O-2.2 is noted that the specification of region N-5 and site
of average to above-average importance for N-5.4 is still being assessed (see chapter Feh-
night migration. ler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden
werden.).
A differentiated observation is necessary for
crane migration. A total of 1231 migrating cranes Compared with the NOR-7-2 and NOR-5-2
were recorded in area O-2 during autumn migra- routes for boundary corridor N-V, a significantly
tion in 2008, which corresponds to about 3.1% of higher number of crossings is required with ex-
the resting population of Western Pomerania or isting or planned cables or pipelines for the
1.37% of the biogeographic population. The ma- NOR-7-2 route. However, it also appears that the
jority of these birds may have been displaced by route from NOR-5-2 to gate N-V, at a distance of
north-westerly winds from a flight path from 159 km, would be almost 70% longer than the
southern Sweden to south-eastern Rügen. The NOR-7-2 route (94 km). Moreover, NOR-5-2
site O-2.2 is located close to known main migra- would run almost entirely within the nature con-
tion routes and is therefore probably of average servation area and, in places, within or in the im-
to above-average importance for bird migration, mediate vicinity of known section 30 biotope oc-
depending on wind strength and direction (Chap- currences. Overall, therefore, the proposed
ter 2.10.3.3 Baltic Sea Bird Area). Thus, in rela- NOR-7-2 alternative is expected to have less im-
tion to migratory birds as a protected asset, es- pact on the marine environment than the route of
pecially when viewed cumulatively, nature con- NOR-5-2.
servation conflicts are discernible in the O-2.2
54
Figure 9: Alternative routes for gates N-IV and N-V.
bypassing the sandbank. This concerns the ca-
9.3.3 Bypass sandbank Borkum reef
ble routes of the NOR-6-3 and NOR-9-2. As only
ground
sites located west of gate N-II are connected via
An alternative assessment is carried out for all the said cable routes, a route running west of
cable systems running to boundary corridor N-II area N-2 via the sandbank is significantly shorter
with regard to the routing of cables via the
overall than a route running east of area N-2 (see
Borkum Reef Ground sandbank, compared with
55
Table 6). type "reef" or outside known occurrences of the
section 30 biotope type "Species-rich gravel,
In the western route variant, the Borkum Reef
coarse sand and shell layers" within the sand-
Ground sandbank is crossed (see Figure 10: Al-
bank. The routes in the Site Development Plan
ternative routes for connecting sites ) – depend-
west of area N-2 will be specified due to the sig-
ing on the cable in question – over an average
nificant additional length totalling 75 km when
length of 10 km. However, the FFH habitat type
bypassing the sandbank, and four additional
"sandbank" is crossed outside the protected
crossings required for the NOR-6-3 connection.
area at the eastern spurs of the sandbank and
outside known occurrences of the FFH habitat
56
Table 6: Comparison of the route lengths for the variants via the sandbank versus bypassing the Borkum Reef
Ground sandbank.
Variant via the sand- Variant bypassing the Difference
bank sandbank
Route length, EEZ NOR-6-3: 91 km NOR-6-3: 128 km NOR-6-3: 37 km
NOR-9-2: 142 km NOR-9-2: 180 km NOR-9-2: 38 km
Involvement of section yes No
30 biotopes (if known) Sandbank
NOR-6-3: 10,0 km
NOR-9-2: 9,2 km
Figure 10: Alternative routes for connecting sites N-6.6, N-6.7, N-9.3 und N-9.4.
57
pole, which seems to be expedient with regard
Technical alternatives to system stability at an increased transmission
The standard concept for the connection in the power of 2,000 MW. If the design with metallic
North Sea is a direct current system. The trans- return conductor is no longer planned within the
mission voltage for the connection systems in framework of technical developments, this can
zones 1 and 2 is 320 kV and for zone 3 525 kV. be introduced within the framework of an update
Connection systems with a voltage of 525 kV of the FEP.
have a standard transmission capacity of 2,000
For the connection of offshore wind farms via a
MW.
transformer platform to the converter platforms,
In principle, the length of the line connecting an the 155 kV connection concept has so far been
area or region to the grid connection point on provided for in the BFO-N. The definition of the
land appears to be the decisive factor in the sel- 66 kV connection concept for the direct connec-
ection of the appropriate transmission techno- tion of wind energy plants to the converter plat-
logy for the grid connection of offshore wind form as a standard concept leads to savings of
farms. For line lengths of more than 100 km, required space. This is due to the fact that trans-
reactive power compensation facilities must be former platforms are no longer necessary and
regularly provided for three-phase connections. can be saved, but a separate platform for main-
The transmission losses also increase with the tenance and accommodation purposes of the
length of the cable system. With HVDC transmis- offshore wind farms might be required. Depen-
sion, these losses are significantly lower. For the ding on the spatial location of the future conver-
North Sea EEZ, route lengths of more than 100 ter platform, there could also be a saving of sub-
km are to be expected in the future, with increa- marine cables.
sing distance from the coast also significantly
The increase of the standard transmission vol-
more. When using HVDC transmission, several
tage of the HVDC transmission systems to 525
offshore wind farms or areas can be connected
kV was consulted within the framework of the
due to the relatively high system performance of
FEP 2019 deployment procedure. On the basis
the collective connection, in which an HVDC
of the information now available, the availability
transmission grid connection system - consisting
of the technology (in particular submarine
of a converter platform and a DC submarine
cables) in 2029 can be estimated as realistic. Ac-
cable system - is used. Compared to a connec-
cording to the transmission system operators,
tion using three-phase current technology, a sig-
the space required for the transmission of 2,000
nificantly smaller number of cable systems is re-
MW will increase and with it the size of the con-
quired and the space required for the cable sys-
verter platform, but only one instead of two plat-
tems is thus reduced. Accordingly, the use of
forms will be required to transmit the same
three-phase current technology as transmission
power. The significant increase in transmission
technology in the North Sea EEZ is out of the
capacity from 900 MW to 2,000 MW leads to a
question. In the case of the direct current sub-
significant reduction in the number of corridors
marine cable systems with an increased trans-
required. Against the background of the strong
mission voltage of 525 kV, the bipolar version
spatial restrictions on the routing of connecting
with metallic return conductor is intended. In this
lines on land, the increase in the standard trans-
case, in addition to the two standard submarine
mission capacity therefore appears sensible.
DC cables, a third cable - the so-called metallic
return conductor - must be installed in the The idea of a direct current grid is not yet techni-
bundle. If one pole fails, such a design at least cally feasible. In this case, an alternating direc-
allows continued operation with the remaining
58
tion in the offshore wind energy plants is dispen-
sed with and a pure direct current grid at sea is
established. With the help of DC-DC converters,
the low DC voltage of the wind energy plants is
raised to maximum voltage (e.g. 320 kV or 525
kV), e.g. on a platform for transport on land.
Another concept to be considered would be the
island like installation of several platforms to
connect the wind farms in close proximity to each
other in areas further away from the coast. This
possibility has not currently reached a stage that
justifies a more in-depth examination. This pos-
sibility is therefore obviously still far away at
present.
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 59
10 Measures envisaged for phases of monitoring at the level of individual
projects or clusters of projects developed in a
monitoring the environ- spatial and temporal context. The assessment
mental impacts will also cover the unforeseen significant effects
of the implementation of the plan, the marine en-
The potential significant effects on the environ- vironment and the review of the forecasts in the
ment resulting from the implementation of the environmental report. In this context, in accord-
plan are to be monitored in accordance with sec- ance with section 45 subsection 3 UVPG, the
tion 45 UVPG. The aim is to identify unforeseen Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency will
adverse effects at an early stage and take appro- ask the competent authorities for the monitoring
priate remedial action. results available there; these are required for im-
Accordingly, in accordance with section 40 sub- plementation of the monitoring activities.
section 2 no. 9 UVPG, the environmental report Results from existing national and international
is to specify the measures envisaged for moni- monitoring programmes must also be taken into
toring the significant environmental effects of im- account, also with a view to preventing duplica-
plementation of the plan. Monitoring is the re- tion of work. The monitoring of the conservation
sponsibility of the Federal Maritime and Hydro- status of certain species and habitats required
graphic Agency, which is the authority responsi- under Art. 11 of the Habitats Directive must also
ble for strategic environmental assessment (see be included, as must the investigations to be car-
section 45 subsection 2 UVPG). As intended by ried out in the context of the management plans
Art. 10 subsection 2 of the SEA Directive and for the nature conservation areas "Sylt Outer
section 45 subsection 5 UVPG, existing monitor- Reef – Eastern German Bight" and "Borkum
ing mechanisms may be used to prevent dupli- Reef Ground". It will also provide links with the
cation of monitoring work. According to section measures provided in the Marine Strategy
45 subsection 4 UVPG, the results of the moni- Framework Directive and the Water Framework
toring activities are to be taken into account in Directive.
the updating of the Site Development Plan.
In summary, the planned measures for monitor-
With regard to the planned monitoring activities, ing the potential effects of the plan can be sum-
it should be noted that the actual monitoring of marised as follows:
the potential effects on the marine environment
can only begin when the Site Development Plan Consolidation of data and information for the
description and evaluation of the status of ar-
is implemented, i.e. when the decisions made
eas, factors and possible effects from the de-
within the framework of the plan are imple- velopment of individual projects,
mented. Nevertheless, the natural development
Development of suitable procedures and cri-
of the marine environment, including climate teria for evaluation of the results from effect
change, should not be disregarded when as- monitoring of individual projects,
sessing the results of monitoring activities. How-
Development of procedures and criteria for
ever, general research cannot be carried out evaluation of cumulative effects,
within the framework of monitoring. Therefore,
Development of procedures and criteria for
project-related monitoring of the effects of the forecasting possible effects of the plan in a
uses regulated in the plan is of particular im- spatial and temporal context,
portance.
Development of procedures and criteria for
The main function of plan monitoring is to bring evaluating the plan and adapting or, where
together and evaluate the results of different
60 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts
appropriate, optimising it as part of the up- Data from monitoring activities as
date, part of the implementation of the
Evaluation of measures to prevent and miti- Marine Strategy Framework Di-
gate significant effects on the marine envi- rective,
ronment, Data from the monitoring of
Development of norms and standards. Natura 2000 sites,
Data provided by States from
monitoring activities in coastal
The following data and information are required waters,
in order to assess the possible effects of the
Data from other authorities re-
plan: sponsible for authorising uses at
1. Data and information available to the sea according to other legal ba-
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic ses, such as the Federal Mining
Agency within the scope of its responsi- Act, maritime traffic monitoring
bility: (AIS), fisheries monitoring (VMS)
Data resources from previous EIS
and monitoring of offshore pro- 3. Data and information from Federal and
jects that are available to the Fed- State research projects, e.g.:
eral Maritime and Hydrographic HELBIRD / DIVER,
Agency for review (according to
the Offshore Installations Ordi- Sediment EEZ
nance), 4. Data and information from evaluations
carried out within the scope of interna-
Data resources from the right of
tional committees and conventions:
subrogation (according to Wind-
SeeG), OSPAR
Data resources from the prelimi- ASCOBANS
nary investigations (according to AEWA
WindSeeG),
BirdLife International
Data resources from the con-
struction and operation monitor- For reasons of practicability and appropriate im-
ing of offshore wind farms and plementation of requirements from the strategic
other uses environmental assessment, the Federal Mari-
Data from national monitoring, time and Hydrographic Agency will pursue an
collected by or on behalf of the approach focusing on the interdisciplinary com-
Federal Maritime and Hydro- pilation of information on the marine environ-
graphic Agency, ment that is as ecosystem-oriented as possible
Data from Federal Maritime and when monitoring the possible effects of the plan.
Hydrographic Agency research To be able to assess the causes of planned
projects. changes in parts or individual elements of an
ecosystem, the anthropogenic variables from
2. Data and information from the areas of spatial observation (e.g. technical information on
responsibility of other Federal and State shipping traffic from AIS data resources) must
authorities (on request): also be considered and included in the assess-
Data from national monitoring of ment.
the North Sea and the Baltic Sea
(formerly BLMP),
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 61
When combining and evaluating the results from entire duration of the construction phase and for
monitoring at project level and from other na- a period of between three and five years. No
tional and international monitoring programmes, special monitoring is required during the operat-
and from the accompanying research, it will be ing phase.
necessary to review the gaps in knowledge and
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
uncertain forecasts presented in the environ-
implements many projects as part of its accom-
mental report. This applies in particular to fore-
panying research into the possible impacts of off-
casts concerning assessment of significant ef-
shore wind turbines on the marine environment.
fects on the marine environment from the uses
regulated in the Site Development Plan. The cu- The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agen-
mulative effects of defined uses are to be as- cy's research projects directly related to the pos-
sessed regionally and supraregionally. sible effects on factors and the development of
norms and standards include the following:
Monitoring of the potential ef- Project ANKER "Approaches to cost re-
fects of the areas and sites for duction in the surveying of monitoring
offshore wind turbines data for offshore wind farms", FKZ
The investigation of the potential environmental 0325921, with funding from the Federal
effects of areas and sites for offshore wind en- Ministry for Economic Affairs and En-
ergy is to be carried out at the secondary project ergy/PtJ,
level, on the basis of the standard "Investigation R&D study BeMo "Evaluation ap-
of impacts of offshore wind turbines (StUK4)" proaches for underwater noise monitor-
and in coordination with the Federal Maritime ing in connection with offshore licensing
and Hydrographic Agency. The results from the procedures, regional development and
investigations of the future offshore wind farm the Marine Strategy Framework Di-
projects are to be used as a basis for assess- rective", with funding from the Federal
ment of the locations with regard to the biological Ministry of Transport and Digital Infra-
factors. Monitoring during construction of foun- structure/Federal Maritime and Hydro-
dations by means of pile-driving work involves graphic Agency,
measuring underwater noise and acoustic re- R&D project "Sound mapping", with
cordings of the effects of pile-driving noise on funding from the Federal Ministry of
marine mammals using POD measuring instru- Transport and Digital Infrastructure/Fed-
ments. Additional monitoring measures are also eral Maritime and Hydrographic Agency,
planned in order to assess the effects of the R&D cooperation, NavES "Eco-friendly
stratification of the water under certain hydro- offshore developments", with funding
graphic conditions on the propagation of pile- from the departmental research plan of
driving noise in the Baltic Sea, and to allow fur- the Federal Ministry for the Environ-
ther measures to be implemented if necessary. ment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear
These measures may include additional noise Safety; several sub-projects belong to
measurements coupled with CTD measure- NavES:
ments at different water depths in order to detect o MultiBird, investigation of the col-
possible changes in noise propagation attenua- lision risk of migratory birds,
tion due to stratification of the water body. o ProBird, forecast of migratory
bird activity,
Investigations are required for all factors in ac-
o ERa, field report on pile-driving
cordance with the requirements of StUK4 for the
noise,
62 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts
o Schall [Noise] I and II, develop- topes that are protected in accordance with sec-
ment of a specialist information system tion 30 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
for underwater noise, must also be examined in terms of spatial delim-
o Schall [Noise] I and II, evaluation itation in accordance with the current mapping
of underwater noise measurements. instructions from the Federal Agency for Nature
Conservation.
The measures implemented to date include de-
velopment of measurement regulations for After the cable system has been laid, its position
measuring underwater noise (2011), develop- must be indicated annually to the licensing au-
ment of measurement regulations for determin- thority during the first five years of operation, in
ing the effectiveness of noise mitigation systems accordance with current licensing practice, by
(2013), and cooperation on the development of implementing at least one survey of the depth of
ISO 18406:17 and DIN SPEC 45653. the system. The number of surveys in subse-
quent years is determined by the licensing au-
The results from ongoing Federal Maritime and
thority on a case-by-case basis. Investigations
Hydrographic Agency projects will be directly in-
with regard to the marine environment are to be
corporated into the further development of
carried out in coordination with the licensing au-
standards, such as the development of StUK5.
thority on a project-specific basis. The investiga-
Monitoring of potential effects of tion methods are to be presented, as far as pos-
sible, as described in the "Standard – Investiga-
platforms
tion of the impacts of offshore wind turbines on
The same monitoring measures as stated in the marine environment (StUK4)". Investigations
Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden of the benthic communities on the same tran-
werden. are to be applied to the platforms pro- sects as in the baseline survey are to be carried
vided for in the Site Development Plan. out one year after commissioning of the subsea
cable systems in order to examine possible ef-
Monitoring of the potential ef- fects from the construction and operation
fects of sea cables phases.
The potential effects of subsea cable systems on In addition, measures are planned for monitoring
the marine environment can only be assessed in the implementation of the plan. These will help
specific projects. For the first time, StUK4 (stand- to verify established forecasts with regard to sig-
ard examination concept 4) also includes mini- nificant effects of offshore wind energy and,
mum requirements for investigation of subsea where necessary, to adapt utilisation strategies
cable routes with regard to benthos, biotope and planned prevention and mitigation
structure and biotopes during the baseline sur- measures, or to review assessment criteria, in
vey and the operating phase of the subsea cable particular with regard to cumulative effects.
systems. Thus, during the baseline survey, each
biotope structure identified by sediment surveys New findings from the environmental impact
along the cable route must be documented with studies and the joint evaluation of research and
at least three transverse transects for the benthic EIS data will be used as part of the strategic en-
surveys. Additional transverse transects must vironmental assessment for the plan (see chap-
also be defined at the start and end points of the ter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefun-
den werden.). Joint evaluation of research and
route. In turn, each transverse transect consists
of five stations. Identified suspected sites of bio- EIS data will also allow products to be developed
that provide a better overview of the distribution
of biological factors in the EEZ. Consolidation of
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 63
information is leading to an increasingly solid ba-
sis for impact forecasting.
In general, the intention is to ensure that data
from research, projects and monitoring is con-
sistent and make this available for competent
evaluation. In particular, attempts should be
made to create common overview products in or-
der to review the effects of the plan. The existing
geodata infrastructure at the Federal Maritime
and Hydrographic Agency, which includes data
from physics, chemistry, geology, biology and
uses of the sea, will be used as a basis for con-
solidating and evaluating ecologically relevant
data and will be further developed accordingly.
With regard to the consolidation and archiving of
ecologically relevant data from project-related
monitoring activities and accompanying re-
search, it is specifically provided that data col-
lected within the scope of accompanying ecolog-
ical research will also be consolidated at the
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency and
archived on a long-term basis. The Federal Mar-
itime and Hydrographic Agency is already col-
lecting and archiving the data on biological fac-
tors from the baseline surveys of offshore wind
energy projects and the monitoring of construc-
tion and operating phases in the MARLIN
(MarineLife Investigator), a specialist information
network for environmental assessments.
64 Non-technical summary
11 Non-technical summary The FEP has the character of a sectoral plan. As
an important control instrument, the sectoral
Subject and occasion plan is designed to plan the use of offshore wind
In accordance with sections 4 et seq. of the Wind energy in a targeted and as optimal as possible
Energy at Sea Act (WindSeeG), the BSH pre- by defining areas and sites as well as sites, route
pares a site development plan (FEP) in agree- and route corridors for grid connections or for
ment with the Federal Network Agency and in cross-border submarine cable systems.
coordination with the Federal Agency for Nature The FEP contains provisions for the expansion
Conservation, the Directorate-General for Wa- of offshore wind energy plants and the offshore
terways and Shipping and the coastal Länder. connection lines required for this purpose for the
The FEP was first drawn up in 2018 and 2019 period from 2026 to at least 2030 with the aim of
and was published on 28 June 2019 and is cur- to achieve the expansion target under § 4
rently being updated. When the FEP was drawn No. 2b of the EEG,
up, a detailed environmental assessment was expand electricity generation from offshore
carried out in accordance with the Environmental wind turbines in a spatially ordered and
Impact Assessment Act (UVPG), the so-called space-saving manner, and
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). to ensure the orderly and efficient use and
The environmental reports were also published utilisation of offshore connecting lines and to
on 28.06.2019. The performance of a Strategic plan, construct, commission and use offs-
Environmental Assessment with the preparation hore connecting lines in parallel with the ex-
of an environmental report is based on § 35 para. pansion of electricity generation from wind
1 no. 1 UVPG in conjunction with No. 1.17 of An- turbines at sea.
nex 5, as site development plans are subject to
the SEA obligation under Article 5 WindSeeG. In Within the framework of the central model, the
principle, this also applies if the FEP is updated FEP is the control instrument for the orderly ex-
or amended. pansion of offshore wind energy in a staged
planning process. The FEP SEA is linked to up-
The SEA for the FEP 2019 does not formally in- stream and downstream environmental assess-
clude new areas and the definition of new areas ments. The FEP is classified as sectoral plan-
or other energy production areas. Thus, a strate- ning after the superordinate MRO. In the next
gic environmental assessment must be carried step, the areas for offshore wind energy plants
out for the definitions that have not yet been re- defined in the FEP are pre-examined. If the
viewed, as it is in any case not possible to rule suitability of a site for the use of offshore wind
out the possibility of anticipated significant en- energy is determined, the site is put out to tender
vironmental impacts. Insofar as new findings on and the winning bidder can submit an application
existing provisions are available and relevant, for approval (plan approval or plan permit) for the
these will also be taken into account. construction and operation of wind energy plants
The main document of the Strategic Environ- on the site. There is no preliminary investigation
mental Assessment is the present Environmen- for the defined platform sites and cable routes.
tal Report. It identifies, describes and assesses In view of the character of the FEP as a control-
the likely significant effects that the implementa- ling planning instrument, the depth of the inves-
tion of the FEP will have on the environment and tigation of presumably significant environmental
possible planning alternatives, taking into ac- impacts is characterised by a greater investiga-
count the essential purposes of the plan. tion breadth and, in principle, a lower investiga-
tion depth. As with the MSP instrument, the
Non-technical summary 65
focus of the assessment is on the evaluation of The assessment of the likely significant environ-
cumulative effects and the examination of alter- mental effects of the implementation of the FEP
natives. includes secondary, cumulative, synergistic,
short-, medium- and long-term, permanent and
The establishment, updating and amendment of
temporary, positive and negative effects in terms
the FEP and the implementation of the SEA will
of the goods to be protected. A detailed descrip-
be carried out with due regard for the objectives
tion and assessment of the state of the environ-
of environmental protection. These provide infor-
ment is the basis for the assessment of possible
mation on the environmental status that is to be
effects. The SEA has been carried out with re-
achieved in the future (environmental quality ob-
gard to the following protected assets:
jectives). The objectives of environmental pro-
tection can be seen in an overall view of the in-
Area
ternational, Community and national conven-
tions and regulations which deal with marine en- Floor
vironmental protection and on the basis of which Water
the Federal Republic of Germany has committed
itself to certain principles and objectives. Plankton
Strategic Environmental Assessment metho- Biotope types
dology Benthos
In the present environmental report, the metho-
Fish
dology of the SEA of the Federal Sectoral Plans
Offshore (BFO), which has already been used as Marine mammals
a basis, is built on and further developed with a Avifauna
view to the additional specifications made in the
FEP that go beyond the BFO. bats
The methodology is based primarily on the pro- Biological diversity
visions of the plan to be examined. Within the Air
framework of this SEA, it is determined, descri-
bed and evaluated for each of the specifications Climate
whether the specifications are likely to have sig- Landscape
nificant impacts on the objects of protection con-
cerned. The subject matter of the environmental cultural heritage and other tangible assets
report corresponds to the specifications of the people, in particular human health
FEP as listed in Article 5 para 1 WindSeeG. Interactions between protected goods
However, it is not so much the specifications in
terms of time as the chronological order of the
call for tenders or the calendar years of commis- The description and assessment of the likely sig-
sioning that are relevant here, since these do not nificant environmental impacts is carried out se-
cause any further environmental impacts com- parately for areas and land, platforms and sub-
pared to the spatial specifications. Although marine cable systems. Furthermore, where ne-
some planning and engineering principles serve, cessary, a differentiation is made according to
among other things, to reduce environmental im- different technical designs. The description and
pacts, they may also lead to impacts themselves, assessment of the probable significant impacts
so that an assessment is required. of the implementation of the FEP on the marine
66 Non-technical summary
environment also refers to the protected assets of offshore wind energy installations to be instal-
described. All plan contents which may potenti- led is to be specified in the FEP for the areas or
ally have significant environmental impacts are specifically for the areas. Although one or more
examined. layouts for offshore wind farm planning are not
taken as a basis for determining the expected in-
The effects of construction and dismantling as
stalled capacity, certain parameters such as
well as the effects of plant and operating conditi-
number of turbines, hub height, height of the lo-
ons are considered. In addition, effects that may
wer rotor tip, rotor diameter, total height, diame-
arise in the course of maintenance and repair
ter of foundation types and scour protection are
work are also taken into account. This is followed
assumed in this SEA for a consideration related
by a description of possible interactions, a
to the protection of the environment.
consideration of possible cumulative effects and
potential cross-border impacts. Also, when examining the sites for platforms,
certain parameters are taken as a basis, such as
An assessment of the impacts caused by the FE-
the number of platforms or the length of the
P's specifications is carried out on the basis of
park's internal cabling. When determining routes
the status description and status assessment
and route corridors for submarine cable systems,
and the function and significance of the indivi-
certain widths of the cable trench and the num-
dual areas, sites and routes for the individual ob-
ber and area of the crossing structures and con-
jects of protection on the one hand, and the im-
verter platforms are assumed.
pacts emanating from these specifications and
the resulting potential impacts on the other. A fo- According to § 5 Para. 2a WindSeeG, the FEP
recast of the project-related impacts when the can also make specifications for "other energy
FEP is implemented is based on the criteria of production areas" for a total of 40 to 70 km². Pur-
intensity, scope and duration of the effects. suant to § 3 No. 8 WindSeeG, another energy
production area is an area outside areas where
Within the framework of the impact prognosis,
offshore wind energy turbines and other energy
specific framework parameters for areas and si-
production facilities can be erected in a spatial
tes, for platform locations and for cable routes
context. The installations may not be connected
are used as a basis for evaluation. Although no
to the public grid. In the North Sea EEZ, the for-
wind farm layouts are specified in the FEP to de-
mer area N-8.4 is designated in the FEP 2020 as
termine the expected installed capacity, certain
another energy production area (SEN-1). In the
parameters are assumed in the SEA for the
framework of the Strategic Environmental As-
consideration of the protected areas. In order to
sessment, a "classical" offshore wind farm is as-
depict the spectrum of possible (realistic) deve-
sumed on the basis of the existing knowledge re-
lopments, the assessment is essentially based
garding electricity generation. Additional en-
on a range of individual parameters. This enab-
vironmental impacts are highly dependent on the
les the most comprehensive possible description
respective use variant and will therefore be com-
and assessment of the current planning status
prehensively assessed at approval level. In this
with regard to the protected interests.
respect, the SEA for the other areas of energy
With regard to the areas, a total of 13 areas are generation is carried out in the same way as the
assumed to be worst-case scenarios, irrespec- assessment of areas for offshore wind energy.
tive of the concrete definition in the plan and the
Benthos
probability of realisation. In accordance with § 5
para. 1 no. 5 WindSeeG, the expected capacity The EEZ of the North Sea is not of major im-
portance in terms of the species inventory of
Non-technical summary 67
benthic organisms. Nor do the benthic communi- Benthic habitats are directly overbuilt in the area
ties identified show any special features, as they of necessary stone fills for cable crossings. The
are typical of the North Sea EEZ due to the pre- resulting habitat loss is permanent but small-
dominant sediments. Investigations of macro- scale. A non-native hard substrate is created,
zoobenthos within the framework of the licensing which can cause changes in the species compo-
procedures for offshore wind farms and from sition on a small scale.
AWI projects from 1997 to 2014 have revealed
Due to operational conditions, a warming of the
communities typical of the German North Sea.
uppermost sediment layer of the seabed can oc-
The species inventory found and the number of
cur directly above the cable system. If the cable
Red List species indicate an average importance
is laid at sufficient depth and taking into account
of the study area for benthic organisms.
that the effects will occur on a small scale, no
Deep foundations of wind turbines and platforms significant impacts on benthic communities are
cause disturbances of the seabed, sediment tur- expected according to current knowledge. With
bulence and the formation of turbidity plumes. the planning principle for sediment warming, the
The resuspension of sediment and the subse- FEP stipulates that the 2 K criterion must be met.
quent sedimentation can lead to an impairment According to the BfN, this precautionary value
or damage of the benthos in the immediate vi- ensures with sufficient probability, based on cur-
cinity of the foundations for the duration of rent knowledge, that significant negative impacts
construction activities. However, due to the of cable heating on the marine environment will
prevailing sediment composition, these impair- be avoided.
ments will only have a small-scale effect and are
As things stand at present, the planned conver-
limited in time. As a rule, the concentration of the
ter platforms and submarine cable routes are not
suspended material decreases very quickly with
expected to have any significant impacts on the
removal. Depending on the plant, changes in
benthic material to be protected if the 2 K crite-
species composition may occur due to local land
rion is met. The ecological impacts are small-
sealing and the introduction of hard substrates in
scale and mostly short-term.
the immediate vicinity of the structures.
Biotope types
Due to the laying of the submarine cable sys-
tems, only small-scale and short-term distur- Possible impacts of converter platforms and sub-
bances of the benthos by sediment upheavals marine cables on protected biotopes may result
and turbidity plumes in the area of the cable from direct use of these biotopes, their covering
route are also to be expected. Possible effects by sedimentation of material released during
on the benthos depend on the installation me- construction, or potential habitat changes.
thods used. With the comparatively gentle instal- Due to the predominant sediment composition,
lation using the flushing method, only minor dis- impairments caused by overburdening are likely
turbances of the benthos in the area of the cable to be small-scale and temporary, as the released
route are to be expected. Local sediment shifts sediment will settle quickly. Permanent habitat
and turbidity plumes are to be expected for the changes are limited to the immediate area of
duration of laying the submarine cable systems. foundations and crossing structures for cable
Due to the predominant sediment composition in crossings. Required cable crossings are secured
the North Sea EEZ, most of the sediment relea- with a stone fill which permanently represents a
sed will settle directly at the construction site or hard substrate unfamiliar to the site. This provi-
in its immediate vicinity. des new habitats for benthic organisms that love
hard substrates and can lead to a change in the
68 Non-technical summary
species composition. These small-scale habitat cable systems, the fish fauna may be temporarily
changes are not expected to have any significant impaired in small areas by sediment turbulence
impact on the protected habitat types. In addi- and the formation of turbidity plumes. Due to the
tion, the risk of negative impacts on the benthic prevailing sediment and current conditions, the
soft soil community by species untypical of the turbidity of the water is expected to decrease ra-
area is low, since it is highly likely that the spe- pidly. Based on current knowledge, the impair-
cies will be recruited from natural hard substrate ments will therefore remain small-scale and tem-
habitats. porary. Overall, small-scale impacts on adult fish
can be expected to be minimal. In addition, the
Permanent habitat changes are limited to the im-
fish fauna is adapted to the natural sediment up-
mediate vicinity of foundations and rock fills,
heavals caused by storms that are typical for this
which are required in the case of cable laying on
area. Furthermore, during the construction
the seabed and cable crossings. Stone rubble
phase, fish may be temporarily frightened away
permanently represents a hard substrate that is
by noise and vibrations. Noise during the
foreign to the site. This provides new habitats for
construction phase must be reduced by approp-
benthic organisms and can lead to a change in
riate measures. Further local impacts on the fish
the species composition. These small-scale
fauna may be caused by the additional hard sub-
areas are not expected to have any significant
strates introduced as a result of possible chan-
impact on the protected biotope types. In addi-
ges in benthos. Sediment warming and magnetic
tion, the risk of a negative impact on the benthic
fields that could emanate from submarine cables
soft soil community by species untypical of the
are also not expected to have any lasting effects
area is low, since it is highly likely that the spe-
on mobile fish fauna.
cies will be recruited from natural hard substrate
habitats. Marine mammals
Fish According to the current state of knowledge, it
can be assumed that the German EEZ is used
The fish fauna shows a typical species composi-
by harbour porpoises for traversing, staying and
tion in the areas and areas, converter platforms
also as a food and area-specific breeding
and sea cable routes. In all areas, the demersal
ground. On the basis of the available informa-
fish community is dominated by flatfish, which is
tion, it can be concluded that the EEZ is of me-
typical for the German Bight. According to cur-
dium to high importance for harbour porpoises in
rent knowledge, the areas and sites do not re-
certain areas. The use of the EEZ varies in the
present a preferred habitat for any of the protec-
various sub-areas. This also applies to harbour
ted fish species. As a result, the fish stock in the
seals and grey seals. Areas 1, 2 and 3 are of
planning area is not ecologically significant in
medium to high importance for harbour porpoi-
comparison with neighbouring marine areas. Ac-
ses (seasonally in spring) and low to medium im-
cording to current knowledge, the planned
portance for grey seals and harbour seals. Area
construction of wind farms and the associated
4 is located in the identified main concentration
converter platforms and submarine cable routes
area of harbour porpoise in the German Bight
is not expected to have a significant impact on
during the summer months and is therefore of
the protected fish species. The effects on the fish
high importance. For harbour seals and grey se-
fauna from the construction of the wind farms,
als, Area 4 is of medium importance. The areas
converter platforms and submarine cable sys-
of Area 5 are located in a large area which is
tems are limited in space and time. During the
used both as a feeding and breeding area for
construction phase of the foundations, the con-
verter platforms and the laying of the submarine
Non-technical summary 69
harbour porpoises - even though the main con- no marine mammals are present in the vicinity of
centration area is located within Area I of the na- the pile-driving site.
ture reserve "Sylt Outer Reef - Eastern German
Current technical developments in the field of re-
Bight". In general, it can be assumed that area 5
ducing underwater noise show that the effects of
is of great importance for harbour porpoises. For
noise input on marine mammals can be signifi-
harbour seals and grey seals, Area 5 is of me-
cantly reduced by the application of appropriate
dium importance. Areas 6 to 11 are of medium
measures. In addition, the BMUB noise abate-
importance for harbour porpoises. However,
ment concept has been in force since 2013. Ac-
parts of area 11 and area 13 are intensively used
cording to the noise abatement concept, pile dri-
by harbour porpoises as a feeding ground in
ving activities must be coordinated in such a way
summer. They are located in the immediate vi-
that sufficiently large areas, especially within the
cinity of the contiguous main concentration area
protected areas and the main distribution area of
of harbour porpoise in the German Bight and are
harbour porpoise in the summer months, are
therefore of great importance for harbour porpoi-
kept free of impacts caused by impact noise. Ac-
ses in the summer months. For harbour seals
cording to current knowledge, significant effects
and grey seals, areas 6 to 13 are of minor im-
on marine mammals caused by the operation of
portance. This assessment of importance for
offshore wind turbines and converter platforms
marine mammals remains unchanged even if the
can be excluded.
plan as amended by the extension of areas N-9,
N-10, N12 and N-13 is implemented. The FEP's exclusion of the construction of offs-
hore wind turbines and converter platforms in
Hazards to marine mammals can be caused by
Natura 2000 sites contributes to reducing the risk
noise emissions during pile driving of the foun-
to harbour porpoises in important feeding and
dations of offshore wind turbines and converter
breeding areas.
platforms. Without the use of noise abatement
measures, significant disturbance to marine After implementation of the reduction measures
mammals during pile driving could not be to be ordered in the individual procedure to com-
excluded. In the specific approval procedure, ply with applicable noise protection values in ac-
therefore, the driving of piles of offshore wind tur- cordance with the planning principle, no signifi-
bines and converter platforms will only be per- cant adverse effects on marine mammals are
mitted if effective noise-reduction measures are currently to be expected from the construction
used. For this purpose, the FEP makes a textual and operation of the planned offshore wind turbi-
stipulation with the principle of noise reduction. nes and converter platforms. No significant im-
pacts on marine mammals are expected from the
This states that the installation of the foundations
laying and operation of submarine cable sys-
must be carried out using effective noise reduc-
tems. This impact assessment remains unchan-
tion measures to comply with applicable noise
ged for marine mammals even if the plan as
protection values. In the specific approval proce-
amended by the extension of areas N-9, N-10,
dure, extensive noise reduction measures and
N12 and N-13 is implemented, subject to the pre-
monitoring measures are ordered to comply with
vention and mitigation measures laid down in the
applicable noise protection values (sound event
downstream procedures.
level (SEL) of 160 dB re 1µPa²s and maximum
peak level of 190 dB re 1µPa at a distance of 750 Seabirds and resting birds
m around the pile driving or placement site). Ap- The different areas for offshore wind energy in
propriate measures must be taken to ensure that the North Sea EEZ are of different importance
for sea birds and resting birds. For breeding
70 Non-technical summary
birds, the areas have no particular importance the necessary safety. A possible collision risk
due to the distance from the coast and the is- from construction vehicles can be classified as
lands with breeding colonies as feeding grounds. very low due to the short-term nature of the
Protected bird species listed in Annex I of the construction phase.
Birds Directive are found in the vicinity of the si-
Migratory birds
tes in varying densities. All available information
indicates that areas N-1, N-2 and N-3 are of me- The North Sea EEZ has an average to above
dium importance for seabirds, including species average importance for bird migration. It is ex-
listed in Annex I of the Directive. Although area pected that significant proportions of the song-
N-4 is of medium importance for most species of birds breeding in northern Europe migrate
seabirds and resting birds, loons occur in high across the North Sea. No specific migratory cor-
densities in the north-west of the area in spring. ridors can be identified for any migratory bird
Because of its location within the main concent- species in the area of the North Sea EEZ, as bird
ration area of loons, the N-4 area is of high im- migration is either guideline-oriented and takes
portance. Area N-5 has a high concentration of place close to the coast or in an unspecified
seabird species, in particular protected species broad-fronted migration across the North Sea.
of Annex I of the Directive, such as sturgeon- There are indications that the intensity of migra-
sensitive loons. The N-5 area is located in the tion decreases with distance from the coast, but
main distribution area of loons in the German this is not clear for the mass of songbirds migra-
Bight and is therefore of great importance for se- ting at night.
abirds (BMU 2009). The potential impact of the planned areas and
The area of the N-6 to N-13 zones is outside the platforms on migratory birds may be that they
concentrations of various bird species listed in constitute a barrier or a risk of collision. In the
Annex I of the directive, such as loons, terns, clear weather conditions preferred by birds for
little gulls and petrels. their migration, the probability of collision with a
wind turbine or platform is low. Poor weather
Direct disruptions during the construction phase
conditions increase the risk. On the basis of cur-
due to scare effects are to be expected at most
rent knowledge, it is unlikely that there will be a
locally and temporarily. Due to the high mobility
significant impact on bird migration. It can be as-
of the birds, significant effects can be ruled out
sumed that any negative effects can be reduced
with a high degree of certainty. Wind turbines will
by lighting that is as compatible as possible
have a permanent disturbing and chasing effect
during operation. Potential cumulative effects
on species sensitive to disturbance such as red-
are dealt with in the chapter on "cumulative
throated and black-throated divers. Current fin-
effects".
dings show a more pronounced avoidance beha-
viour of loons towards existing wind farms than During the construction phase, which is limited in
was originally anticipated. There are no findings time, no significant impacts on migratory birds
on habituation effects to date. are to be expected either from the construction
of the planned offshore wind turbines or conver-
Due to the exclusionary effect of wind turbines
ter platforms or from the laying of the planned
and platforms in nature reserves, habitat losses
submarine cable systems, according to current
in important habitats will be reduced.
knowledge. A possible collision risk from
The effects of the planned submarine cable sys- construction vehicles can be classified as very
tems on sea birds and resting birds due to instal- low due to the short-term nature of the construc-
lation, plant and operation can be excluded with tion phase.
Non-technical summary 71
bats in a region. Possible impacts on biodiversity are
dealt with in the environmental report for the in-
Migratory movements of bats across the North
dividual protected assets. In summary, accord-
Sea are still poorly documented and largely un-
ing to current knowledge, the planned expansion
explored. There is a lack of concrete information
of offshore wind energy and the corresponding
on migratory species, migration corridors, migra-
grid connections is not expected to have a signi-
tion heights and migration concentrations. Previ-
ficant impact on biological diversity.
ous findings merely confirm that bats, especially
long-distance migratory species, fly over the Interactions
North Sea.
In general, impacts on a protected good lead to
Hazards to individual individuals from collisions various consequences and interactions between
with wind turbines and platforms cannot be ruled the protected goods. The essential interdepen-
out. According to the current state of knowledge, dence of the biotic objects of protection exists via
there are no findings on possible significant im- the food chains. Possible interactions during the
pairments of the bat migration over the North construction phase result from sediment shifting
Sea EEZ. It can also be assumed that any ad- and turbidity plumes, as well as noise emissions.
verse effects on bats can be avoided by the However, these interactions occur only very
same prevention and mitigation measures used briefly and are limited to a few days or weeks.
to protect bird migration. Impacts on bats from
Plant-related interactions, e.g. through the intro-
the laying and operation of the planned subma-
duction of hard substrate, are permanent, but
rine cable systems can be excluded with
only locally to be expected. This could lead to a
certainty.
small-scale change in the food supply.
Air quality
Due to the variability of the habitat, interactions
The construction and operation of the platforms can only be described in a very imprecise man-
and the laying of submarine cable systems as ner overall. In principle, it can be stated that, ac-
part of the implementation of the FEP will have cording to the current state of knowledge, no in-
no measurable impact on air quality. teractions are discernible that could result in a
threat to the marine environment.
Biological diversity
Cumulative effects
Biological diversity encompasses the diversity of
habitats and biotic communities, the diversity of Soil, benthos and biotope types
species and genetic diversity within species (Art.
A significant proportion of the environmental im-
2 Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992). The
pacts caused by the areas and surfaces, plat-
public focus is on species diversity.
forms and submarine cable systems on the pro-
With regard to the current state of biodiversity in tected assets soil, benthos and biotope types will
the North Sea, there is ample evidence of chan- occur exclusively during the construction period
ges in biodiversity and species composition at all (formation of turbidity plumes, sediment shifting,
systematic and trophic levels in the North Sea. etc.) and on a spatially narrowly defined area.
These are mainly due to human activities, such Particularly due to the gradual implementation of
as fishing and marine pollution, or to climate the construction projects, construction-related
change. Red lists of endangered animal and cumulative environmental impacts are unlikely.
plant species have an important monitoring and Possible cumulative impacts on the seabed,
warning function in this context, as they show the which could also have a direct impact on the
status of the populations of species and biotopes benthic material to be protected and on specially
72 Non-technical summary
protected biotopes, result from the permanent di- transition system, assuming that no installations
rect land use of the foundations of the wind of the dimension of Scenario 2 are yet realised
energy plants and platforms and from the cable in the transition system. The calculation of the
systems laid. The individual impacts are basi- loss of function due to the in-farm cabling was
cally small-scale and local. carried out in accordance with the reported capa-
city, assuming a 1 m wide cable trench. On the
To estimate direct land use, a rough calculation
basis of this conservative estimate, the FEP de-
is made on the basis of the areas and sites, plat-
finitions, plans within the framework of the tran-
forms and submarine cable systems planned in
sitional system and the existing systems will re-
the RDP in conjunction with existing installations
quire approx. 315 ha of space for the areas and
and planning under the transitional system. The
sites or, in the case of the park internal cabling,
calculated land use is based on ecological as-
will be temporarily impaired.
pects, i.e. the calculation is based on the direct
ecological loss of function or the possible struc- On the basis of a model assumption, the plan-
tural change in the area caused by the installa- ning of the FEP and the transitional system, as
tion of the foundations and cable systems. In the well as the actual stock of wind turbines, subma-
area of the cable trench, however, the impact on rine cables, rockfill and platforms, occupy or, in
sediment and benthic organisms will be essenti- the case of submarine cables, temporarily impair
ally temporary. In the case of the crossing of par- a total area of approx. 686 ha, which corres-
ticularly sensitive biotope types such as reefs or ponds to approx. 0.25‰ of the total EEZ area.
species-rich gravel, coarse sand and schill beds, The nature reserves account for a total area of
permanent impairment would have to be assu- around 27% of the North Sea EEZ. As the
med. construction of wind energy plants and converter
platforms in nature reserves is generally not per-
According to a model assumption, there is a
mitted, the spatial use of the protected areas is
mostly temporary loss of function on an area of
limited to submarine cable routes and crossing
about 335 ha due to existing cables, cables in
structures and the exceptional case of Buten-
the transition system and the submarine cable
diek. No statement can be made on the use of
systems provided for in the FEP. The calculation
specially protected biotopes under Article 30
is based on the assumption of a cable trench of
BNatSchG due to the lack of a reliable scientific
1 m width. To this must be added the necessary
basis. A detailed, comprehensive sediment and
crossing structures. Based on an area of approx.
biotope mapping of the EEZs currently being car-
900 m² per crossing structure, the direct land use
ried out will provide a more reliable basis for fu-
of approx. 400 crossing structures amounts to a
ture assessments.
total of approx. 36 ha. In addition, there is a total
of 0.96 ha of land taken up by 16 converter plat- In addition to the direct use of the seabed and
forms with associated scour protection (600 m² thus of the habitat of the organisms that have
per platform). The FEP definitions in the areas settled there, the foundations and crossing struc-
were based on a conservative estimate of the tures lead to an additional supply of hard sub-
parameters of scenario 2 of the model wind farm strate. The hard substrate introduced also me-
(number of turbines calculated according to the ans that the benthic fauna adapted to soft soils
stated output, diameter of the foundation and di- loses habitat. However, since both the grid infra-
ameter of any scour protection required, number structure and the wind farms will use up the area
of platforms). In contrast, the model wind farm ‰, no significant impairments are to be expected
parameters of Scenario 1 were used for the cal- in the cumulative area, even in the cumulation,
culation of land use within the framework of the
Non-technical summary 73
which would endanger the marine environment species in sub-area II of the nature reserve "Sylt
in terms of the seabed and benthos. Outer Reef - Eastern German Bight" and species
for which avoidance behaviour towards struc-
Marine mammals
tures has already been established must be
Cumulative effects on marine mammals, in par- considered with regard to cumulative effects.
ticular harbour porpoises, may occur mainly due
When assessing the cumulative effects of the re-
to noise exposure during pile driving of the foun-
alisation of offshore wind farms, special attention
dations. For example, these assets could be sig-
must be paid to the group of loons, with the end-
nificantly affected by the fact that, if pile-driving
angered and at the same time disturbance-sen-
takes place simultaneously at different locations
sitive species of red-throated and black-throated
within the EEZ, there may not be sufficient space
divers. GARTHE & HÜPPOP (2004) certify that di-
to evade and retreat. So far, there is a lack of
vers are very sensitive to structures. For the
sufficient experience regarding the temporal and
consideration of cumulative effects, both neigh-
spatial overlap in the propagation of ramming
bouring wind farms and those located in the
noise.
same coherent functional spatial unit defined by
Cumulative effects of the FEP on the population physically and biologically significant charac-
of harbour porpoise are considered in ac- teristics for a species should be taken into ac-
cordance with the requirements of the BMUB's count. In addition to the structures themselves,
2013 noise abatement concept. Pile driving acti- impacts from shipping traffic (including for the
vities that have the potential to cause distur- operation and maintenance of cables and plat-
bances due to noise inputs in the main concent- forms) must also be taken into account. Recent
ration area of harbour porpoise during the sensi- findings from studies confirm the scare effect on
tive season are coordinated in such a way that divers caused by ships. Star divers and black-
the proportion of the affected area remains be- throated divers are among the most sensitive
low 1% at all times. bird species in the German North Sea to ship-
It is also clear from the FEP's presentations that ping traffic (MENDEL et al. 2019, FLIESSBACH et
the grid connection systems and the individual al. 2019, BURGER et al. 2019).
offshore wind farms will be built gradually, i.e. in Until 2007, the assessment of cumulative effects
stages, over the coming years, rather than simul- on divers caused by offshore wind farms was
taneously. carried out in BSH's approval practice on the ba-
Seabirds and resting birds sis of quantitative criteria and taking into account
the state of knowledge at the time. In order to
Effects are considered site- and project-specifi- assess the significance of this quantitatively as-
cally in the environmental impact assessment sumed effect and to be able to answer the ques-
and are monitored in the subsequent monitoring tion of the existence of the reason for the failure
of the construction and operation phase of offs- to protect the marine environment, population bi-
hore wind farm projects. For resting birds, habitat ological limit values and a suitable relevant refe-
loss due to cumulative effects of several struc- rence value for such a limit value were defined.
tures or offshore wind farms can be particularly In the literature, it has been suggested for birds
significant. that an intervention should be considered inad-
In order to assess the significance of cumulative missible if 1% of the biogeographical population
effects on seabirds, any effects must be asses- is affected by habitat loss. Reference is made to
sed on a species-specific basis. In particular, criteria of the 1971 Ramsar Convention on the
species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive,
74 Non-technical summary
Evaluation of Waterbird Resting Areas, accord- wind farm "Horns Rev I" in 2006 provided an op-
ing to which a resting area is of international im- portunity to review the assessment of cumulative
portance if it hosts 1% of the biogeographical po- effects in the light of the new findings. The inves-
pulation of a waterbird species at least once a tigations showed that avoidance effects on loons
year (DIERSCHKE et al. 2003). up to 4 km from the wind farm were detectable
and significant (PETERSEN et al.2006).
This 1% criterion can also be found in the classi-
fication of Important Bird Areas (IBA). An area is The extensive data base from German marine
called IBA by Birdlife International if it contains areas, consisting of environmental impact stu-
more than 1% of the biogeographical population dies, research and monitoring, which was al-
(HEATH AND EVANS 2000). However, this 1% ready available in 2007, and the findings from
threshold value of the Ramsar Convention can- the Danish wind farm were evaluated in a scien-
not be derived from population biology when it tific study. On the basis of the new findings of this
comes to assessing the significance of interven- study, it was possible to identify and delimit a
tions or disturbances (DIERSCHKE et al. 2003). main concentration area for loons in the German
Since the Ramsar Convention uses the 1% cri- North Sea EEZ.
terion to assess the significance of a wetland, it
The main concentration area takes into account
does not appear to be technically and scientifi-
the period of particular importance for the spe-
cally justifiable to apply this criterion to the as-
cies, spring. On the basis of the data available at
sessment of an intervention, due to the very dif-
the time the main concentration area was defi-
ferent intentions.
ned in 2009, the main concentration area was
Nevertheless, in approval practice until 2007, the home to around 66% of the German North Sea
1% criterion was considered at least suitable for loon population and around 83% of the EEZ po-
approaching the quantification of an intervention pulation in spring and is therefore, among other
in the absence of other reliable criteria. In order things, of particular importance in terms of popu-
to take into account the ecological and functional lation biology (BMU 2009) and an important
importance of the German EEZ for loons, the so- functional component of the marine environment
called Northwest European Winter Resting Po- with regard to sea birds and resting birds.
pulation (NW European Winter Resting Popula- Against the background of current stock assess-
tion) was established in consultation with the Fe- ments, the importance of the main concentration
deral Agency for Nature Conservation and ex- area for loons in the German North Sea and
perts as the relevant reference population for as- within the EEZ has further increased (SCHWEM-
sessing cumulative effects on divers. The size of MER et al. 2019). The delineation of the main
this population is 110,000 individuals (LEOPOLD concentration area for loons is based on the data
et al. 1995, SKOV et al. 1995). Applied to the NW situation, which is considered to be very good,
European winter resting population, 1% of this and on expert analyses that have gained broad
population corresponds to 1,100 individuals. scientific acceptance. The area includes all
areas of very high and the majority of areas with
Until 2007, the addition of the number of loons
a high density of loons in the German Bight. The
affected in the context of the calculation of cu-
definition of the main concentration area of loons
mulative effects also took into account the area
in the German North Sea EEZ as part of BMU's
of a project area including a 2 km fence distance.
position paper (2009) is an important measure to
However, the publication of the results from the ensure species protection of the sturgeon-sensi-
operational monitoring of the Danish offshore tive species red-throated and black-throated di-
ver. The BMU decreed that in future licensing
Non-technical summary 75
procedures for offshore wind farms, the main comprehensively and jointly evaluate the exten-
concentration area should be used as a bench- sive data basis from the operational monitoring
mark for the cumulative assessment of diver ha- of offshore wind farms and from research and
bitat loss. monitoring of Natura 2000 sites. The overall ob-
jective of the contract was to assess the cumula-
Since 2009, the BSH has carried out the qualita-
tive effects of the operation of the offshore wind
tive assessment of cumulative effects on loons
farms on the occurrence of loons. Interim results
within the framework of licensing procedures, u-
of this study by FTZ were presented at the BSH's
sing the main concentration area in accordance
Marine Environment Symposium 2018. The eva-
with the BMU position paper (2009).
luations have since been published (GARTHE et
In the years 2010 to 2013 inclusive, a number of al. 2018, SCHWEMMER et al. 2019). The cumula-
approved offshore wind farm projects carried out tive consideration of the avoidance behaviour of
the third year of the baseline survey as part of loons compared to offshore wind farms resulted
the implementation process. The Federal in a calculated complete habitat loss of 5.5 km
Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and the and a statistically significant decrease in a-
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency bundance up to a distance of 10 km, starting
(BSH) took the completion of the baseline sur- from the periphery of a wind farm (GARTHE et al.
veys as an opportunity to jointly commission a 2018). The statistically significant decrease in a-
study to evaluate the findings on the main con- bundance is not a total avoidance but a partial
centration area, taking into account all data avoidance with increasing densities of loons up
available at that time on the occurrence of loons to a distance of 10 km from a wind farm. The cal-
in the German Bight prior to the start of construc- culated total habitat loss of 5.5 km is used to
tion and operation of offshore wind farms in the quantify the habitat loss in analogy to the former
German EEZ. The results of the study confirmed shunning distance of 2 km. It is based on the pu-
the importance and delimitation of the main con- rely statistical assumption that there are no loons
centration area of loons in spring (GARTHE et al. within 5.5 km of an offshore wind farm. A further
2015). cross-project study on the occurrence and distri-
The current results from the operational monito- bution of, and effects of offshore wind farm pro-
ring of offshore wind farms and from research jects on loons in the German North Sea commis-
projects, some of which used investigation me- sioned by the BWO provided comparable results
thods independent of the standardised monito- for all wind farm projects realised, with a signifi-
ring according to the Standard Investigation cant avoided distance of 10 km and a calculated
Concept (StUK) (e.g. telemetry study within the total habitat loss of approx. 5 km. The results
framework of the DIVER project), unanimously from GARTHE et al. (2018) regarding the
show that the avoidance behaviour of loons to- avoidance behaviour of loons are thus confirmed
wards offshore wind farms is far more pro- by an independent study (BIOCONSULT SH et al.
nounced than had been anticipated in the origi- 2020).
nal approval decisions of the wind farm projects The current state of knowledge from the above-
(cf. Chapter 4.6.) mentioned study by FTZ on behalf of BfN and
As a result, the Federal Agency for Nature Con- BSH will from now on be taken into account in
servation and the Federal Maritime and Hydro- sectoral planning as well as in BSH decisions.
graphic Agency again commissioned a study as The definition of suitable measures will be exa-
part of ongoing research projects in order to mined in cooperation with the nature conserva-
tion authority.
76 Non-technical summary
Against this background, based on the calcula- in the range of the mean observed in previous
ted total habitat loss of 5.5 km, the wind farm pro- years (BIOCONSULT SH et al. 2020).
jects already implemented and taken into ac-
Both studies confirm the overall high and special
count in the position paper mean that approx.
functional importance of the main concentration
19% of the 7,036 km2 main concentration area
area as a habitat for loons in the German North
is no longer available for loons due to avoidance
Sea (SCHWEMMER et al. 2019, BIOCONSULT SH
behaviour. Based on the assumptions made in
et al. 2020). This is particularly true against the
the position paper (BMU 2009) of a 2 km shun-
background of the pronounced avoidance beha-
ning distance, a 9 % loss of area in the main con-
viour and associated habitat loss.
centration area was anticipated. This means that
even at this stage the area impairment in this im- The main concentration area represents a parti-
portant habitat is greater than originally assu- cularly important component of the marine en-
med. vironment in terms of seabirds and resting birds,
in particular the group of loons. Taking into ac-
In summary, the results of the monitoring and re-
count the new findings, further cumulative
search projects show that the avoidance behavi-
effects on the stock of loons can be expected
our of loons towards offshore wind farms is much
from the implementation of further wind farm pro-
more pronounced than previously assumed. A
jects in the main concentration area. This alone
stock calculation for the main concentration area
- irrespective of the question of admissibility un-
within the scope of the FTZ's sea diver study
der species protection law - constitutes a threat
commissioned by BfN and BSH showed an in-
to the marine environment pursuant to Article 5
crease in the red-throated diver population for
para 3 WindSeeG. For this reason, the designa-
the period 2002 to 2012, which has remained at
tion of the area N-5.4 is still not permissible, also
a relatively constant high level since 2012. How-
against the background of another study now
ever, a decrease in the red-throated diver popu-
available on loons in the German North Sea.
lation has been observed for the entire German
Areas N-5 and N-4 remain under review for sub-
North Sea, whose sub-areas have different local
sequent use (see Chapter 8.4 and 8.5 of the draft
significance as a habitat for loons, since 2012
FEP). The detailed assessment and justification
(observation period until 2017) (SCHWEMMER et
is explained in Chapter 5.2 of the environmental
al. 2019). The study commissioned by the BWO
report.
yields qualitatively and quantitatively compa-
rable population figures and population trends Migratory birds
for the main concentration area and the German A potential hazard for migratory birds results on
North Sea. Differences can be attributed to diffe- the one hand from the risk of collision with the
rent methods of stock calculation and modified individual offshore wind turbines and platforms,
categorisation bases. It is assumed that the data and on the other hand from adverse effects on
basis has a greater influence (BIOCONSULT SH the fitness of the animals due to forced changes
et al. 2020). Moreover, at the time of the evalua- in flight paths.
tions by BIOCONSULT SH et al. (2020), data from
the 2018 study year were already available, Under normal migratory conditions favoured by
which meant that an additional year could be ta- migratory bird species, no evidence has been
ken into account in this study. For the red- found so far for any species that the birds typi-
throated diver population in the German North cally migrate in the danger zone of the installati-
Sea, there were indications of an increase in the ons and/or do not recognise and avoid these
population in that year, and in the main concent- obstacles. Under the clear weather conditions
ration area there were indications of a fluctuation
Non-technical summary 77
preferred by birds for their migration, the proba- which are not yet suitable to satisfactorily safe-
bility of collision with wind turbines or converter guard the basis for the protected asset. Gaps in
platforms is therefore very low. knowledge exist in particular with regard to spe-
cies-specific migration behaviour. Despite exten-
A potential hazard situation is caused by unex-
sive research activities, it has not yet been pos-
pectedly occurring fog and rain, which leads to
sible to close these gaps.
poor visibility and low flight altitudes. The coin-
cidence of bad weather conditions with so-called Due to the gaps in knowledge mentioned above,
mass migration events is particularly problema- a final cumulative consideration of all offshore
tic. The risk of collision for birds migrating during wind farms to be considered, including all desig-
the day and seabirds is generally considered to nated areas as well as further offshore wind
be low. They orient themselves visually and are farms outside the German EEZs, is not possible
usually able to land on water. The risk of bird at this stage.
strikes could therefore be more likely to occur
Transboundary effects
with songbird populations that migrate at night
and are rich in individuals. The SEA concludes that, as things stand at
present, the provisions of the FEP do not have a
In order to avoid or minimise the risk, the instal-
significant impact on the areas of neighbouring
lations shall be designed in such a way that light
countries bordering the German North Sea EEZ.
emissions are avoided as far as possible during
construction and operation, unless such emissi- Significant transboundary impacts can generally
ons are required and unavoidable by safety re- be ruled out for the following assets to be protec-
quirements of shipping and air traffic as well as ted: soil, water, plankton, benthos, biotope ty-
occupational safety. pes, landscape, cultural heritage and other ma-
terial goods, and the human being and human
Cumulative effects of offshore wind farms in the
health. Possible significant transboundary im-
areas and zones planned in the FEP and of con-
pacts could only arise if all planned wind farm
verter platforms could, in addition to the risk of
projects in the area of the German North Sea for
bird strikes, also lead to an extension of the mig-
the highly mobile objects of protection - fish, ma-
ratory route for migrating birds. A possible barrier
rine mammals, sea birds and resting birds, mig-
effect could divert the migratory path and thus
ratory birds and bats - are considered cumula-
extend it. It is known that wind farms are avoided
tively.
by birds, i.e. they are flown around or over hori-
zontally. With regard to fish as a protected asset, the SEA
comes to the conclusion that, according to the
On the basis of the available information on the
current state of knowledge, no significant trans-
migratory behaviour of the various bird species,
boundary impacts on the protected asset are to
the usual flight altitudes and the distribution of
be expected as a result of the implementation of
bird migration over the day, the implementation
the FEP, since on the one hand the areas for
of the FEP is unlikely to pose a threat to bird mig-
which the FEP makes stipulations do not have a
ration according to the current state of know-
prominent function for the fish fauna and on the
ledge. At this stage, a possible bypassing of the
other hand the recognisable and predictable
projects is not expected to have a significant ne-
effects are of a small-scale and temporary na-
gative effect on the further development of the
ture. Based on current knowledge and taking into
populations. It should be noted that, according to
account impact-minimizing and damage-limiting
the current state of science and technology, this
measures, significant transboundary impacts
forecast is made on the basis of assumptions
can also be ruled out for the protected marine
78 Non-technical summary
mammal species. For example, the installation of In order to exclude a significant species protec-
the foundations of wind turbines and converter tion-related disturbance within the meaning of
platforms is only permitted in the specific li- §44 para. 1 No. 2 BNatSchG, the area N-5.4,
censing procedure if effective noise reduction which is currently being examined in the (preli-
measures are implemented (cf. 4.4.1.7 FEP). minary) drafts of FEP 2019, remains excluded
With regard to the protection of seabirds and from further planning for offshore wind energy
resting birds, the Danish bird sanctuary "Sydlige plants on the basis of the results of the assess-
Nordsø", which is directly adjacent to the Ger- ment of the cumulative adverse impacts on the
man EEZ to the north and also has a high occur- conservation status of the local population of
rence of loons, must be taken into account when loons (see Chapter 8.4 and 8.5 of the FEP draft).
considering possible significant transboundary Areas N-4 and N-5 are being examined for sub-
impacts. The non-designation of area N-5.4 sequent use.
counteracts a possible impairment of the Danish
Impact assessment
bird sanctuary, including the presence of loons
there. Under the present SEA, the areas, sites, plat-
forms and submarine cable routes planned in the
For migratory birds, the wind turbines and plat-
FEP will be subject to a separate assessment of
forms erected on the FEP sites may constitute a
their compatibility with the conservation purpo-
barrier or a risk of collision. However, as the plat-
ses of the nature reserves.
forms are individual structures in the immediate
vicinity of offshore wind farms, platforms alone The German North Sea EEZ contains the nature
are not expected to significantly disturb the mig- reserves "Sylter Außenriff - Östliche Deutsche
ration of birds. When considering the collision Bucht", "Borkum Riffgrund" and "Doggerbank",
risk posed by wind turbines, the existing develo- which were established by decree on 22 Sep-
pment of some areas in connection with future tember 2017. Compatibility in accordance with
development with new types of larger turbines the BNatSchG must be examined in line with the
must be taken into account. The collision risk assessment previously carried out for the FFH
must therefore be assessed differently for each areas. The nature conservation areas in the EEZ
specific area. However, a final cumulative had previously been included under European
consideration of the effects on bird migration, in- law as FFH areas in the first updated list of sites
cluding all offshore wind farms to be considered, of Community importance in the Atlantic biogeo-
is not possible at the present time due to a lack graphical region pursuant to Article 4 (2) of the
of information on the actual collision risk. Habitats Directive (Official Journal of the EU,
15.01.2008, L 12/1) by a decision of the Euro-
Species protection law examination
pean Commission of 12.11.2007, so that an FFH
The environmental report also contains an exa- impact assessment has already been carried out
mination under species protection law in ac- under the BFO.
cordance with Article 44 (1) of the Federal Na-
§§ Sections 34 and 36 of the Federal Nature
ture Conservation Act. On the more abstract le-
Conservation Act (BNatSchG) stipulate that
vel of sectoral planning, this comes to the con-
plans or projects which, individually or in con-
clusion that, according to the current state of
junction with other plans or projects, may signifi-
knowledge, the offshore wind farms, platforms
cantly affect a Habitats and EU Bird Protection
and submarine cable routes planned in the FEP
Area and which do not directly serve the ma-
will not have any significant negative impacts on
nagement of the area, must be assessed for their
the species protection-related prohibitions under
species protection law.
Non-technical summary 79
compatibility with the protection and conserva- of the conservation objectives of the nature con-
tion objectives of a Natura 2000 site. This also servation areas can be ruled out with the neces-
applies to projects outside the site which, either sary certainty by implementing the ordered noise
individually or in combination with other projects protection measures.
or plans, are likely to significantly affect the site's
The FEP lays down various measures to protect
conservation objectives. With the designation of
loons. In addition to the preventive measure of
the nature conservation areas, this assessment
BMU (2009) by restricting offshore wind energy
now relates to the conservation purpose of these
within the main concentration area of loons, the
sites.
FEP provides for an avoidance measure by
The protected areas as a whole are the LRT excluding the area N-5.4 designated in the (pre-
"reefs" and "sandbanks" listed in Annex I of the liminary) drafts of FEP 2019. The exclusion of
Habitats Directive, certain fish species and ma- the offshore wind farm "Butendiek" for a possible
rine mammals listed in Annex II of the Habitats subsequent use also constitutes a significant mi-
Directive (river lamprey, feint, harbour porpoise, tigation measure, which is a direct consequence
grey seal and common seal) and various bird of objective 3.5.1. (3) of the North Sea EEZ ROV.
species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive According to this, the realisation of offshore wind
(red-throated diver), Black-throated Diver, Little farms in Natura 2000 areas is prohibited, except
Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, in the cases mentioned in the objective. Finally,
Northern Fulmar, Northern Gannet, Black Sco- the requirement to examine the possible subse-
ter, Skua, Pomarine Gull, Common Gull, Black- quent use of areas N-4 and N-5 is a further mo-
backed Gull, Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Common nitoring measure.
Guillemot, Razorbill). Species listed in Annex IV
Taking into account the measures included in the
of the Habitats Directive, such as the harbour
FEP, which ensure the protection of the loons in-
porpoise, must be strictly protected everywhere,
side but also outside the nature reserve "Sylt Ou-
including outside the established protected
ter Reef - Eastern German Bight", a significant
areas.
impairment of the conservation objectives can
Within the framework of the FEP, individual be ruled out with the necessary certainty.
areas and sites, platforms, submarine cable rou-
Assessment of the compatibility of the planned
tes and border corridors are planned in or in the
areas, sites and platforms
immediate vicinity of the nature reserves
"Borkum Riffgrund" and "Sylt Outer Reef - Eas- The impact assessment comes to the conclusion
tern German Bight". Two planned cross-border that, according to current knowledge, a signifi-
submarine cable systems cross the "Dog- cant impairment of the conservation objectives
gerbank" nature reserve. with regard to protected species by the erection
and operation of offshore wind turbines and
The impact assessment also takes into account
transformer and converter platforms within the
the remote effects of the provisions adopted
areas and sites defined in the FEP can be ruled
within the EEZ on the protected areas in the ad-
out, taking into account strict impact-minimising
jacent 12-mile zone and in the adjacent waters
measures and applying the requirements of the
of neighbouring countries.
noise protection concept of the BMU (2013). For
The assessment of the FEP's compatibility with this purpose, the FEP makes textual specifica-
regard to the strictly protected species of harbour tions, especially with regard to noise reduction.
porpoise has shown that, according to the cur- A detailed impact assessment is the responsibi-
rent state of knowledge, a significant impairment lity of the individual approval procedure.
80 Non-technical summary
Assessment of the compatibility of the planned the route will be adjusted accordingly within the
cable routes and border corridors framework of the FEP update.
Possible effects of submarine cables are usually In order to avoid the impairment of FFH-LRT, an
limited to the laying phase and are therefore li- alternative assessment has been carried out for
mited in time and space. Impacts on nature con- all routes which use nature conservation areas
servation areas in their components relevant to and for which bypassing the protected area is
the conservation objectives or the protection pur- possible and appropriate in the light of the prin-
pose are only to be expected if the cable routes ciple of proportionality.
run through a protected area or in the immediate
According to current knowledge, significant im-
vicinity thereof; according to the current state of
pairment of the FFH-LRT "reefs" and "sand-
knowledge, no remote effects are to be assu-
banks with only weak permanent inundation by
med. For this reason, only cable routes that
seawater" can be ruled out even if the plan and
cross nature conservation areas or run in the im-
existing projects for the nature conservation
mediate vicinity, e.g. directly parallel to the edge
areas under review are considered cumulatively.
of protected areas, will be taken into account for
the impact assessment following a detailed pre- measures to prevent, reduce and offset sig-
liminary assessment. nificant negative impacts of the land-use plan
on the marine environment
In particular, the small size of the area and the
short duration of the relocation mean that any In accordance with the requirements of the SEA
significant impact on the conservation objectives Directive, the measures planned to prevent, re-
for protected marine mammal and bird species duce and as far as possible offset significant ne-
can be excluded. gative environmental impacts resulting from the
implementation of the FEP are presented.
Occurrences of the FFH-LRT "reefs" and "sand-
banks" or other biotopes protected under Article In principle, the FEP's provisions will avoid ne-
30 may occur along individual routes. If the oc- gative impacts on the development of the en-
currence of particularly sensitive biotopes is vironmental status of the North Sea EEZ. In the
identified in the course of the preliminary site in- event of non-implementation of the plan, the u-
vestigations or in the specific approval proce- ses would develop without the FEP's steering
dure, efforts should be made to bypass these bi- and coordinating effect, which would save space
otopes. Experience from the implemented pro- and resources.
jects "NordLink", "AC-Anbindung Butendiek" or Specifically, the FEP lays down spatial and tex-
"SylWin1 and SylWin alpha" shows that small- tual specifications which, in accordance with the
scale bypassing of e.g. reef occurrences within environmental protection objectives set out in
the framework of fine routing in the individual ap- Chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht
proval procedure is possible at least in places. gefunden werden.of the environmental report,
If bypassing sensitive FFH-LRT does not appear serve to avoid or reduce significant negative im-
possible, considerable impairment of these bio- pacts of the implementation of the FEP on the
topes cannot be ruled out at present. On the ba- marine environment. This mainly concerns tex-
sis of available data from the route surveys, it tual specifications on space-saving planning, on
must be examined in the specific individual pro- avoiding the use of protected areas and legally
cedure whether there is significant impairment. If protected biotopes pursuant to Article 30 of the
new findings from route surveys are available, Federal Nature Conservation Act, on noise re-
duction, on compliance with the 2C criterion, on
the dismantling of structures, and on the
Non-technical summary 81
consideration of best environmental practice and In addition to the zero alternative, this environ-
the respective state of the art. mental report examines in particular spatial and
technical alternatives.
Reduction and avoidance measures are spe-
cified and ordered by the competent licensing Measures planned to monitor the environ-
authority at project level for the planning, mental impact of implementing the site deve-
construction and operation phases. With regard lopment plan
to the planned areas for wind energy plants and
The potential significant impacts on the environ-
platforms and other energy generation areas,
ment resulting from the implementation of the
this concerns in particular noise reduction and
FEP must be monitored in accordance with Ar-
noise prevention measures as well as environ-
ticle 45 (1) UVPG. This is intended to enable un-
mentally compatible lighting during the operation
foreseen negative impacts to be identified at an
of the structures. Measures to avoid and reduce
early stage and suitable remedial measures to
the possible effects of submarine cable systems
be taken. The monitoring also serves to verify
must be taken into account in the route planning
the gaps in knowledge or the forecasts with
and technical design. In order to avoid significant
uncertainties as presented in the environmental
negative effects of cable heating on benthos, the
report. According to Article 45 para. 4 UVPG, the
FEP contains a planning principle for sediment
results of the monitoring are to be taken into ac-
heating.
count in the updating of the FEP. The actual mo-
Alternative testing nitoring of potential impacts on the marine en-
vironment can only begin once the uses regula-
In accordance with Art. 5 para. 1 sentence 1 of
ted under the plan have been realised. There-
the SEA Directive in conjunction with the criteria
fore, project-related monitoring of the impacts of
in Annex I of the SEA Directive and Art. 40 para.
offshore wind farms, platforms and submarine
2 no. 8 UVPG, the environmental report contains
cable systems is of particular importance. The
a brief description of the reasons for the choice
main task of monitoring is to bring together and
of the reasonable alternatives examined. At the
evaluate the findings of the various monitoring
plan level, the conceptual/strategic design, spa-
results at project level. In addition, existing nati-
tial and technical alternatives play a major role.
onal and international monitoring programmes
In principle, it should be noted that all specifica- must be taken into account, also to avoid dupli-
tions in the form of standardised technology and cation of work.
planning principles already involve a preliminary
The investigation of the potential environmental
examination of possible and conceivable alter-
impacts of areas and sites for offshore wind
natives. As can be seen from the justification of
energy or of platforms has to be carried out at
the individual planning principles, in particular
project level in accordance with the standard
those relating to the environment - e.g. route de-
"Untersuchung von Auswirkungen von Offshore-
sign that is as bundled as possible, implementa-
Windenergieanlagen (StUK4)" (Investigation of
tion with as few intersections as possible - the
the impacts of offshore wind energy plants) and
respective principle is already based on a
in coordination with the BSH. Monitoring during
weighing up of possible public interests and legal
the construction of foundations by means of pile
positions affected, so that a "preliminary exami-
driving includes measurements of underwater
nation" of possible alternatives has already been
noise and acoustic recordings of the impact of
carried out.
pile driving on marine mammals using POD
measuring instruments. In addition, additional
monitoring measures are planned to record the
82 Non-technical summary
effects of the stratification of the water under and biotope types during the baseline survey
certain hydrographic conditions on the propaga- and the operational phase. Identified suspected
tion of impact noise in the Baltic Sea and to be areas of biotope types protected under Article 30
able to take further measures if necessary. of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(BNatSchG) must also be investigated in ac-
The BSH is carrying out a whole series of pro-
cordance with the current mapping instructions
jects as part of the accompanying research into
of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
the possible effects of offshore wind turbines on
(BfN). After the cable system has been laid, its
the marine environment. These include the AN-
location must be checked by operational monito-
KER project "Approaches to cost reduction in the
ring measures. One year after commissioning of
collection of monitoring data for offshore wind
the submarine cable systems, investigations of
farms", the R&D study BeMo "Evaluation ap-
the benthic biocoenoses must be carried out on
proaches for underwater noise monitoring in
the same transects as in the baseline survey.
connection with offshore licensing procedures,
regional planning and MSRL" and various sub- The pooling of information creates an increasin-
projects within the R&D network NavES "Nature- gly solid basis for impact forecasting. The rese-
compatible developments at sea". The results of arch projects serve the continuous further deve-
the BSH's current projects will be directly incor- lopment of a uniform, quality-assured basis of
porated into the further development of stan- marine environmental information for the asses-
dards and norms, such as the development of sment of possible impacts of offshore installati-
the StUK5. ons and form an important basis for updating the
FEP.
For the first time, StUK4 also contains monitoring
requirements for the investigation of sea-ca-bed
routes with regard to benthos, biotope structure
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Draft environmental report for the draft
Site Development Plan 2020
for the German Baltic Sea
Exclusive Economic Zone
Hamburg, 4 September 2020
Content I
Content
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Legal basis and tasks of the environmental assessment 1
1.2 Brief description of the content and most important objectives of
the Site Development Plan 1
1.3 Relationship to other relevant plans, programmes and projects 1
1.4 Presentation and consideration of environmental protection
objectives 5
1.4.1 International conventions on the protection of the marine environment 5
1.4.2 Environmental and nature conservation requirements at EU level 6
1.4.3 Environmental and nature conservation requirements at national level 6
1.4.4 The Federal Government's energy and climate conservation aims 7
1.5 Strategic Environmental Assessment methodology 8
1.5.1 Introduction 8
1.5.2 Area of investigation 8
1.5.3 Implementation of the environmental assessment 10
1.5.4 Criteria for status description and status assessment 12
1.5.5 Specific assumptions for the assessment of likely significant
environmental impacts 16
1.5.6 Cumulative consideration 18
1.5.7 Interactions 18
1.5.8 Specific assumptions for the assessment of likely significant
environmental impacts 19
1.6 Data sources and indications of difficulties in compiling the
documents 22
1.6.1 Overview of data source 23
1.6.2 Indications of difficulties in compiling the documents 24
2 Description and assessment of state of the environment 27
2.1 Introduction 27
2.2 Soil/Area 27
2.2.1 Object of protection soil/area 27
2.2.2 Data availability 27
2.2.3 Geomorphology 27
II Content
2.2.4 Sediment distribution on the seabed 27
2.2.5 Geological structure of the near-surface subsoil 27
2.2.6 Distribution of pollutants in the sediment 27
2.2.7 Status assessment 27
2.3 Water 27
2.3.1 Currents 27
2.3.2 Swell and water level fluctuations 27
2.3.3 Surface temperature and temperature stratification 27
2.3.4 Surface salinity and salinity stratification 27
2.3.5 Ice conditions 27
2.3.6 Suspended matter and turbidity 27
2.3.7 Status assessment with regard to nutrient and pollutant distribution 27
2.4 Plankton 27
2.4.1 Data availability and monitoring programmes 27
2.4.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of phytoplankton 28
2.4.3 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of zooplankton 28
2.4.4 Status assessment of plankton 28
2.5 Biotopes 28
2.5.1 Data availability 28
2.5.2 Biotopes in the German Baltic Sea 28
2.5.3 Legally protected marine biotopes according to section 30 of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act and FFH habitat types 28
2.5.4 Status assessment 28
2.6 Benthos 28
2.6.1 Data availability 28
2.6.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 28
2.6.3 Status assessment of the factor Benthos 28
2.7 Fish 28
2.7.1 Data availability 28
2.7.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 28
2.7.3 Status assessment of the factor Fish 28
2.8 Marine mammals 28
Content III
2.8.1 Data availability 28
2.8.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 28
2.8.3 Status assessment of the factor Marine mammals 28
2.9 Seabirds and resting birds 29
2.9.1 Data availability 29
2.9.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability 29
2.9.3 Status assessment of seabirds and resting birds 29
2.10 Migratory birds 29
2.10.1 Data availability 29
2.10.2 Spatial distribution and temporal variability of migratory birds 29
2.10.3 Status assessment of the factor Migratory birds 29
2.11 Bats and bat migration 30
2.11.1 Data availability 30
2.11.2 Migration and migratory movements of bats over the Baltic Sea 30
2.11.3 Conservation status of potentially migratory bat species in countries
adjacent to the Baltic Sea 30
2.11.4 Hazards to bats 30
2.12 Biodiversity 30
2.13 Air 30
2.14 Climate 30
2.15 Landscape 30
2.16 Cultural heritage and material assets 30
2.17 Human beings, including human health 30
2.18 Interrelationships between the factors 30
3 Expected development in the event of non-implementation of
the plan 31
3.1 Soil/Area 32
3.2 Water 32
3.3 Plankton 33
3.4 Biotopes 33
3.5 Benthos 33
3.6 Fish 33
IV Content
3.7 Marine mammals 33
3.8 Seabirds and resting birds 33
3.9 Migratory birds 33
3.10 Bats and bat migration 33
3.11 Biodiversity 33
3.12 Air 33
3.13 Climate 33
3.14 Landscape 33
3.15 Cultural heritage and material assets 33
3.16 Human beings, including human health 33
3.17 Interrelationships between the factors 33
4 Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of
the implementation of the Site Development Plan on the
marine environment 34
4.1 Soil/Areas 34
4.1.1 Areas, sites and platforms 34
4.1.2 Subsea cable systems 34
4.2 Benthos 34
4.2.1 Areas and sites 34
4.2.2 Platforms 34
4.2.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.3 Biotopes 35
4.3.1 Areas and sites 35
4.3.2 Platforms 35
4.3.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.4 Fish 35
4.4.1 Areas and sites 35
4.4.2 Platforms 35
4.4.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.5 Marine mammals 35
4.5.1 Areas, sites and platforms 35
4.5.2 Subsea cable systems 35
Content V
4.6 Seabirds and resting birds 35
4.6.1 Areas and sites 35
4.6.2 Platforms 35
4.6.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.7 Migratory birds 35
4.7.1 Areas and sites 35
4.7.2 Platforms 35
4.7.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.8 Bats and bat migration 35
4.8.1 Areas and sites 35
4.8.2 Platforms 35
4.8.3 Subsea cable systems 35
4.9 Climate 35
4.10 Landscape 35
4.10.1 Areas and sites 35
4.10.2 Platforms 35
4.11 Interrelationships 35
4.12 Cumulative effects 35
4.12.1 Soil/Area, benthos and biotopes 35
4.12.2 Fish 35
4.12.3 Marine mammals 35
4.12.4 Seabirds and resting birds 35
4.12.5 Migratory birds 35
4.13 Transboundary impacts 35
5 Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations 37
5.1 Marine mammals 37
5.1.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of killing and injury) 37
5.1.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of disturbance) 37
5.2 Avifauna (seabirds, resting birds and migratory birds) 37
5.2.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of killing and injury) 37
VI Content
5.2.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of disturbance) 38
5.3 Bats 38
5.3.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 and no. 2 of the Federal Nature
Conservation Act 38
6 Assessment of the implications 39
6.1 Legal basis 39
6.2 Assessment of the compatibility of the FEP with regard to
habitat types 40
6.2.1 Assessment of compatibility with the protective purpose of the nature
reserve "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank 40
6.2.2 Assessment of the compatibility of planned cable routes with the
protective purpose of the "Fehmarnbelt" nature reserve 41
6.3 Assessment of the compatibility of the FEP with protected
species 42
6.3.1 Assessment of the compatibility of areas, surfaces, platforms and sea
cable systems with the protective purpose of the nature conservation
area "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank 42
6.3.2 Assessment of the compatibility of areas, sites, platforms and sea cable
systems with the protective purpose of the "Fehmarnbelt" nature
conservation area 42
6.3.3 Assessment of the compatibility of areas, surfaces, platforms and sea
cable systems with the protective purpose of the "Kadetrinne" nature
conservation area 42
6.4 Natura2000 sites outside the German EEZ 42
6.5 Outcome of the impact assessment 44
7 Overall plan evaluation 44
8 Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative
effects of the Site Development Plan on the marine
environment 46
8.1 Introduction 46
8.2 Areas and sites for offshore wind turbines 47
8.3 Platforms 49
8.4 Sea cable systems 50
9 Investigated alternatives 52
9.1 Zero alternative 53
Content VII
9.2 Strategic alternatives 53
9.3 Spatial alternatives 53
9.3.1 Assessment of alternatives for areas 53
9.3.2 Comparison of the sites with each other 54
9.4 Technical alternatives 60
10 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental
impacts 61
10.1 Monitoring of potential effects of areas and sites for offshore
wind turbines 63
10.2 Monitoring of potential effects of platforms 64
10.3 Monitoring of the potential effects of sea cables 64
11 Non-technical summary 66
VIII Content
List of figures
Figure 1: Overview of the staged planning and approval process in the central model. ................... 3
Figure 2: Overview of the protected assets in the environmental assessments. .............................. 4
Figure 6: Overview of the standards of the relevant legal acts for the SEA. .................................... 7
Figure 7: Presentation of the SEA study area for the Baltic Sea for the site development plan. ...... 9
Figure 8: General methodology for assessing likely significant environmental impacts. ................ 12
Figure 9: Exemplary cumulative effect of similar uses (effects of energy on underwater sound and
marine mammals). ........................................................................................................................ 18
Content IX
List of tables
Table 1: Project-related effects in the implementation of the FEP. ................................................ 16
Table 2: Parameters for the consideration of areas and sites ........................................................ 20
Table 3: Parameters for the consideration of network connections and platforms ......................... 20
Table 4: Parameters for the consideration of sea cable systems................................................... 22
Table 5. Site comparison using nature conservation criteria. ........................................................ 54
X Content
List of abbreviations
AC Alternating current
AIS Automatic Identification System (for ships)
ASCOBANS Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas
AWI Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
BBergG Federal Mining Act
BfN Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
BFO Spatial Offshore Grid Plan
BFO-N Spatial Offshore Grid Plan North Sea
BFO-O Spatial Offshore Grid Plan Baltic Sea
BGBI Federal Law Gazette
BIAS Baltic Sea Information on the Acoustic Soundscape
BMU Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety
Act concerning nature conservation and landscape management (Federal Nature
BNatSchG
Conservation Act)
Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and
BNetzA
Railway
BSH Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
CTD Conductivity, Temperature, Depth Sensor
DC Direct current
DEPONS Disturbance Effects on the Harbour Porpoise Population in the North Sea
DDT Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EIA Environmental impact assessment
EIS Environmental impact study
Recording of marine mammals and seabirds in the German North Sea and Baltic
EMSON
Sea EEZs
ERASNO Recording of resting birds in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZs
EnWG Act concerning electricity and gas supply (German Energy Act)
EUROBATS Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats
FEP Site Development Plan
FFH Flora Fauna Habitat
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural
FFH-RL
habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive)
Compatibility testing according to Art. 6 subsection 3 of the Habitats Directive or
FFH-VP
section 34 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
FPN North Sea Research Platform
HELCOM Helsinki Convention
HCB Hexachlorobenzene
IBA Important bird area
ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
IfAÖ Institute for Applied Ecosystem Research
IHC NMS Noise mitigation System from IHC
Content XI
IOW Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
IWC International Whaling Commission
K Kelvin
CI Confidence interval
kn Knots
LRT Habitat type according to the Habitats Directive
Automated monitoring network of stations in the German Bight and western Baltic
MARNET
Sea
MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
Marine warm-blooded animals in the North and Baltic Seas: Foundations for
MINOS
assessment of offshore wind farms
Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and the Council dated 17 June
MSRL 2008 for the establishment of a Framework for Community Action in the field of
Marine Environment (Marine Strategy Framework Directive)
NAO North Atlantic Oscillation
n.m. Nautical mile
NN Sea level
O-NDP Offshore network development plan
OSPAR Oslo-Paris Agreement
OWP Offshore wind farm
PAH Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyl
POD Porpoise Click Detector
PSU Practical Salinity Units
R&D Research and Development
RL Red List
SAMBAH Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise
SCANS Small Cetacean Abundance in the North Sea and Adjacent Waters
Ordinance concerning offshore installations for defining German coastal waters
SeeAnlV
(Offshore Installations Ordinance)
SEL Sound event level
SPA Special Protected Area
Species of European Conservation Concern (important species for bird
SPEC
conservation in Europe)
SPLp-p Peak emission sound pressure level (peak-peak)
StUK4 Standard "Investigation into the impacts of offshore wind turbines"
"Accompanying ecological research at the alpha ventus offshore test area
StUKplus
project"
SEA Strategic environmental assessment
Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June
SEA Directive 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the
environment (SEA Directive)
TFEU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
TSO Transmission system operator
XII Content
TOC Total Organic Carbon
UBA Federal Environment Agency
UVPG Act concerning the environmental impact assessment
VARS Visual Automatic Recording System
Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30
V-RL
November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Wild Birds Directive)
WEA Wind turbine
Act concerning the development and promotion of offshore wind energy
WindSeeG
(Offshore Wind Energy Act - WindSeeG)
Introduction 1
1 Introduction According to Art. 1 of the SEA Directive
2001/42/EC, the objective of strategic
environmental assessment is to ensure a high
1.1 Legal basis and tasks of the
level of environmental protection in order to
environmental assessment promote sustainable development, and thereby
In accordance with sections 4 et seq. of the to contribute to ensuring that environmental
Wind Energy at Sea Act (WindSeeG), the BSH considerations are taken into account in an
draws up a site development plan (FEP) in appropriate manner well in advance of concrete
consultation with the Federal Network Agency project planning, when the plans are compiled
(BNetz-A) and in agreement with the Federal and adopted. The Strategic Environmental
Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), the Assessment has the task of identifying,
Directorate-General for Waterways and describing and evaluating the likely significant
Shipping (GDWS) and the coastal Länder. The environmental effects of the implementation of
FEP was drawn up for the first time in 2018 and the plan. It serves as an effective environmental
2019 and published on 28 June 2019 and is precaution in accordance with the applicable
currently being updated. laws and is implemented according to
When the FEP was drawn up, a detailed consistent principles, and with public
environmental assessment was carried out in participation. All factors in accordance with
accordance with the law on environmental section 2 subsection 1 of the Environmental
impact assessment (UVPG), the so-called Impact Assessment Act must be considered:
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Human beings, in particular human
The environmental reports were also published health,
on 28.06.2019. The performance of a strategic
Fauna, flora and biodiversity,
environmental assessment and the preparation
of an environmental report is governed by Area, soil, water, air, climate and
landscape,
Article 35 (1) No. 1 UVPG in conjunction with
No. 1.17 of Appendix 5, as site development Cultural heritage and other material
plans are subject to the SEA obligation under assets, and
Article 5 WindSeeG. In principle, this also Interrelationships between the above-
applies if the FEP is updated or amended. mentioned factors.
The SEA for FEP 2019 does not formally The main content document of the Strategic
include new area layouts and the definition of Environmental Assessment is this draft
new areas or other energy production areas. environmental report. This identifies, describes
Thus, a strategic environmental assessment and assesses the likely significant
must be carried out for the specifications that environmental impact of the implementation of
have not yet been reviewed, as it is not possible the Site Development Plan, as well as possible
to exclude the possibility of significant planning alternatives, taking into account the
environmental impacts. As far as new findings essential purposes of the plan.
on existing specifications are available and
relevant, these will also be taken into account. 1.2 Brief description of the content
The SEA for updating the FEP is based on the
and most important objectives of
environmental reports from 2019 and will the Site Development Plan
closely follow the existing SEA in terms of
methodology and content. 1.3 Relationship to other relevant
plans, programmes and projects
2 Introduction
The FEP is related to other plans and industry, science and research as well as
programmes within the EEZ, in adjacent areas, protection claims. A strategic environmental
in particular in the Coastal Sea, and to plans assessment must be carried out when the
and projects at upstream and downstream spatial development plan is drawn up.
planning and licensing levels.
The next stage is the FEP. Within the
1.3.1 Regional development plans in framework of the so-called central model, the
adjacent areas FEP is the control instrument for the orderly
expansion of offshore wind energy and
In the interests of coherent planning,
electricity grids in a phased planning process.
coordination processes with the plans of
The FEP has the character of a sectoral plan.
neighbouring states and coastal federal states
The sectoral plan is designed to plan the use of
are advisable and must be taken into account in
offshore wind energy and the electricity grids in
the cumulative assessment of impacts on the
a targeted manner and as optimally as possible
marine environment. In particular, close
under the given framework conditions - in
coordination is required with the coastal federal
particular the requirements of regional planning
states with regard to the onshore connection of
- by defining areas and sites as well as
the offshore wind farms and the routing of the
locations, routes and route corridors for grid
routes through the coastal sea. At present, the
connections or for cross-border submarine
state spatial planning is being updated for both
cable systems. In principle, a strategic
Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein.
environmental assessment is carried out to
1.3.1.1 Lower Saxony accompany the establishment, updating and
1.3.1.2 Schleswig-Holstein modification of the FEP.
1.3.2 MSRL programme of measures In the next step, the areas for offshore wind
energy plants defined in the FEP will be pre-
1.3.3 Management plans for the North Sea examined. If the requirements of § 12 para 2
EEZ nature reserves WindSeeG are met, the preliminary
1.3.4 Staged planning procedure for investigation is followed by a determination of
offshore wind energy and power lines the suitability of the site for the construction and
(central model) operation of offshore wind energy plants. A
strategic environmental assessment shall also
Within the framework of the central model, the
be carried out to accompany the preliminary
FEP is the steering instrument for the orderly
investigation.
expansion of offshore wind energy in a staged
planning process. The SEA for the FEP is If the suitability of a site for the use of offshore
related to upstream and downstream wind energy is determined, the site is put out to
environmental assessments. tender and the winning bidder or the
correspondingly entitled party can submit an
In an overall view of the central model, the
application for approval (planning approval) for
planning process for the area of the EEZ is
the construction and operation of wind energy
divided into several stages:
plants on the site specified in the FEP. As part
At the highest and superordinate level is the of the planning approval procedure, an
instrument of maritime spatial planning. The environmental impact assessment is carried out
spatial development plan is the forward-looking if the prerequisites are met.
planning instrument which coordinates the most
While the areas defined in the FEP are pre-
diverse interests of users in the fields of
examined and put out to tender for the use of
Introduction 3
offshore wind energy, this is not the case for The same applies to cross-border submarine
defined sites, routes and route corridors for grid cable systems.
connections or cross-border submarine cable
Under Article 1 (4) UVPG, the UVPG also
systems. Upon application, a planning approval
applies if federal or Länder legislation does not
procedure including environmental assessment
specify the environmental impact assessment in
will be carried out for the construction and
more detail or does not comply with the
operation of grid connection lines in the Re-gel.
essential requirements of the UVPG.
Figure 1: Overview of the staged planning and approval process in the central model.
In the case of multi-stage planning and environmental impacts, technical requirements,
approval processes, it follows from the relevant as well as the content and subject matter of the
legislation (e.g. Spatial Planning Act, Wind- plan are to be taken into account.
SeeG and BBergG) or, more generally, from
In the case of subsequent plans and
Article 39 (3) UVPG that, in the case of plans, it
subsequent approvals of projects for which the
should be determined at the stage of defining
plan sets a framework, the environmental
the scope of the investigation at which certain
assessment pursuant to Article 39 (3) sentence
environmental impacts are to be assessed in
3 UVPG shall be limited to additional or other
particular. In this way, multiple assessments are
to be avoided. The nature and extent of the
4 Introduction
significant environmental impacts as well as to description and assessment of the significant
necessary updates and further details. impacts of a project or a plan or programme on
the objects of protection. They serve to ensure
Within the framework of the staged planning
effective environmental protection in
and approval process, all reviews have in
accordance with the applicable laws and are
common that environmental impacts on the
carried out according to uniform principles and
objects of protection listed in § 2 para. 1 UVGP
with public participation.
are considered, including their interactions.
In the offshore sector, the following sub-
According to the definition in § 2 para. 2 UVPG,
categories of the legally protected assets:
environmental impacts within the meaning of
animals, plants and biological diversity have
the UVPG are direct and indirect effects of a
become established as sub-categories of the
project or the implementation of a plan or
legally protected assets: avifauna:
programme on the protected assets.
seabirds/resting and migratory birds, benthos,
According to Article 3 UVPG, environmental biotope types, plankton, marine mammals, fish
impact assessments comprise the identification, and bats.
Figure 2: Overview of the protected assets in the environmental assessments.
Introduction 5
In detail, the staged planning process is as marine environment in whole or in
follows: part
International Convention for the
1.3.1.1 Maritime spatial planning (EEZ)
Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973
1.3.1.2 Site Development Plan as modified by the Protocol of 1978
(MARPOL 73/78)
1.3.1.3 Preliminary investigation Convention on the Prevention of Marine
Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and
1.3.1.4 Approval procedure (planning
Other Matter (London, 1972) and
approval and planning permission
Protocol, 1996
procedure) for offshore wind
turbines United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea dated 1982
1.3.1.5 Approval procedure for grid
connections (converter platforms 1.4.1.2 Regional conventions on the
and subsea cable systems) protection of the marine
environment
1.3.1.6 Cross-border cables Convention for the Protection of the
Marine Environment of the Baltic Area
1.4 Presentation and consideration 1992
of environmental protection (Helsinki Convention)
objectives UNECE Convention on the EIA in a
The establishment, updating and amendment of transboundary context (Espoo-
the Site Development Plan and implementation Konvention1)
of the SEA take into account the environmental UNECE-Protokoll on SEA to the
protection objectives. These provide information convention on EIA in a transboundary
on what state of the environment is being context (SEA-Protokoll)
sought in the future (environmental quality
targets). The environmental protection 1.4.1.3 Agreements specific to factors
objectives can be gathered in an overall view
Convention on the Conservation of
from the international, common and national
European Wildlife and Natural Habitats,
conventions and regulations which deal with
1979 (Bern Convention)
protection of the marine environment and on
the basis of which the Federal Republic of Convention on the Conservation of
Germany has committed itself to certain Migratory Species of Wild Animals, 1979
principles and objectives. (Bonn Convention)
Within the framework of the Bonn Convention,
1.4.1 International conventions on the
regional agreements for the conservation of the
protection of the marine environment
species listed in Annex II were concluded in
The Federal Republic of Germany is a party to
all relevant international conventions on
protection of the marine environment. 1 Convention from 25. 2. 1991 about the EIA in a
transboundary context, implemented by the Espoo-Act of
1.4.1.1 Conventions in force throughout 7. 6. 2002, BGBl. 2002 II, S. 1406 ff. and the Second
the world that serve to protect the Espoo-Act from 17. 3. 2006, BGBl. 2006 II, S. 224 f
6 Introduction
accordance with Art. 4 no. 3 of the Bonn habitats and of wild fauna and flora
Convention: (Flora and Fauna Habitats Directive)3,
Agreement on the Conservation of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European
African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, Parliament and the Council dated 23
1995 (AEWA) October 2000 for the establishment of a
Framework for Community Action in the
Agreement on the Conservation of Small
field of Water Policy (Water Framework
Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas,
Directive, WRRL)
1991 (ASCOBANS)
Directive 2001/42/EC of the European
Agreement on the Conservation of Seals
Parliament and of the Council of 27
in the Wadden Sea, 1991
June 2001 on the assessment of the
Agreement on the Conservation of effects of certain plans and programmes
Populations of European Bats, 1991 on the environment (Strategic
(EUROBATS) Environmental Assessment Directive,
SEA Directive)
Convention on Biological Diversity, 1993
Directive 2008/56/EC of the European
1.4.2 Environmental and nature Parliament and the Council dated 17
conservation requirements at EU June 2008 for the establishment of a
level Framework for Community Action in the
The material scope of application of the TFEU2 field of Marine Environment (Marine
and thus in principle also that of secondary law Strategy Framework Directive, MSRL)
is extended if the Member States experience an
Directive 2009/147/EC of the European
increase in rights in an area outside their
Parliament and of the Council on the
territory which they have transferred to the EU
conservation of wild birds (Birds
(ECJ, Commission/United Kingdom, 2005). In
Directive)
the field of protection of the marine
environment, nature conservation or water Richtlinie 2009/147/EG des Europäischen
protection, the applicability of the legal EU Parlaments und Rates über die Erhaltung
requirements is also valid for the EEZ. der wildlebenden Vogelarten (V-RL)
The relevant EU legislation is to be taken into 1.4.3 Environmental and nature
account: conservation requirements at
Council Directive 337/85/EEC of 27 national level
June 1985 on the assessment of the There are various legal provisions at a national
effects of certain public and private level, too, and their specifications must be
projects on the environment taken into account in the environmental report.
(Environmental Impact Assessment
Act for regulating water resources
Directive, EIA Directive)
(WHG)
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May
1992 on the conservation of natural
3 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the
2 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, OJ EC conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and
no. C 115, dated 09.05.2008, p. 47. flora, OJ L 206 dated 22.07.1992.
Introduction 7
Act concerning nature conservation and Protected region regulations
landscape management (Federal Nature
Conservation Act - BNatSchG) 1.4.4 The Federal Government's energy
and climate conservation aims
Act concerning the environmental
impact assessment (UVPG)
Act concerning the development and
promotion of offshore wind energy
(Offshore Wind Energy Act - WindSeeG)
Figure 3: Overview of the standards of the relevant legal acts for the SEA.
8 Introduction
environmental effects, they can also lead to
1.5 Strategic Environmental
effects, making a review necessary.
Assessment methodology
The following specifications are each examined
1.5.1 Introduction with regard to their anticipated significant
environmental effects relating to factors:
When carrying out the Strategic Environmental
Assessment, various approaches to the
Areas and sites for offshore wind
planning status can be considered within the
energy, including specification of the
framework of the methodology. This
anticipated capacity
environmental report builds on the methodology
already used for the Strategic Environmental Routes and corridors, including gates
Assessment of the 2019 Site Development Locations for platforms (converter
Plan.
and collector platforms and
The methodology is based primarily on the transformer platforms)
specifications of the plan that are to be
Designation of other
assessed. Within the framework of this SEA,
whether the specifications are likely to have Energy production areasRelevant
significant effects on the factors in question is planning and technical principles
identified, described and evaluated for the
individual specifications. In accordance with
1.5.2 Area of investigation
section 1 subsection 4 of the Environmental
Impact Assessment Act in conjunction with The description and assessment of the state of
section 40 subsection 3 of the Environmental the environment relates primarily to the Baltic
Impact Assessment Act, in the environmental Sea EEZs, for which the FEP essentially makes
report the competent authority provisionally specifications. The SEA study area covers the
assesses the environmental effects of the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea (Figure 7).
specifications with regard to effective Since the FEP does not define the western part
environmental precautions in accordance with of the Baltic Sea EEZ up to the Fehmarnbelt
applicable laws. According to the special legal nature reserve, this part of the EEZ is not
standard of section 5 subsection 3 WindSeeG, included in the SEA in detail. In the adjacent
the specifications must not endanger the territorial sea, areas are also designated via an
marine environment. administrative agreement with the state of
The subject matter of the environmental report Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. These definitions
corresponds to the provisions of the Site are also part of the study area and will be
Development Plan as stated in section 5 reviewed for their cumulative effects with the
subsection 1 WindSeeG (see 1.3). However, definitions in the EEZ.
the relevant factors here are not so much the The adjoining territorial sea and the adjacent
specifications in concrete temporal terms, as areas of the riparian states are not directly
the chronological order of the call for tenders or covered by this plan, but they are included in
the calendar years of commissioning, as there the cumulative and transboundary
are no further environmental effects in this consideration in the context of this SEA.
regard compared with the environmental
specifications. Although some planning and
technical principles serve to mitigate
Introduction 9
Figure 4: Presentation of the SEA study area for the Baltic Sea for the site development plan.
10 Introduction
Also relevant are the characteristics of the plan,
1.5.3 Implementation of the environmental in particular
assessment
- the extent to which the plan sets a framework
The assessment of the likely significant for projects and other activities in terms of
environmental effects of the implementation of location, type, size and operating conditions or
the FEP includes secondary, cumulative, through the use of resources
synergistic, short-, medium- and long-term,
permanent and temporary, positive and - the extent to which the plan influences other
negative effects in terms of the goods to be plans and programmes, including those in a
protected. Secondary or indirect effects are planning hierarchy;
understood to be those which are not - the relevance of the plan for the integration of
immediate and therefore may take effect only environmental considerations, in particular with
after some time and/or in other places. a view to promoting sustainable development;
Occasionally we also speak of consequential
effects or interactions. - the environmental issues relevant to the plan;
Possible impacts of plan implementation are - the relevance of the plan for the
described and assessed in relation to the implementation of Community environmental
protected property. A uniform definition of the legislation (e.g. plans and programmes
term "significance" does not exist, since it is a concerning waste management or water
"individually determined significance" which protection) (Annex II SEA Directive).
cannot be considered independently of the The sectoral legislation provides further details
"specific characteristics of plans or on when an impact reaches the materiality
programmes" (SOMMER, 2005, 25f.). In threshold. Threshold values have been
general, significant impacts can be understood developed under the legislation in order to be
to be effects that are serious and significant in able to make a delimitation.
the context under consideration.
The description and assessment of potential
According to the criteria of Annex 6 of the environmental impacts is carried out separately
UVPG, which are decisive for the assessment for areas and sites, platforms, submarine cable
of likely significant environmental impacts, systems and other energy production areas,
significance is determined by taking into account the assessment of their
- "the probability, duration, frequency and status. Furthermore, a differentiation according
irreversibility of the effects to different technical designs is made where
necessary. The description and assessment of
- the cumulative nature of the effects; the probable significant impacts of the
- the transboundary nature of the impacts; implementation of the plan on the marine
environment also relate to the protected
- the risks to human health or the environment interests described. All contents of the plan that
(e.g. in the event of accidents); could potentially have significant environmental
- the magnitude and spatial extent of the impacts are examined.
effects; In this context, both the construction and
- the importance and sensitivity of the area deconstruction as well as the plant-related and
likely to be affected, due to its specific natural operational impacts are considered. In addition,
characteristics or cultural heritage, the effects that may arise within the scope of
exceedance of environmental quality standards maintenance and repair work are taken into
or limit values and intensive land use; account. This is followed by a description of
possible interactions, a consideration of
- the impact on areas or landscapes whose possible cumulative effects and potential
status is recognised as protected at national, transboundary impacts.
Community or international level".
Introduction 11
The following objects of protection are In general, the following methodological
considered with regard to the assessment of approaches are used in environmental
the environmental status: assessment:
- Area/ soil - Qualitative descriptions and assessments
- Water - Quantitative descriptions and assessments
- Plankton - Evaluation of studies and technical literature,
- Biotope types expert opinions
- Benthos - Visualizations
- Fish - Worst-case assumptions
- Marine mammals - trend assessments (e.g. on the state of the art
of installations)
- Avifauna
- Assessments by experts/the professional
- bats
public
- Biological diversity
An assessment of the impacts caused by the
- Air FEP's specifications is carried out on the basis
- Climate of the status description and status assessment
and the function and significance of the
- Landscape
individual areas, sites and routes for the
- cultural heritage and other tangible individual objects of protection on the one hand,
assets and the impacts emanating from these
specifications and the resulting potential
- people, in particular human health
impacts on the other. A forecast of the project-
- Interactions between protected related impacts when the FEP is implemented
goods is made on the basis of the criteria of intensity,
scope and duration of the effects (cf. Figure 8).
12 Introduction
Figure 5: General methodology for assessing likely significant environmental impacts.
marine mammals, the criteria used are
1.5.4 Criteria for status description and
protection status, assessment of occurrence,
status assessment
assessment of spatial units and prior
The condition of the individual protected assets contamination. For migratory birds, the aspects
is assessed on the basis of various criteria. For of rarity, endangerment and existing pressures
the protected assets of area/soil, benthos and are taken into account, as are the aspects of
fish, the assessment is based on the aspects of
occurrence assessment and the area's
rarity and vulnerability, diversity and peculiarity, significance for bird migration over a large area.
and existing impacts. The description and
assessment of marine mammals and marine The following is a summary of the criteria used
and resting birds is based on the aspects listed for the status assessment of the respective
in the figure. Since these are highly mobile protected property. This overview deals with the
species, an approach analogous to that for the protected assets that are considered in the
protected goods area/soil, benthos and fish is focus area.
not appropriate. For seabirds, resting birds and
Introduction 13
Area/soil
Aspect: Rarity and endangerment
Criterion: Percentage of sediments on the seabed and distribution of the morphological inventory of
forms.
Aspect: Diversity and specificity
Criterion: Heterogeneity of the sediments on the seabed and formation of the
morphological inventory of forms.
Aspect: Preload
Criterion: Extent of the anthropogenic preload of the sediments on the sea floor and the
morphological inventory of forms.
Benthos
Aspect: Rarity and endangerment
Criterion: Number of rare or endangered species based on the Red List species identified (Red List
by RACHOR et al. 2013).
Aspect: Diversity and individuality
Criterion: Number of species and composition of the species communities. The extent to which
species or communities characteristic of the habitat occur and how regularly they occur is assessed.
Aspect: Preload
For this criterion, the intensity of fishing exploitation, which is the most effective disturbance variable,
will be used as a benchmark. Eutrophication can also affect benthic communities. For other
disturbance variables, such as vessel traffic, pollutants, etc., there is currently a lack of suitable
measurement and detection methods to be able to include them in the assessment.
Biotope types
Aspect: Rarity and endangerment
Criterion: national conservation status and endangerment of biotope types according to the Red List
of Endangered Biotope Types in Germany (FINCK et al., 2017).
Aspect: Preload
Criterion: Hazard due to anthropogenic influences.
14 Introduction
Fish
Aspect: Rarity and endangerment
Criterion: Proportion of species considered endangered according to the current Red List marine fish
(THIEL et al. 2013) and for the diadromous species on the Red List freshwater fish (FREYHOF 2009)
and assigned to Red List categories.
Aspect: Diversity and specificity
Criterion: The diversity of a fish community can be described by the number of species (α-Diversity,
'Species richness'). The species composition can be used to assess the specific nature of a fish
community, i.e. how regularly habitat-typical species occur. Diversity and specificity are compared
and assessed between the Baltic Sea as a whole and the German EEZ, as well as between the EEZ
and individual areas.
Aspect: Preload
Criterion: The naturalness of a fish community is defined as the absence of anthropogenic influences.
Through the removal of target species and by-catch, as well as the impact on the seabed in the case
of bottom-dwelling fishing methods, fisheries are considered the most effective disturbance to the fish
community and therefore serve as a measure of the bias of fish communities in the Baltic Sea. There
is no assessment of stocks on a smaller spatial scale. The input of nutrients into natural waters is
another way in which human activities can affect fish communities. Eutrophication is therefore used to
assess the biota.
Marine mammals
Aspect: Protection status
Criterion: Status under Annex II and Annex IV of the Habitats Directive and the following international
protection agreements: Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn
Convention, CMS), ASCOBANS (Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic
and North Seas), Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern
Convention)
Aspect: Assessment of the occurrence
criteria: Stock, stock changes/trends based on large-scale surveys, distribution patterns and density
distributions
Aspect: Evaluation of spatial units
criteria: Function and importance of the German EEZ and the areas defined in the FEP for marine
mammals as transit areas, feeding grounds or breeding grounds
Aspect: Preloas
Criterion: Hazards due to anthropogenic influences and climate change.
Introduction 15
Seabirds and resting birds
Aspect: Protection status
Criterion: Annex I status Species of the Birds Directive, European Red List from BirdLife International
Aspect: Assessment of the occurrence
criteria: Baltic Sea stock and EEZ stock, large-scale distribution patterns, abundances, variability
Aspect: Evaluation of spatial units
criteria: Function of the areas defined in the FEP for relevant breeding birds, migrants, as resting
areas, location of protected areas
Aspect: Preload
Criterion: Hazards due to anthropogenic influences and climate change.
Migratory birds
Aspect: The importance of bird migration over a large area
Criterion: Guidelines and areas of concentration
Aspect: Assessment of the occurrence
Criterion: draught and its intensity
Aspect: Rarity and endangerment
Criterion: Number of species and endangered status of the species involved according to Annex I of
the Birds Directive, Bern Convention of 1979 on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural
Habitats, Bonn Convention of 1979 on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, AEWA
(African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement) and SPEC (Species of European Conservation Concern).
Aspect: Preload
Criterion: Prior pollution/hazards due to anthropogenic influences and climate change.
16 Introduction
the basis of the status assessment described
1.5.5 Specific assumptions for the
above. The following table lists, on the basis of
assessment of likely significant
the key impact factors, those potential
environmental impacts
environmental impacts which form the basis for
The description and assessment of the the assessment of the likely significant
probable significant impacts of the environmental impacts. The effects are
implementation of the FEP on the marine distinguished according to whether they are
environment will be carried out separately for caused by construction, decommissioning,
areas and land, platforms, submarine cable operation or the installation itself.
systems and other energy production areas on
Table 1: Project-related effects in the implementation of the FEP.
Object of Effect Potential impact
(De)Con
struction
Commis
Turbine
protection
sioning
Areas/ Sites and Platforms
Soil Placement of hard substrate change of habitats X
(foundations)
permanent land use change of habitats X
Scouring/sediment relocation change of habitats X
Benthos formation of turbidity plumes Impact on benthic species X
Resuspension of sediment Impairment or damage to benthic X
and sedimentation species or communities
Placement of hard substrate Change of habitats, habitat loss X
Fish Sediment swirls and turbidity Physiological effects and frightening X
plumes effects
Noise emissions during pile Averting X
driving
Land use Local habitat loss X
Placement of hard substrate Attraction effects, increase in X
species diversity
Seabirds Visual unrest due to Local scaring and barrier effects X
and construction activity
resting
Obstacle in airspace Scaring effects => habitat loss X
Introduction 17
birds Lightemissions Attraction effects X X
Maintenance-related ship Scaring effects => habitat loss X
traffic
Migratory Obstacle in airspace Bird strike X
birds
Barrier effect
Lightemissions Attraction effects => bird strike X X
Marine Noise emission during pile Danger if no prevention and X
mammals driving reduction measures are taken
Sea cable systems
Soil Placement of hard substrate change of habitats X
(Stone pile)
Benthos Heat emissions Impairment/displacement of cold- X
water loving species
magnetic fields Impact on benthic species X
formation of turbidity plumes Impact on benthic species X
Insertion of hard substrate change of habitats, habitat loss X
(cable crossing)
Fish formation of turbidity plumes Physiological effects and frightening X
effects
magnetic fields Impairment of the orientation X
behaviour of individual migratory
species
18 Introduction
In addition to the impacts on the individual can be caused by the coincidence of effects in
objects of protection, cumulative effects and time and space. Impacts of the construction
interactions between objects of protection are phase are mainly of a short-term and temporary
also examined nature, while plant-related and operational
impacts can occur permanently. The impact
1.5.6 Cumulative consideration may be intensified by similar uses or different
According to Art.5 (1) SEA Directive, the uses with the same effect, thus increasing the
environmental report also includes an impact on one or more protected assets.
assessment of cumulative effects. Cumulative The focus in the environmental report on the
effects arise from the interaction of various FEP is on the cumulative consideration of
independent individual effects which either add similar uses, namely those for which the FEP
up through their interaction (cumulative effects)
makes stipulations. A cumulative consideration
or reinforce each other and thus generate more of different uses, i.e. intersectoral, is carried out
than the sum of their individual effects within the framework of the SEA at the higher
(synergistic effects) (e.g. SCHOMERUS et al., level of the spatial development plan for the
2006). Both cumulative and synergetic effects
EEZ.
Figure 6: Exemplary cumulative effect of similar uses (effects of energy on underwater sound and marine
mammals).
In order to examine the cumulative effects, it is
1.5.7 Interactions
necessary to assess the extent to which the
provisions of the plan, when taken together, can In general, impacts on a protected good lead to
be expected to have a significant adverse various consequences and interactions
effect. An examination of the areas is between the protected goods. The essential
performed at the level of this sectoral plan on interdependence of the biotic objects of
protection exists via the food chains. Due to the
the basis of the current state of knowledge
within the meaning of Art. 5 para. 2 SEA variability of the habitat, interactions can only
Directive. An important assessment basis for be described in very imprecise terms overall.
this is the noise abatement concept of the BMU
(2013).
Introduction 19
1.5.8 Specific assumptions for the - installations already in operation or in the
assessment of likely significant licensing procedure (as reference and existing
environmental impacts load)
In detail, the analysis and examination of the - Transfer of the average parameters of the
respective provisions is as follows: installations commissioned in the last 5 years to
Areas and Sites, including the expected the areas to be planned in the central model
capacity to be installed: - Assumption that existing projects will be
Regarding the areas, irrespective of the realised on the basis of effective authorisation
concrete definition in the plan and the during the transition period (worst-case
probability of realisation, a total of 13 areas are scenario)
assumed in the sense of a worst-case - Forecast of certain technical developments.
consideration. In accordance with section 5 (1)
The following tables provide an overview of the
no. 5 WindSeeG, the expected installed
capacity of offshore wind turbines is to be parameters to be used. It should be noted here
determined in the FEP for the areas. For this that these are only partly estimation-based
purpose, the sites within the areas are assumptions, as project-specific parameters are
not or cannot be checked at SEA level.
essentially assigned to two categories within
the framework of the legal requirements on the In order to depict the spectrum of possible
basis of criteria such as area geometry, wind realistic developments, the Strategic
speed, state of the art of offshore wind energy Environmental Assessment is essentially based
installations and grid connection capacity. On on a range of the above-mentioned model
the basis of these parameters and parameters.
assumptions, the power density to be applied is
In contrast to the approach used in the SEA for
determined in megawatt/km² per area.
the FEP 2019, the individual parameters are
To support the plausibility check of the presented in the form of a possible bandwidth
methodology for determining the expected and not, as in 2019, as separate model wind
power to be installed on the respective areas, farms in the form of two scenarios. This
wind farm planning is simulated in the form of approach allows for greater flexibility in the
models with, among other things, wind turbines subsequent assessment within the scope of the
that may be available in the future. Although suitability test and the approval procedures by
one or more layouts for offshore wind farm more frequently assuming "worst-case"
planning are not used as a basis for considerations. The respective worst case must
determining the expected installed capacity, be defined for the individual objects of
certain parameters are assumed in this SEA for protection. For the 2021 tender year (sites O-1-
a consideration related to the protection of the 3, N-3.7 and N-3-8), the parameters from the
environment. In detail, these are, for example, FEP 2019 assessment framework and
the number of turbines, hub height [m], height environmental report remain valid. Due to the
of the lower rotor tip [m], rotor diameter [m], year of commissioning in 2026, an adjustment
total height [m] of the turbines, diameter of does not appear necessary.
foundation types [m] and diameter of scour
Furthermore, the parameters will be adapted to
protection [m].
the advancing state of the art. In the currently
The Strategic Environmental Assessment takes ongoing approval procedures for OWPs, it can
particular account of these factors: be seen that a nominal capacity of 10 MW can
20 Introduction
already be considered state of the art for wind advancing state of the art, especially in the later
farms in the transitional system. Similarly, the years of commissioning.
parameters in the upper range of the bandwidth
are being raised to take account of the
Table 2: Parameters for the consideration of areas park internal
and sites cabling [km/MW]
Number converter 1 1 1
Range
platforms
from to
Area Foundation ca. 600 ca. 600 ca. 600
Power pro turbine [MW] 10 20
Converter platform
Hub Height [m] 125 200
[m²]
Height lower rotor tip [m] 25 50
Number 0 2 0
Rotor diameter [m] 200 300
transformer
Total height [m] 225 platform
350
Diameter foundation [m]* 10 15
Number 2 0 2
Diameter scour protection 50 accomodation
75
[m] platforms
* The calculation of the land use is based on the Diameter ca. 2 x ca. 2 x ca. 2 x
assumption of a monopile foundation. However, it is foundation [m]** 10 10 10
assumed that monopile and jacket together have Area foundation ca. 160 ca. 160 ca. 160
about the same total land use on the sea bed. excl. scour
protection [m2]
Sites for platforms (transformer or residential
Diameter scour ca. 2 x ca. 2 x ca. 2 x
platforms) 50 50 50
protection [m]
A similar approach is followed for the Area foundation ca. ca. ca.
assessment of the sites for platforms incl. scour 4.000 4.000 4.000
(transformer, converter or residential platforms). protection [m]
Here, too, certain parameters such as the * The figures for transformer/residential platforms
number of platforms, length of the internal refer to the number of transformer/residential
cabling [km], diameter of one or more platforms per grid connection (only for completions
from 2026) for the different connection concepts.
foundations [m] and area for foundations
Only the length of the park-internal cabling depends
(including scour protection) [m²] are assumed
on the expected installed capacity of the respective
Table 3: Parameters for the consideration of network area and was determined on the basis of existing
connections and platforms plans.
320 kV 525 ** The calculation of the land use is based on the
kV assumption of a monopile foundation. It is assumed
Network that monopile and Jacket each have approximately
connection 66 kV 155 kV 66 kV the same total land use on the sea bed.
converter
platforms, Routing and route corridors for submarine cable
Transformer / systems
accomodation
platforms* The definition of route and route corridors for
specific length ca. 0,12 ca. 0,12 ca. submarine cable systems (connecting lines,
0,12 cross-border submarine cable systems and
Introduction 21
interconnections) is based on the assumption of
certain widths of the cable trench [m] and a
certain area of the crossing structures [m2]. In
particular, the environmental impacts caused by
construction, operation and repair are
considered.
22 Introduction
Table 4: Parameters for the consideration of sea
cable systems
Sea Cable
System
Width cable trench ca. 1
[m]
Area of intersection ca. 900
buildings [m2]
With regard to the technical principles for the
grid connection of offshore wind farms in the
Other energy production areas
Baltic Sea for the area of the EEZ, a connection
For the definition of "other energy production concept based on three-phase current
areas", the Strategic Environmental technology with a transmission voltage of +/-
Assessment is based on the assumption of a 220 kV will be used, analogous to the existing
"classical" offshore wind farm on the basis of grid connections, when the transmission grid
existing knowledge of electricity production. operator uses the transformer platform. This
Environmental impacts going beyond this are has already been defined within the framework
highly dependent on the respective type of use of the BFO Baltic Sea and was accordingly
and should therefore be comprehensively already the subject of the reviews in the
examined at approval level. In this respect, the environmental reports on the BFO Baltic Sea.
SEA for other energy production areas is
carried out in the same way as the assessment 1.6 Data sources and indications of
of areas for offshore wind energy and is based difficulties in compiling the
on the same model parameters.
documents
Relevant planning and technical principles A description and assessment of the state of
By regulating planning and technology the environment in the investigation area form
principles in the FEP, the required land use can the basis for the SEA. All factors must be
be minimised and potential environmental included. The data source forms the basis for
impacts reduced to a minimum. The the as-sessment of the likely significant
predominant number of planning principles environmental effects, assessment of natural
serve to avoid or reduce environmental impacts habitat and wild-life conservation regulations
and are not expected to lead to significant and the alternative assessment.
impacts. According to section 39 subsection 2 sentence
The FEP also contains some planning 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act,
principles that do not relate to the reduction of the environmental report contains the infor-
environmental impacts. If these are based on mation that can be obtained with reasonable
regional planning objectives, they must be effort, taking into account the current state of
adhered to simply because the regional knowledge and public statements known to the
planning objectives are binding. Remaining authority, generally accepted assessment
planning principles are examined for likely methods, content and level of detail of the plan
significant environmental impacts on protected and its position in the decision-making process.
assets.
Introduction 23
According to section 40 subsection 4 of the En-
Human beings and human health
vironmental Impact Assessment Act, infor-
mation available to the competent authority Interrelationships between factors.
from other procedures or activities may be in-
cluded in the environmental report if it is
suitable for the intended purpose and
sufficiently up-to-date.
1.6.1 Overview of data source
The environmental report will be based on the The data and knowledge situation has improved
environmental assessments that were carried considerably in recent years, particularly as a
out when the FEP 2019 was established. result of the extensive data collection within the
The draft environmental report will describe and framework of environmental compatibility stud-
assess the current state of the environment and ies and the construction and operation monitor-
present the likely development in the event of ing for the offshore wind farm projects and the
non-implementation of the plan. On the other accompanying ecological research.
hand, it will forecast and assess the likely signif- In general, the following data are used as a ba-
icant environmental impacts resulting from the sis for the environmental report:
implementation of the plan.
- Data and findings from the operation of off-
A detailed description and assessment of the shore wind farms
state of the environment is the basis for the as-
sessment of possible effects. The description - Data and findings from approval procedures
and assessment of the current state of the envi- for offshore wind farms, submarine cable sys-
ronment and the probable development in the tems
event of non-implementation of the plan will be - Results from the preliminary area survey
carried out with regard to the following objects
- Results of the monitoring of Natura 2000 sites
of protection:
- Mapping instructions for §30 biotope types
Area/Soil
- MSRL initial and progress evaluation
Water
- HELCOM status reports
Plankton
- Findings and results from R&D projects com-
Biotopes missioned by BfN and/or BSH and from ac-
companying ecological research
Benthos
- Results from EU cooperation projects, such as
Fish
Pan-Baltic Scope and SEANSE
Marine mammals
- Studies/ Technical literature
Resting and migratory birds - Current red lists
Air - Comments of the technical authorities
Climate - Comments from the (specialist) public
Landscape A detailed overview of the individual data and
Cultural heritage, other material assets knowledge bases can be found in the Annex
(Chapter 8) of the framework study.
24 Introduction
Since the data basis may vary depending on currently being prepared within the
the protected property, the data basis is framework of ongoing BfN R&D projects
discussed at the beginning of Chapter 2
with a spatial focus on nature
1.6.2 Indications of difficulties in compiling conservation areas. To date, there is a
the documents
lack of detailed mapping of biotope
Indications of difficulties arising when compiling
types, including legally protected
the data, such as technical gaps or lack of
knowledge, are to be presented according to biotopes under Article 30 BNatSchG, in
section 40 subsection 2 no. 7 UVPG. The the EEZ outside nature conservation
description and evaluation of the individual
areas.
factors (chapter Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte
nicht gefunden werden.) make it clear that For the assessment of compliance with
there are still gaps in knowledge in places. requirements regarding temperature
Information gaps exist in particular with regard increases in sediment, reference is
to the following points: made to planning principle 4.4.4.8.
Long-term effects from the operation of 1.6.2.2 Benthos
offshore wind farms and associated It is not possible to predict reliably the
systems, such as converter platforms anticipated effects of the introduction of
Data for assessment of the state of the hard substrate on the development of
environment of the various factors in the benthic communities.
area of the outer EEZ.
1.6.2.3 Fish
1.6.2.1 Soil/area and biotope types There is a lack of more detailed information
To date, a detailed area-wide mapping on pelagic fish.
of the sediment distribution in the EEZ Information on the reaction of fish to noise
outside the nature reserves is missing. emissions is available only to a very limited
extent.
The description and assessment of
environmental impacts with regard to The likely effects of habitat change on the
development of fish fauna due to the
the soil as a protected resource is based introduction of hard substrate are still
primarily on the evaluation of selective largely unknown.
data collection. In particular, there is a
1.6.2.4 Seabirds and resting birds
lack of a comprehensive sediment
The species-specific risk of seabirds
description with regard to the detailed colliding with offshore wind turbines can
distribution of coarse-sand-fine gravel only be partially predicted and is currently
being recorded with the investigations
areas and residual sediments in the
according to StUK4 in the operating phase,
form of gravel, stones and blocks. but also in ongoing research projects. In
A detailed and area-wide mapping of particular, suitable technology for recording
effects is being developed.
marine biotope types in the EEZ is
Introduction 25
Behavioural changes and habituation offshore wind farms. Data is collected
effects among disturbance-sensitive regularly as part of the monitoring of nature
species in the German EEZ have only been conservation areas on behalf of the Federal
investigated since the commissioning of the Agency for Nature Conservation. Finally,
first large, commercial wind farms, research projects provide data on specific
including the converter platforms. issues. SCANS observations are providing
Operational monitoring is still ongoing. information for the entire distribution area
of harbour porpoise so as to allow the
There is still insufficient knowledge of the
abundance of the entire population of
effects of disturbances or habitat loss at
harbour porpoise to be assessed.
species population level, and these will
only be investigated on the basis of the 1.6.2.7 Bats
data currently being collected.
There is a lack of knowledge about the
1.6.2.5 Migratory birds quality and quantity of migratory bat
populations in the North Sea.
There is currently a lack of sufficient
knowledge of the effects of offshore There is currently a lack of sufficient
construction in some areas. Knowledge knowledge of the effects of offshore
from coastal waters and on land is only construction. Knowledge from coastal
transferable to a very limited extent due to waters and on land is only transferable to a
the different conditions. very limited extent due to the different
conditions.
The species-specific risk of migratory birds
colliding with offshore wind turbines is The species-specific risk of bats colliding
largely unknown. with offshore wind turbines is largely
unknown.
Possible barrier impacts of offshore wind
turbines on species-specific sea migration 1.6.2.8 Summary
routes are largely unexplored.
In principle, forecasts on the development of
Whether the intensity of broad front the living marine environment after
migration of songbirds decreases implementation of the Site Development Plan
according to the distance from the coast is are subject to specific uncertainties. Long-term
not clear for the bulk of songbirds that data series or analytical methods are often
migrate at night. lacking, e.g. for intersection of extensive
information on biotic and abiotic factors so as to
1.6.2.6 Marine mammals provide a better understanding of complex
The data availability can currently be interrelationships in the marine ecosystem.
described as very good: the data is
In particular, there is a lack of extensive,
systematically quality-assured and used for
detailed sediment and biotope mapping outside
studies, so the current state of knowledge the nature conservation areas of the EEZ. As a
on the occurrence of marine mammals in result, there is no scientific basis to permit
German waters can also be classified as
assessment of the effects of the possible use of
good.
strictly protected biotope structures. Research
The most comprehensive data source is and university institutions, and an
provided by data from environmental environmental consultancy, are currently
impact studies and the monitoring of carrying out sediment and biotope mapping with
26 Introduction
spatial emphasis in the nature conservation
areas on behalf of the Federal Agency for
Nature Conservation and in cooperation with
the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.
Furthermore, there are no scientific assessment
criteria for some factors, both with regard to the
assessment of their status and with regard to
the effects of anthropogenic activities on the
development of the living marine environment,
to allow cumulative effects to be considered in
both temporal and spatial terms.
Various R&D studies on assessment
approaches, including for underwater noise, are
currently being developed on behalf of the
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.
These projects are being used for continuous
refinement of a consistent, quality-assured
basis of information on the marine environment
for assessment of possible effects of offshore
installations.
Overall, the following recommendations can be
made for the development of criteria for
assessment of effects and the status of
protected biological assets:
Consolidation of results and evaluation
of all existing data relating to factors,
Intersection of biological data with
information from marine physics, marine
chemistry, marine geology and marine
meteorology,
Review of methods, in particular with
regard to possible cumulative or
transboundary impacts, for developing
assessment criteria with regard to the
condition of the living marine
environment,
Evaluation of effect monitoring so as to
be able to record possible effects on
factors.
Description and assessment of state of the environment 27
2 Description and 2.2.6.1 Metals
assessment of state of the 2.2.6.2 Organic substances
environment 2.2.6.3 Radioactive substances
(radionuclides)
2.1 Introduction
According to section 40 subsection 2 no. 3 of 2.2.6.4 Inherited waste
the Environmental Impact Assessment Act,
the environmental report includes a description 2.2.7 Status assessment
of the characteristics of the environment and
2.2.7.1 Natural factors
the current state of the environment in the SEA
investigation area. The description of the 2.2.7.2 Anthropogenic factors
current state of the environment is necessary in
order to predict its change when the 2.3 Water
plan/programme is implemented. The survey
considers the factors listed in section 2 2.3.1 Currents
subsection 1 sentence 2 nos. 1 to 4 and
interrelationships between them. The 2.3.2 Swell and water level fluctuations
information is presented in a problem-oriented
fashion. Priority will therefore be given to 2.3.3 Surface temperature and temperature
potential initial loads, environmental elements stratification
that are particularly worthy of protection, and
the factors on which the implementation of the 2.3.4 Surface salinity and salinity
plan will have a greater impact. In spatial terms, stratification
the description of the environment is based on
2.3.5 Ice conditions
the relevant environmental effects of the plan.
Depending on the type of impact and the factor 2.3.6 Suspended matter and turbidity
in question, these will have differing extents and
may go beyond the limits of the plan 2.3.7 Status assessment with regard to
(Landmann/Rohmer, 2018). nutrient and pollutant distribution
2.2 Soil/Area 2.3.7.1 Nutrients
2.2.1 Object of protection soil/area 2.3.7.2 Oxygen
2.2.2 Data availability 2.3.7.3 Metals
2.2.3 Geomorphology 2.3.7.4 Organic pollutants
2.2.4 Sediment distribution on the seabed 2.3.7.5 Radioactive substances
(radionuclides)
2.2.5 Geological structure of the near-
surface subsoil 2.4 Plankton
2.2.6 Distribution of pollutants in the 2.4.1 Data availability and monitoring
sediment
28 Description and assessment of state of the environment
programmes 2.6.2.1 The macro-zoobenthos of the
German Baltic Sea
2.4.2 Spatial distribution and temporal
variability of phytoplankton 2.6.2.2 Benthic communities
2.4.3 Spatial distribution and temporal 2.6.2.3 Red List species
variability of zooplankton
2.6.2.4 Benthic algae
2.4.4 Status assessment of plankton
2.6.3 Status assessment of the factor
2.5 Biotopes Benthos
2.5.1 Data availability 2.6.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
benthic communities
2.5.2 Biotopes in the German Baltic Sea
2.7 Fish
2.5.3 Legally protected marine biotopes
according to section 30 of the Federal 2.7.1 Data availability
Nature Conservation Act and FFH
habitat types 2.7.2 Spatial distribution and temporal
variability
2.5.3.1 Reefs
2.7.2.1 Fish fauna in the German EEZ
2.5.3.2 Sandbanks
2.7.2.2 Red List species in the German
2.5.3.3 Seagrass beds and other marine EEZ
macrophyte stocks
2.7.3 Status assessment of the factor Fish
2.5.3.4 Species-rich gravel, coarse sand
and shell layers in marine and 2.7.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
coastal areas fish
2.5.4 Status assessment 2.8 Marine mammals
2.5.4.1 Importance of areas and sites for 2.8.1 Data availability
biotopes
2.8.2 Spatial distribution and temporal
2.6 Benthos variability
2.6.1 Data availability 2.8.2.1 Harbour porpoise
2.6.2 Spatial distribution and temporal 2.8.2.2 Seals and grey seals
variability
2.8.3 Status assessment of the factor
Marine mammals
Description and assessment of state of the environment 29
2.8.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for 2.10.2.1 Bird migration over the western
marine mammals Baltic Sea
2.8.3.2 Protection status 2.10.2.2 Species composition
2.8.3.3 Hazards 2.10.3 Status assessment of the factor
Migratory birds
2.9 Seabirds and resting birds
2.10.3.1 Anthropogenic influences on bird
2.9.1 Data availability migration
2.9.2 Spatial distribution and temporal 2.10.3.2 Climatic changes
variability
2.10.3.3 Importance of areas and sites for
2.9.2.1 Abundance of seabirds and resting migratory birds
birds in German waters in the
Baltic Sea
2.9.2.2 Common species and species of
special importance for the nature
conservation area "Pomeranian
Bight – Rönnebank"
2.9.2.3 Occurrence of seabirds and
resting birds in the areas
2.9.3 Status assessment of seabirds and
resting birds
2.9.3.1 Importance of areas and sites for
seabirds and resting birds
2.9.3.2 Protection status
2.9.3.3 Hazards
2.10 Migratory birds
2.10.1 Data availability
2.10.2 Spatial distribution and temporal
variability of migratory birds
30 Description and assessment of state of the environment
2.11 Bats and bat migration
2.11.1 Data availability
2.11.2 Migration and migratory movements
of bats over the Baltic Sea
2.11.3 Conservation status of potentially
migratory bat species in countries
adjacent to the Baltic Sea
2.11.4 Hazards to bats
2.12 Biodiversity
2.13 Air
2.14 Climate
2.15 Landscape
2.16 Cultural heritage and material
assets
2.17 Human beings, including human
health
2.18 Interrelationships between the
factors
Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan 31
3 Expected development in implementation of the plan), but in fact can be
reduced by the Site Development Plan on
the event of non- account of its steering effect.
implementation of the plan According to section 17d subsection 1 sentence
Expansion of offshore wind energy plays a key 1 of the Energy Industry Act, the responsible
role in meeting the German government's TSO must ensure the grid connection of
climate protection and energy policy objectives. offshore wind farms or construct and operate
them in accordance with the requirements of
Section 6 WindSeeG gives the Federal the O-NDP confirmed by the Federal Network
Maritime and Hydrographic Agency the task of Agency or, as of 1 January 2019, construct and
compiling and updating an Site Development operate this connection in accordance with the
Plan for the EEZ under the conditions set out in network development plan and the Site
section 4 ff. WindSeeG and, if an administrative Development Plan according to section 5 of the
agreement is concluded, also for coastal Offshore Wind Energy Act.
waters. The task of the plan, therefore, is to
spatially define the areas and sites for wind It is absolutely necessary to lay the current-
turbines as well as the expected generation carrying subsea cable systems up to the grid
capacity there and the necessary routes and connection points on land to allow the electricity
locations for the entire required grid generated at the offshore wind farms in the
infrastructure or grid topology in the Baltic Sea Baltic Sea EEZ to be fed into the onshore high
EEZ. Furthermore, the plan also develops the voltage grid. The need to connect offshore wind
temporal component of the expansion by farms to the grid would exist even if the plan
determining the temporal sequence of the calls were not implemented. This means that even if
for tender for the sites for offshore wind turbines the plan were not implemented, these uses
and the calendar years of the commissioning of would still be exercised in accordance with the
connecting lines. applicable legal bases.
It is necessary to install offshore wind turbines The TSO, which is obliged to connect the
in order to meet the expansion targets laid offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea to the grid,
down in section 4 no. 2b of the Renewable has so far pursued a connection concept based
Energy Sources Act. Even if the Site on three-phase current technology. When using
Development Plan were not to be implemented, the three-phase current technology, offshore
further wind farms would still be built and wind farms are connected to the grid by
commissioned in accordance with the combining the electricity generated by the
applicable legal bases. The sectoral plan is individual wind turbines from one or more wind
used for spatially and temporally ordered, farms at a transformer platform, and from here
space-saving and efficient expansion of it is routed directly ashore via AC cable and on
offshore wind energy in order to implement to the grid connection point. In contrast to the
fragmentation by further application outside the HVDC concept, this means that no separate
areas, and hence to control land usage and converter platform is required for the grid
thereby ensure minimal conflict in the connection itself. However, for discharging a
development of this technology. Therefore, the given output, a higher number of cable systems
environmental effects of the Site Development is required when using three-phase technology
Plan's specifications do not go beyond the due to the lower transmission capacity of AC
effects of the zero alternative (non- cable. Due to the expected low wind farm
capacity in the German EEZ of the Baltic Sea
32 Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan
for commissioning activities from 2026 principles in the Site Development Plan. As the
compared to the capacity of an HVDC system, plan makes numerous specifications relating to
a connection by means of a direct current the most compatible possible design of the
system would probably lead to permanent uses, it would probably be more difficult to
vacancies. As already explained, these sites ensure the protection of the individual factors if
are used for subsea cable systems and the Site Development Plan were not
converter platforms independently of the implemented than if the plan were
implementation of the Site Development Plan in implemented.
the EEZ. Therefore, the environmental effects
The grid connection of the individual sites
of the Site Development Plan's specifications
provided for in the plan, staggered in terms of
do not go beyond the effects of the zero
time, has the potential to minimise disturbances
alternative (non-implementation of the plan), but
to protected species in particular. Failure to
in fact can be reduced by the Site Development
implement the plan would probably increase
Plan by way of steering.
area use and the associated burden on the
The design for a voltage level of 220 kV marine environment. Inadequate spatial
enables the highest possible transmission coordination in the event of non-implementation
capacity per cable system – for three-phase of the plan could, for example, lead to
connection – to be achieved and allows significantly more fragmented wind farm areas
transmission to take place with as few cable and cable crossings with corresponding effects
systems as possible. The sites for the cabling – caused by intersections becoming necessary
within the wind farm will be used independently – on the factors in question.
of the implementation of the Site Development
Although it is not possible to quantify in
Plan in the EEZ. The environmental impacts of
concrete terms the number of additional land
the specifications of the Site Development Plan
uses or crossings and the associated additional
do not therefore exceed the effects of non-
land requirements, it is clear from the
implementation of the plan. Rather, the Site
specifications in the Site Development Plan - in
Development Plan may serve to mitigate them
particular the areas for wind turbines, routing
with its steering effect.
and the gates - that the planning of the TSO
The aim of the Site Development Plan is to has already progressed to such an extent due
specify the expansion of offshore wind turbines to the earlier system characterised by individual
and the grid topology, in particular with regard approvals and connections, that complete
to grid connection of offshore wind farms in the overall coordination is no longer possible due to
EEZ, coordinated in spatial terms in the sense existing constraints. Taking these constraints
of predictive and coordinated overall planning. If into account, a considerable number of
the Site Development Plan were not crossings could no longer be prevented at this
implemented, the previously practised system planning stage. For future projects, the aim is to
of project-specific individual planning and coordinate these and to plan ahead in
connection would remain in place; in other accordance with the planning principles
words, wind farms and their grid connections (see details in chapter 5 of the Site
would be planned and implemented without Development Plan).
systematic inclusion of the entire area. The
required space requirements can be minimised 3.1 Soil/Area
and the potential environmental impact can be
reduced by regulating planning and technical 3.2 Water
Expected development in the event of non-implementation of the plan 33
3.3 Plankton
3.4 Biotopes
3.5 Benthos
3.6 Fish
3.7 Marine mammals
3.8 Seabirds and resting birds
3.9 Migratory birds
3.10 Bats and bat migration
3.11 Biodiversity
3.12 Air
3.13 Climate
3.14 Landscape
3.15 Cultural heritage and material
assets
3.16 Human beings, including human
health
3.17 Interrelationships between the
factors
.
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site
34
Development Plan on the marine environment
4 Description and conservation law are presented. Statements on
the general protection of nature and landscape
assessment of the likely in accordance with section 13 of the Federal
significant effects of the Nature Conservation Act are covered in the
assessment of the individual factors.
implementation of the Site
According to § 5 Para. 2a WindSeeG, the FEP
Development Plan on the can also make specifications for "other energy
marine environment production areas" for a total of 40 to 70 km².
Pursuant to § 3 No. 8 WindSeeG, another
The following description and assessment of energy production area is an area outside areas
the environmental effects concentrate on where offshore wind energy turbines and other
factors for which significant effects cannot be energy production facilities can be erected in a
excluded from the outset by implementation of spatial context. The installations may not be
the Site Development Plan. connected to the public grid. Within the
According to Article 40 (1) UVPG, the likely framework of the strategic environmental
significant environmental impacts of the assessment, a "classic" offshore wind farm is
implementation of the plan must be assessed. assumed on the basis of the findings to date
According to Article 40 (3) UVPG, the with regard to electricity generation.
environmental impacts of the plan are Environmental impacts beyond this are strongly
provisionally assessed with a view to effective dependent on the respective use variant and
environmental precautions. According to Article are therefore comprehensively examined at the
3, sentence 2 UVPG, the environmental approval level. In this respect, the SEA for the
assessment serves to ensure effective other areas of energy generation is carried out
environmental precautions in accordance with in the same way as the assessment of areas for
the applicable laws. Within the framework of the offshore wind energy.
FEP and the provisions of §§ 4 ff. WindSeeG, a In the Baltic Sea EEZ, the current FEP draft
hazard to the marine environment must be proposes SEO-1 as a possible other energy
excluded in the specifications contained in the production area. The other energy production
plan in accordance with Article 5 (3) WindSeeG. area SEO-1 is under review due to possible
The marine environment includes the objects of conflicts of use with regard to nature
protection and their habitat, including possible conservation issues, particularly bird migration
interactions, described in this environmental (cf. Chapters 4.7 and 4.12.5).x
report.
The factors for which significant impairment 4.1 Soil/Areas
could already be excluded in the previous
chapter 2 are not taken into account. This 4.1.1 Areas, sites and platforms
concerns the factors Plankton, Water, Air,
4.1.2 Subsea cable systems
Material assets/cultural heritage and Human
beings, including human health. Possible
4.2 Benthos
effects on biodiversity as a factor are discussed
for the individual biological factors. Overall, the 4.2.1 Areas and sites
factors listed in section 2 subsection 1 of the
UVPG are examined before the assessments 4.2.2 Platforms
relating to natural habitat and wildlife
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site
35
Development Plan on the marine environment
4.2.3 Subsea cable systems 4.9 Climate
4.3 Biotopes 4.10 Landscape
4.3.1 Areas and sites 4.10.1 Areas and sites
4.3.2 Platforms 4.10.2 Platforms
4.3.3 Subsea cable systems 4.11 Interrelationships
4.4 Fish 4.12 Cumulative effects
4.4.1 Areas and sites 4.12.1 Soil/Area, benthos and biotopes
4.4.2 Platforms 4.12.2 Fish
4.4.3 Subsea cable systems 4.12.3 Marine mammals
4.5 Marine mammals 4.12.4 Seabirds and resting birds
4.5.1 Areas, sites and platforms 4.12.5 Migratory birds
4.5.2 Subsea cable systems 4.13 Transboundary impacts
4.6 Seabirds and resting birds This present Strategic Environmental
Assessment comes to the conclusion that as
4.6.1 Areas and sites things stand at present, the specifications of the
Site Development Plan have no significant
4.6.2 Platforms effects on the areas of neighbouring states
bordering on the German EEZ in the Baltic Sea.
4.6.3 Subsea cable systems
Substantial transboundary impacts can be
excluded in principle for the factors Soil and
4.7 Migratory birds
water, Plankton, Benthos, Biotopes,
4.7.1 Areas and sites Landscape, cultural heritage and other material
goods and Humans, including human health.
4.7.2 Platforms Possible substantial transboundary impacts
could only arise if considered cumulatively in
4.7.3 Subsea cable systems the area of the German Baltic Sea, for the
highly mobile biological factors Fish, Marine
4.8 Bats and bat migration mammals, Seabirds and resting birds, as well
as Migratory birds and Bats.
4.8.1 Areas and sites
The SEA comes to the conclusion that,
4.8.2 Platforms according to the current state of knowledge, the
implementation of the Site Development Plan is
4.8.3 Subsea cable systems not expected to have any substantial cross-
border effects on the factor Fish, since on the
Description and assessment of the likely significant effects of the implementation of the Site
36
Development Plan on the marine environment
one hand the areas for which the Site prevention or minimisation measures as are to
Development Plan defines specifications have be applied to bird migration.
no prominent function for fish fauna, and on the
.
other the discernible and predictable effects are
small-scale and temporary in nature.
This also applies to the factors Marine
mammals and Seabirds and resting birds.
These use the areas predominantly as transit
areas. There will be no significant habitat loss
for strictly protected seabird and resting bird
species. According to current knowledge and
taking into account measures to minimise
impact and limit damage, substantial
transboundary impacts can also be ruled out.
Thus the installation of the foundations of wind
turbines and platforms in the specific approval
procedure is only permitted with the use of
effective noise mitigation measures (see e.g.
planning principle 4.4.1.7 of the Site
Development Plan). In view of the particular
vulnerability of the separate Baltic population of
harbour porpoise, intensive monitoring
measures are to be carried out during
implementation and, where appropriate, the
noise mitigation measures are to be adapted or
construction work coordinated in order to
exclude any cumulative effects.
For migratory birds, the wind turbines and
platforms erected in Site Development Plan
sites may constitute a barrier or present a risk
of collision. The risk of collision must be
minimised by taking appropriate measures to
prevent attraction from the lighting. As regards
the barrier effect, a final cumulative
consideration is not possible given the current
state of knowledge.
Nor is a cumulative assessment of the hazard
risk for bat migration possible at this time, as
there is still insufficient information on migration
routes, migration heights and migration
intensities. It can generally be assumed that
any significant transboundary impacts from the
specifications of the Site Development Plan will
be prevented in the same way by appropriate
Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations 37
5 Assessment of wildlife Whether the Site Development Plan meets the
wildlife conservation requirements of section 44
conservation regulations of the Federal Nature Conservation Act for
According to section 37 of the Federal Nature specially protected animal species is examined
Conservation Act, general wildlife conservation in the context of this study on assessment of
generally includes wildlife conservation regulations. It will examine
in particular whether the plan violates
protection of fauna and flora of wild prohibitions under wildlife conservation
species and their communities from regulations. This assessment of wildlife
human interference, and safeguarding conservation regulations takes place at the
of their other living conditions, primary level of the sectoral plan. A detailed
protection of habitats and biotopes of assessment of wildlife conservation regulations
wild animal and plant species, and for the individual sites and projects must be
reintroduction of fauna and flora of carried out as part of the assessment of the
displaced wild species in suitable suitability of specific sites or the individual
biotopes within their natural distribution approval procedure in question.
area.
Special provisions with prohibitions are 5.1 Marine mammals
applicable to fauna of specially or strictly
5.1.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the
protected species. According to section 44
Federal Nature Conservation Act
subsection 1 no. 1 of the Federal Nature
(prohibition of killing and injury)
Conservation Act, wild fauna of specially
protected species must not be injured or killed. 5.1.1.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
According to section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of turbines
the Federal Nature Conservation Act, wild
fauna of strictly protected species and 5.1.1.2 Platforms
European bird species must not be significantly
disturbed during reproduction, rearing, 5.1.1.3 Subsea cable systems
moulting, hibernation and migration periods.
Significant disturbance occurs when the 5.1.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the
conservation status of the local population of a Federal Nature Conservation Act
species deteriorates as a result of the (prohibition of disturbance)
disturbance. Furthermore, according to section
44 subsection 1 no. 3 of the Federal Nature 5.1.2.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
Conservation Act, reproduction or resting energy
places of wild fauna of specially protected
5.1.2.2 Platforms
species must not be removed from the
environment, damaged or destroyed. 5.1.2.3 Subsea cable systems
It does not matter whether a relevant injury or
disturbance is due to reasonable grounds; nor 5.2 Avifauna (seabirds, resting birds
do reasons, motives or subjective tendencies and migratory birds)
play any part in respect of compliance with the
prohibitions (Landmann/Rohmer, 2018). 5.2.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act
38 Assessment of wildlife conservation regulations
(prohibition of killing and injury)
5.2.1.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
turbines
5.2.1.2 Platforms
5.2.1.3 Subsea cable systems
5.2.2 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 2 of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act
(prohibition of disturbance)
5.2.2.1 Areas and sites for offshore wind
turbines
5.2.2.2 Platforms
5.2.2.3 Subsea cable systems
5.3 Bats
5.3.1 Section 44 subsection 1 no. 1 and no.
2 of the Federal Nature Conservation
Act
Assessment of the implications 39
6 Assessment of the Fauna-Flora-Habitat areas (FFH areas). The
nature conservation areas in the EEZ had
implications previously been included under European law
Within the framework of this Strategic as FFH areas in the first updated list of sites of
Environmental Assessment, the areas, sites, Community importance in the Atlantic
platforms and subsea cable routes planned in biogeographical region pursuant to Article 4 (2)
the Site Development Plan will be subject to a of the Habitats Directive by a decision of the
separate assessment as to their compatibility European Commission of 12 November 2007
with the conservation objectives of the nature (Official Journal of the EU, 15 January 2008, L
conservation sites. 12/1), so that an FFH impact assessment had
already been carried out under the BNatSchG.
6.1 Legal basis §§ Sections 34 and 36 of the Federal Nature
The German Baltic Sea EEZ includes the Conservation Act (BNatSchG) require plans or
nature conservation area "Pomeranian Bay - projects which, individually or in conjunction
Rönnebank", "Fehmarn Belt" and "Kadet with other plans or projects, may significantly
Trench", which were established by decree on affect an FFH and EU bird sanctuary and which
22 September 2017. do not directly serve the management of the
site, to be assessed for their compatibility with
In principle, the construction of artificial facilities
the protection and conservation objectives of a
and structures in the nature reserves is
Natura 2000 site. This also applies to projects
prohibited. However, this does not apply to
outside the site which, either individually or in
certain projects and plans, subject to an
combination with other projects or plans, are
admissibility review (cf. sections 8 (1) and 9 (6)
likely to significantly affect the site's
of the Regulation on the designation of the
conservation objectives. With the designation of
"Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank" nature
the nature conservation areas, this assessment
conservation area (NSGPBRV); sections 4 (1)
now relates to the conservation purpose of
and 5 (6) of the Regulation on the designation
these sites. The impact assessment under the
of the "Fehmarn Belt" nature conservation area
Habitats Directive has a narrower scope than
(NSGFmbV); sections 4 (1) and 5 (6) of the
the SEA, as it is limited to assessing
Regulation on the designation of the
compatibility with the conservation objectives
"Kadetrinne" nature conservation area
set for the protected area. Other environmental
(NSGKdrV)). These projects and plans are to
impacts do not need to be assessed.
be examined for their compatibility with the
protection purpose set out in the relevant The total area of the three nature conservation
ordinance. They are permitted if, under Article area amounts to 2,472 km², the nature
34 (2) of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, conservation area "Pomeranian Bay -
they cannot lead to significant impairment of the Rönnebank" covers an area of 2,092 km², the
elements of the nature conservation area nature conservation area "Fehmarnbelt" covers
relevant to the protection purpose or meet the an area of 280 km2 and the nature reserve
requirements under Article 34 (3) to (5) of the "Kadetrinne" covers 100 km2.
Federal Nature Conservation Act (cf. Article 9 The protected habitats are the habitat types
(9) NSGPBRV, Article 4 5 (2) NSGFmbV, "reefs" and "sandbanks" as defined in Annex I
Article 5 (2) NSGKdrV. Compatibility under the of the Habitats Directive, certain fish species
BNatSchG must be examined in accordance and marine mammals as defined in Annex II of
with the test previously carried out for the the Directive (sturgeon, black scoter, porpoise,
40 Assessment of the implications
grey seal) and various bird species as defined reports of the coastal countries on the spatial
in Annex I of the Directive (red-throated diver, development plans or downstream procedures.
black-throated diver, eared grebe, red-necked
An impact assessment pursuant to Article 34
diver, yellow-billed diver, long-tailed duck,
(2) to (5) of the Federal Nature Conservation
scoter, velvet scoter, Common gull, guillemot,
Act must be carried out if a preliminary
razorbill, black guillemot). Species listed in
assessment pursuant to Article 34 (1) of the
Annex IV of the Habitats Directive, e.g. the
Federal Nature Conservation Act comes to the
harbour porpoise, must be strictly protected
conclusion that there are serious grounds for
everywhere, including outside the established
concern that a protected area will be
protected areas.
significantly impaired.
Within the framework of the FEP, individual
Under Article 34 (1) BNatSchG, projects and
definitions are planned in close proximity to the
plans must be examined for their compatibility
"Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank" and
with the conservation objectives of a Natura
"Fehmarnbelt" nature reserves. Thus the
2000 site before they are implemented if, either
compatibility assessment in the EEZ area is
individually or in conjunction with other projects
limited to these protected areas. The impact
or plans, they are likely to have a significant
assessment will also take into account the long-
impact on the site and do not directly serve the
distance effects of the decisions taken within
management of the site.
the EEZ on the protected areas in the adjacent
12-mile zone and in the adjacent waters of For this reason, a possible impairment of the
neighbouring countries. This also applies to the conservation objectives, as set out in the
assessment and consideration of functional protective purpose of the Ordinance of 22
relationships between the individual protected September 2017 on protected areas, must be
areas and the coherence of the network of examined.
protected areas pursuant to Article 56 (2) of the The BSH is responsible for the impact
Federal Nature Conservation Act, since the assessment under section 34 of the Federal
habitat of some target species (e.g. avifauna, Nature Conservation Act.
marine mammals) may extend across several
protected areas due to their large radius of 6.2 Assessment of the compatibility
action. FFH areas and bird sanctuaries outside of the FEP with regard to habitat
the German EEZ are also taken into account.
types
There will be no new assessment of the areas
and test sites in the territorial sea, as this was
6.2.1 Assessment of compatibility with the
already done when the LEP M-V was drawn up.
protective purpose of the nature
In addition to the effects within the EEZ, the reserve "Pomeranian Bay -
present impact assessment explicitly examines Rönnebank
only possible remote effects of the areas and
sites, platforms and submarine cable routes 6.2.1.1 Assessment of the compatibility of
planned within the EEZ on protected areas in the FEP for areas and platforms in
adjacent areas. However, this consideration is area O-1 with regard to habitat
not made with regard to the routes in the types
territorial sea which connect to the border
corridors provided for in the FEP. This 6.2.1.2 Assessment of the compatibility of
examination is the subject of the environmental the FEP for areas and platforms in
the O-2 area with regard to habitat
Assessment of the implications 41
types parallel to the Nord Stream gas pipeline or
between "Nord Stream" and "Nord Stream 2",
6.2.1.3 Assessment of the compatibility of connecting border corridors O-XII and O-XIII
the FEP for cable routes and crossing the "Pomeranian Bay -
connecting areas O-1 and O-2 and Rönnebank" nature reserve over a distance of
parallel cross-border submarine 32.3 km. No crossings with other cables are
cable systems with regard to required within the protected area.
habitat types
Within the German EEZ, the biotope type
Based on current knowledge, significant "Sublittoral flat sandy bottom of the Baltic Sea
impacts on the protected areas due to sediment with brackish water mussel community
drift during the construction phase are (Cerastoderma glaucum, Macoma baltica, Mya
excluded. The nature conservation area arenaria)" (Code 05.02.10.02.01, FINCK et al.,
"Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank" is located at a
2017) can be found in the area of the Nord
distance of at least 900 m from the cable routes Stream routes. Based on current knowledge, no
and thus outside the drifting distances other biotope types or habitat types occur along
discussed in the technical literature. It is true the route. The minimum distance along the
that the soft sediments along the route settle
route to the sandbank habitat type is around 9.6
more slowly than coarser sediment. However, km, and to the reef habitat type is at least
due to the predominant low currents near the around 10.7 km. Thus no significant impacts
ground, turbidity plumes which clearly exceed are expected on the "reef" and "sandbank"
the natural suspended matter maxima are to be habitat types within the nature reserve with their
expected even in areas with soft sediments only
characteristic and endangered communities
up to a distance of about 500 m. In addition, the and species.
released material remains in the water column
long enough to be distributed over a large area, 6.2.2 Assessment of the compatibility of
so that due to the comparatively low volumes, planned cable routes with the
hardly any detectable thickness of the protective purpose of the
deposited material can be expected. "Fehmarnbelt" nature reserve
Simulations show that the released sediment
will have settled again after max. 12 hours. 6.2.2.1 6.2.2.1 Assessment of the
compatibility of the FEP for a
Thus, according to the current state of
cross-border submarine cable
knowledge, the impairments will generally
system between border corridors
remain small-scale and temporary. To this
O-V and O-VI
extent, no nutrient and pollutant concentrations
are expected to be released which could impair A cross-border sea cable system is planned in
the nature reserve. the area of the Fehmarn Belt crossing (O-V to
O-VI), crossing the Fehmarn Belt Nature
6.2.1.4 Assessment of the compatibility of conservation area over a distance of 4.3 km.
the FEP for a cross-border The possibility of co-using the existing
submarine cable system between infrastructure of the future Fehmarnbelt tunnel
border corridors O-XIII and O-XII for a cross-border submarine cable system is
with regard to habitat types being considered, so that, as things stand at
Eight routes for cross-border submarine cable present, no further negative effects are
systems are defined in the Baltic Sea EEZ. A expected from a cross-border submarine cable
cross-border sea cable system is planned
42 Assessment of the implications
system beyond the effects of the tunnel marine mammals) may extend over several
construction. protected areas due to their large radius of
action.
6.3 Assessment of the compatibility
Specifically, the bird protection area "Western
of the FEP with protected Pomeranian Bay", the FFH and bird protection
species area "Plantagenetgrund", the FFH area "Darßer
Schwelle", the bird protection area
6.3.1 Assessment of the compatibility of "Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft und
areas, surfaces, platforms and sea nördlicher Strelasund" and the FFH area
cable systems with the protective "Greifswalder Boddenrandschwelle und Teile
purpose of the nature conservation der Pommerschen Bucht" in the coastal sea of
area "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are taken into
account. In the adjacent areas of the
6.3.1.1 Assessment of the compatibility of
neighbouring states, the FFH areas "Adler
the FEP with protected bird
Grund og Rønne Banke" and "Klinteskov
species
kalkgrund" in Danish waters, the Swedish FFH
area "Sydvästskånes utsjövatte", the Polish bird
6.3.1.2 Testing the compatibility of the
sanctuary "Zatoka Pomorska" and the Polish
FEP with marine mammals
FFH area "Ostoja na Zatoce Pomorskiej" were
6.3.2 Assessment of the compatibility of taken into account.
areas, sites, platforms and sea cable The protection and conservation objectives for
systems with the protective purpose the Natura 2000 sites outside the EEZ are set
of the "Fehmarnbelt" nature out in the following documents:
conservation area
Western Pomeranian Bay Bird
6.3.3 Assessment of the compatibility of Sanctuary (territorial sea M-V, DE1649
areas, surfaces, platforms and sea
401): EUNIS factsheet
cable systems with the protective
purpose of the "Kadetrinne" nature (https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DE16
conservation area 49401)
FFH and bird protection area
6.4 Natura2000 sites outside the
"Plantagenetgrund" (coastal sea M-V,
German EEZ
DE 1343 301/ DE 1343 401): FFH area
The impact assessment also takes into account
the remote effects of the FEP's provisions on https://www.lung.mv-
the protected areas in the adjacent 12-mile regierung.de/dateien/de_1343_301.pdf,
zone and in the adjacent waters of
bird protection area
neighbouring countries. This also applies to the
assessment and consideration of functional https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DE134
relationships between the individual protected 3401
areas and the coherence of the network of
FFH area "Darßer Schwelle" (coastal
protected areas pursuant to Article 56 (2) of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act, since the sea M-V, DE 1540 302):
habitat of some target species (e.g. avifauna,
Assessment of the implications 43
https://www.lung.mv- Polish FFH area "Ostoja na Zatoce
regierung.de/dateien/de_1540_302.pdf Pomorskiej" (PLH 990002): EUNIS
Bird protection area "Vorpommersche Factsheet
Boddenlandschaft und nördlicher
(https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/PLH990002).
Strelasund" (coastal sea M-V, DE 1542
In addition, according to Art. 12 of the Habitats
401): EUNIS factsheet Directive, EU Member States shall take the
(https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DE15 necessary measures in and outside protected
areas for species listed in Annex IV of the
42401)
Habitats Directive in order to establish a strict
FFH area "Greifswalder system of protection for the above species in
Boddenrandschwelle and parts of the their natural range. According to the Habitats
Pomeranian Bay" (coastal sea M-V, DE Directive, this includes all whale species. The
FFH areas are intended to preserve parts of the
1749-302): EUNIS factsheet feeding habitat.
(http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DE174
In addition to the effects of the plan within the
9302) EEZ, the present impact assessment explicitly
Danish FFH area "Adler Grund og examines only possible remote effects of the
areas, sites, platforms and sea cableways
Rønne Banke" (DK 00VA 261): EUNIS
planned within the EEZ on protected areas in
Factsheet adjacent areas. The planned areas, sites,
(http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DK00V platforms and sea cable routes are at a
sufficient distance from the protected areas in
A261)
the territorial sea, so that no significant effects
Danish FFH area "Klinteskov kalkgrund" on these protected areas can be assumed.
(DK 00VA 306): EUNIS factsheet However, this consideration is not made with
regard to the routes in the territorial sea which
(http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DK00V
connect to the border corridors provided for in
A306) the FEP. This examination is the subject of the
Swedish FFH site "Sydvästskånes environmental reports of the coastal countries
utsjövatte" (SE 0430187): EUNIS on the respective spatial development plans or
subordinate procedures. In addition, no new
Factsheet impact assessment will be carried out with
(https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/SE04 regard to the areas and test sites in the
30187) territorial sea, as this was already carried out
when the RDP M-V was drawn up.
Polish bird sanctuary "Zatoka
The results of the impact assessment of the
Pomorska" (PLB 990003): EUNIS
FEP with regard to protected marine mammals
factsheet and protected bird species with the
(http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/PLB99 conservation objectives of the nature reserve
"Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank" apply to the
0003)
nearest nature reserve "Greifswalder
Boddenrandschwelle und Teile der
44 Overall plan evaluation
Pommerschen Bucht" in the German territorial prevented by implementing the sites, areas and
sea and to the FFH- Area "Adler Grund og platforms.
Rønne Banke" in the Danish EEZ and the The site O-2.2 as well as the other energy
Habitats Area "Ostoja na Zatoce Pomorskiej" in production area SEO-1 (south of area O-2) are
the Polish EEZ accordingly. under examination in the current FEP draft.
The conclusion was that the plan, either This requires a discussion and clarification of
individually or in combination with other plans issues that cannot yet be conclusively
and projects, does not compromise the assessed, such as bird migration and the
conservation and restoration objectives of the associated species protection prohibitions (§ 44
above-mentioned protected areas. BNatSchG), so that the definition of site O-2.2
and the other energy production area SEO-1
6.5 Outcome of the impact will be further examined within the framework of
assessment the continuation of the FEP.
As a result, a significant impairment of the The laying of sea cable systems can be made
protection purposes of the nature conservation as eco-friendly as possible by preventing
areas under review can be ruled out with the protected areas and biotopes and by choosing
necessary certainty by implementing the plan a laying method that is as unobtrusive as
and taking into account avoidance and possible. The planning principle for sediment
mitigation measures. This applies both to the warming should ensure that significant negative
nature conservation areas examined within the effects of cable heating on benthic communities
German EEZ and to Natura 2000 sites outside are prevented. Preventing crossings between
the German EEZ. No new impact assessment sea cable systems as far as possible also
will be carried out with regard to the areas and serves to prevent negative effects on the
test sites in the territorial sea, as this was marine environment, in particular on the factors
already carried out when the LEP M-V was soil, benthos and biotopes. Given the above
drawn up. descriptions and assessments, the Strategic
Environmental Assessment concludes that, with
Based on current knowledge, a significant
regard to possible interrelationships, no
impairment of the FFH habitat type "reefs" and
significant effects on the marine environment
"sandbanks with only weak permanent
within the investigation area are to be expected
inundation by seawater" can be ruled out even
from the planned specifications on the basis of
if the plan and existing projects for the nature
current knowledge and the comparatively
conservation areas under review are
abstract level of sectoral planning. The potential
considered cumulatively.
effects are frequently small-scale and mostly
7 Overall plan evaluation short-term, as they are limited to the
construction phase.
In summary, with regard to the planned areas
and sites, platforms and sea cable routes, the A large part of the areas and sites are within the
effects on the marine environment will be wind energy priority areas of the Spatial Plan
minimised as far as possible by means of for the Baltic Sea EEZ. Sufficient knowledge is
orderly, coordinated overall planning of the Site available for these regions. To date, sufficient
Development Plan. By adhering strictly to scientific knowledge and consistent evaluation
prevention and mitigation measures, in methods are lacking for cumulative assessment
particular for noise mitigation during the of the effects on individual factors such as bird
construction phase, considerable effects can be migration and bat migration. Therefore, these
Overall plan evaluation 45
effects cannot be assessed conclusively within
the framework of the present SEA or are
subject to uncertainties and need to be
assessed more closely within the framework of
subsequent planning stages.
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
46
Plan on the marine environment
8 Measures to prevent, While individual prevention, mitigation and
compensation measures may begin even at the
mitigate and offset planning level, others only come into play at the
significant negative effects specific implementation stage and are regulated
there in the individual approval procedure
of the Site Development according to the project and location. With
Plan on the marine regard to planning prevention and mitigation
measures, the Site Development Plan defines
environment spatial and textual specifications which,
according to the environmental protection
8.1 Introduction objectives set out in chapter 1.4, serve to
According to section 40 subsection 2 UVPG, prevent or mitigate significant negative effects
the environmental report includes a description in the marine environment due to
of the planned measures to prevent, mitigate implementation of the Site Development Plan.
and, as far as possible, compensate for This mainly concerns
significant adverse environmental effects
consideration of nature conservation areas
resulting from implementation of the plan. In
and legally protected biotopes
principle, the Site Development Plan will take
marine environment concerns into account Exclusion effect of wind turbines in
more effectively when expanding power Natura 2000 areas,
generation by means of offshore wind turbines
Exclusion effect of platforms in
and the corresponding connecting lines.
Natura2000 areas
The specifications of the Site Development Plan
will prevent negative effects on the the principle of laying subsea cable
development of the state of the environment of systems outside these areas as far as
the Baltic Sea EEZ. This is due in particular to possible,
the fact that there is always a need to expand as little land usage as possible, ensured by
offshore wind energy and the corresponding the planning principles
connecting lines and that the corresponding
infrastructure (wind farms, platforms and economic area use when arranging wind
subsea cable systems) would have to be turbines
created even without an Site Development Plan maximum possible bundling of subsea
(see chapter 3). If the plan were not cable routes in the sense of parallel
implemented, however, the uses would develop routing,
without the space-saving and resource-
conserving steering and coordination effect of prevention of cable and pipeline
the Site Development Plan. crossings,
Moreover, the specifications of the Site the planning principle for noise mitigation,
Development Plan are subject to a continuous the planning principle for sediment warming,
optimisation process, as the knowledge
obtained on a rolling basis within the framework reduction of scour protection measures to a
of the SEA and the consultation process is minimum so as to prevent having to
taken into account when the plan is compiled. introduce artificial hard substrate
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
47
Plan on the marine environment
specifications for the dismantling of structural suitability of the measuring equipment is
installations, and to be demonstrated by accreditation in
accordance with
consideration of best environmental practice
DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 with regard to
in accordance with the OSPAR Convention
ISO 18406:2017 and DIN SPEC
and the state of the art.
45653:2017.
The measures listed below serve to prevent
Noise mitigation measures: use of the
and mitigate insignificant and significant
relevant best available method
negative effects in the specific implementation
according to the state of the art in
of the Site Development Plan. These mitigation
science and technology in order to
and prevention measures are specified and
reduce the level of underwater noise so
ordered by the competent licensing authority at
as to comply with applicable noise
project level for the planning, construction and
protection specifications during the
operation phases.
installation of foundation piles, e.g. large
bubble curtains, hydro silencers or
8.2 Areas and sites for offshore
sheathing. These noise protection
wind turbines measures must be specified in detail in
The following measures to prevent and mitigate the individual approval procedures for
significant and insignificant negative specific locations and installations.
environmental effects must be taken into
Adaptation of the pile-driving process to
account in the specific planning and
location- and project-specific conditions
construction of wind turbines:
by control of the pile-driving energy and
When installing foundations, suitable impact frequency
measures must be implemented to
ensure that noise emissions (sound
pressure SEL05) at a distance of 750 m
does not exceed 160 decibels (dB re 1
μPa²s) and the peak sound pressure
level does not exceed 190 decibels
(dB re 1 μPa).
Adherence to pile-driving times,
including aversive conditioning
measures, of no more than 180 minutes
during the insertion of monopiles and no
more than 140 minutes per pile for
jacket structures.
Monitoring activities during the
construction phase, in particular by
recording the underwater noise level
during the installation of foundations.
Monitoring of noise level and
compliance with limits must be carried
out by an accredited facility. The
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
48
Plan on the marine environment
Noise prevention measures: use Lighting that is as compatible as
appropriate methods to prevent killing possible with nature during operation of
and injuring fauna near the pile-driving the installations in order to reduce
site: attraction as far as possible, taking into
account the requirements of safe
Use of suitable deterrent devices
shipping and air traffic and occupational
such as the FaunaGuard system
safety, e.g. switching obstruction lighting
or, in special cases, "pingers"
on and off as required, selection of
and "seal scarers"
suitable lighting intensities and spectra
"Soft-start procedure": delaying or lighting intervals
the increase of pile-driving
Restriction of the introduction of hard
energy should allow fauna in the
substrate to a minimum
vicinity of the pile-driving site to
move away from the construction Use of low-pollution paints
site.
Use of traffic safety vehicles during the
Coordination of pile-driving work for construction and commissioning phases
various projects in order to minimise in order to prevent collisions
overall noise output times
Correct disposal of oil residues from
Consideration of the noise protection machinery, faeces, packaging, waste
concept of the Federal Ministry for the and wastewater on land. Preparation of
Environment, Nature Conservation and a "waste concept" for construction and
Nuclear Safety (2013) operation
Assessment of alternative, low-noise Compilation of emergency plans,
foundation forms, such as suction including for accidents involving water-
buckets or gravity foundations. The polluting substances during the
environmental impact of alternative construction and operation phases
forms of foundation must always be
Monitoring of possible effects on the
assessed with regard to any additional
marine environment due to the
significant effects on the marine
construction or operation of the
environment, in particular due to the
installations by means of mandatory
introduction of continuous noise.
ecological monitoring during the
Reduction of shipping traffic for construction and operation phase in
construction and operation of accordance with StUK 4
installations and the associated acoustic
If, during planning or installation of
and visual impairments to a minimum,
plants, so far undiscovered ordnance is
by optimum construction and time
found on the seabed, corresponding
planning
protective measures must be taken.
Ensuring that no preventable emissions
The above-mentioned avoidance and
of pollutants, noise or light occur during
reduction measures for areas and sites
the construction or operation of the
apply accordingly to other energy
installation in accordance with the state
production areas.
of the art
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
49
Plan on the marine environment
8.3 Platforms measures must be specified in detail in
the individual approval procedures for
The following measures to prevent and mitigate
specific locations and installations.
significant and insignificant negative
environmental effects must be taken into Adaptation of the pile-driving process to
account in the specific planning and location- and project-specific conditions
construction of platforms: by control of the pile-driving energy and
impact frequency
When installing foundations, suitable
measures must be implemented to Noise prevention measures: use
ensure that noise emissions (sound appropriate methods to prevent killing
pressure SEL05) at a distance of 750 m and injuring fauna near the pile-driving
does not exceed 160 decibels (dB re 1 site:
μPa²s) and the peak sound pressure
Use of suitable deterrent devices
level does not exceed 190 decibels
such as the FaunaGuard system
(dB re 1 μPa).
or, in special cases, "pingers"
Adherence to pile-driving times, and "seal scarers"
including aversive conditioning
"Soft-start procedure": delaying
measures, of no more than 180 minutes
the increase of pile-driving
during the insertion of monopiles and no
energy should allow fauna in the
more than 140 minutes per pile for
vicinity of the pile-driving site to
jacket structures.
move away from the construction
Monitoring activities during the site.
construction phase, in particular by
Coordination of pile-driving work for
recording the underwater noise level
various projects in order to minimise
during the installation of foundations.
overall noise output times
Monitoring of noise level and
compliance with limits must be carried Consideration of the noise protection
out by an accredited facility. The concept of the Federal Ministry for the
suitability of the measuring equipment is Environment, Nature Conservation and
to be demonstrated by accreditation in Nuclear Safety (2013)
accordance with
Assessment of alternative, low-noise
DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 with regard to
foundation forms, such as suction
ISO 18406:2017 and DIN SPEC
buckets or gravity foundations. The
45653:2017.
environmental impact of alternative
Noise mitigation measures: use of the forms of foundation must always be
relevant best available method assessed with regard to any additional
according to the state of the art in significant effects on the marine
science and technology in order to environment, in particular due to the
reduce the level of underwater noise so introduction of continuous noise.
as to comply with applicable noise
Reduction of shipping traffic for
protection specifications during the
construction and operation of platforms,
installation of foundation piles, e.g. large
and the associated acoustic and visual
bubble curtains, hydro silencers or
sheathing. These noise protection
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
50
Plan on the marine environment
impairments, to a minimum by optimal magnetic field development of the cable
construction and time planning systems is kept to a minimum due to the cable
configurations specified in the Site
Ensuring that no preventable emissions
Development Plan in accordance with the state
of pollutants, noise or light occur during
of the art. The planning principle for sediment
the construction or operation of
warming should ensure compliance with the "2K
platforms in accordance with the state of
criterion", i.e. a maximum permissible
the art
temperature increase of 2 K at a sediment
Lighting that is as compatible as depth of 20 cm.
possible with nature during operation of
Moreover, the following measures that help to
the platforms in order to reduce prevent and mitigate environmental effects are
attraction as far as possible, taking into to be implemented in the specific
account the requirements of safe implementation of the individual projects:
shipping and air traffic and occupational Selection of the shortest possible route
safety, e.g. switching obstruction lighting
Optimisation of route selection within the
on and off as required, selection of
framework of fine routing in order to
suitable lighting intensities and light
prevent and not effect known
spectra or lighting intervals
occurrences of particularly sensitive
Restriction of the introduction of hard biotopes as far as possible
substrate to a minimum in accordance with section 30 of the
Federal Nature Conservation Act
Use of low-pollution paints
Use of laying methods that protect the
Use of traffic safety vehicles during the
soil as much as possible for installation
construction and commissioning phases
of the cable systems, depending on
in order to prevent collisions
sediment conditions and water depths
Correct disposal of oil residues from and taking into account the required
machinery, faeces, packaging, waste minimum coverage
and wastewater on land; preparation of
Use of cable types that develop electric
a "waste concept" for construction and
and magnetic fields that are as low as
operation
possible
Compilation of emergency plans,
Use of materials in cable systems that
including for accidents involving water-
are as eco-friendly as possible
polluting substances during the
construction and operation phases Reduction of intersections to the
required minimum
If, during planning or installation of the
platforms, so far undiscovered ordnance Use of inert, natural materials for filling
is found on the seabed, corresponding and intersections that become
protective measures must be taken. necessary
If, during planning or installation of
8.4 Sea cable systems
subsea cable systems, so far
Measures for prevention and mitigation must be undiscovered ordnance is found on the
taken into account as early as the route seabed, corresponding protective
planning and technical design stages. The measures must be taken.
Measures to prevent, mitigate and offset significant negative effects of the Site Development
51
Plan on the marine environment
The aim is to implement the following measures
with a view to achieving the most eco-friendly
design possible:
Investigation and presentation of the
effects of platforms and subsea cable
systems on the marine environment
within the scope of a monitoring
operation, including monitoring of
coverage during the operating phase of
the cables;
Evaluation of the monitoring results in
respect of cumulative effects or
interrelationships of various uses;
Consideration of the monitoring results within
the framework of the update, i.e. experience
from implementation of the projects is used to
continuously improve mitigation and prevention
measures.
52 Investigated alternatives
9 Investigated alternatives projects. Conceptual/strategic design, the
spatial location and technical alternatives
In accordance with Art. 5 subsection 1 sentence therefore play a part at the planning level.
1 of the SEA Directive in conjunction with the
In principle, it should be noted that preliminary
criteria in Annex I of the SEA Directive and
examination of possible and conceivable
section 40 subsection 2 no. 8 UVPG, the
alternatives is already inherent in all
environmental report contains a brief
specifications in the form of standardised
description of the reasons for the choice of
technical and planning principles. As can be
reasonable alternatives examined. The
seen from the justification of the individual
reasonable alternatives under consideration are
planning principles, in particular those relating
explained below. Essentially, different types of
to the environment – such as, for example,
alternatives can be considered for an
avoidance of threats to the marine environment,
assessment of alternatives; in particular
respect for protected areas, routing that is as
strategic, spatial or technical alternatives. The
bundled as possible and implementation that is
prerequisite is always that these are reasonable
as free from crossings as possible – the
or can be seriously considered.
principle in question is already based on
Thus not all conceivable alternatives need to be consideration of possible public concerns and
assessed. However, it is no longer sufficient to legal positions, so that a "preliminary
identify, describe and evaluate only those assessment" of possible alternatives has
alternatives that "seriously offer" or "impose" already been carried out. There are already a
themselves. The obligation to investigate thus large number of different uses and legally
extends to all alternatives that "are not protected concerns in the EEZ. There is also
obviously ... remote" (Landmann/Rohmer, a "Regulation on Regional Planning in the
2018). Assessment of alternatives does not German EEZ in the Baltic Sea" of 10 December
explicitly require the development and 2009, which defines objectives and principles,
assessment of particularly eco-friendly to regulate the usage interests within the Baltic
alternatives. Rather, the "reasonable" Sea EEZ. An overall assessment of the uses
alternatives in the above sense should be and functions in the EEZ has already been
presented in a comparative manner with regard carried out as part of the preparation of the
to their environmental effects, so that Spatial Plan. The objectives and principles of
consideration of environmental concerns the Spatial Plan have largely been adopted in
becomes transparent when deciding on the the Spatial Plan and are being reviewed and
alternative to be pursued (Stefan Balla, 2009). weighed against the specific regulatory issues
At the same time, the effort required to identify of the concerns and rights presented in this
and assess the alternatives under consideration procedure.
must be reasonable. This means that the
greater the expected environmental effects and Possible reasonable alternatives in detail:
hence the need for planning conflict resolution,
the more likely it is that comprehensive or
detailed investigations will be required.
By way of example, Annex 4 no. 2 UVPG refers
to the assessment of alternatives with regard to
the design, technology, location, size and scope
of the project, but explicitly refers only to
Investigated alternatives 53
The spatial location of the gates results from
9.1 Zero alternative
the regional planning specifications and other
planning considerations in the coastal states
9.2 Strategic alternatives
adjoining the plans of the EEZ. In turn, the
plans of the coastal states are based on the
9.3 Spatial alternatives routing to suitable high-voltage and ultra-high-
As far as assessment of spatial alternatives is voltage grid connection points on land. On the
concerned, the Site Development Plan defines other hand, a route at right angles or parallel to
both spatial and textual specifications in the existing pipelines is chosen to cross the traffic
form of planning principles and standardised separation areas. Since anchorage prohibition
technical principles for areas and sites, subsea zones have already been established next to
cable systems and platforms in the German the pipelines, few additional disturbances for
Baltic Sea EEZ. To a large extent, these shipping are to be expected here. Under these
requirements serve to ensure that uses are given conditions, there are no spatial
designed to be as eco-friendly as possible and alternatives to the selected border corridors to
that the different concerns and legal positions the territorial sea, since in the area between the
are balanced in a manner that is in line with the traffic separation areas there is no more room
various interests. Taking into account the for manoeuvre due to wind farms and pipelines
above-mentioned existing uses and rights of that have already been consolidated or
use, only a few feasible alternatives to these approved under planning law. The following
specifications are apparent which, in an applies to the individual border corridors:
objectively plausible manner, can be expected Border corridors N-I (Ems), N-II (Norderney)
to have significantly lower environmental and N-IV (Büsum) have been taken over from
effects. The spatial specifications of the Spatial the spatial development plan or the regional
Plan fit in with the existing uses such as planning of the coastal states and have been
shipping traffic, military usage, marine research, coordinated accordingly. For the border corridor
etc. and the area designations defined for the N-III (Europipe 2), a state planning statement
Baltic Sea EEZ within the framework of the by the state of Lower Saxony is available for the
Spatial Plan and the BFO-N. This means that cross-border submarine cable system "NorGer".
the planning of regions and sites, but also of
platforms and routes, is limited from the outset. 9.3.1 Assessment of alternatives for areas
Areas, sites and platforms are specified With regard to the assessment of alternatives
according to the planning principles, taking into for areas, reference is made to the comments in
account nature conservation sites and legally the FEP on the definition of the individual areas
protected biotopes, as well as economic area (Chapter 5.1). There are no seriously
use and distance regulations. considered alternatives to areas N-1 to N-13
The cable routes are planned to cover the based on the provisions of the current spatial
shortest possible route in accordance with the development plan for the North Sea EEZ or
planning principles, with a view to minimising conflicts with other uses, such as nature
environmental impact, as long as there are no conservation areas or military training areas.
overriding concerns to the contrary. The cable Areas north-west of the shipping route 10 as
systems are also predominantly planned in defined by the spatial planning plan are not
parallel with infrastructures (pipelines, cables, seriously considered as alternatives to the
wind farms) applied for/approved/constructed areas designated in the FEP. With the
so as not to slice up any additional spaces. designated areas N-1 to N-13 (areas N-4 and
54 Investigated alternatives
N-5 are under consideration for possible decisive for the decision on the definition of the
subsequent use) in the North Sea, there is on areas, among other things with regard to
the one hand a coherent planning area, and on conflicts with other uses. In addition to the
the other hand the areas northwest of shipping explanations in the FEP, possible conflicts are
route 10 are significantly further from the coast. examined in detail here from a nature
This results in a significant extension of the conservation perspective.
respective necessary connection systems and
The following criteria are used for the nature
thus in any case in a greater impact on the
conservation area comparison:
seabed. In addition, the available data and
information basis for the area northwest of Distance to the nearest protected area
shipping route 10 is considerably worse than for in km (differentiated according to FFH
the area of the areas designated in the FEP
and bird sanctuary)
due to the lack of project-related monitoring
data. Location within/ outside the main
In the Baltic Sea EEZ, too, no reasonable concentration area of loons
alternatives to the areas O-1 to O-3 can be Location inside / outside the main
identified due to the provisions of the current
distribution area of harbour porpoises
spatial development plan for the Baltic Sea
EEZ. In the territorial sea of Mecklenburg- Affection of biotopes protected under
Vorpommern, areas O-4, O-5 (area under section 30 BNatSchG and suspected
consideration) and O-6 and a test site are areas on the site
designated by administrative agreement. For
these areas, reference is made to the SEA Route of the connecting pipeline through
assessments for the State Spatial Development a nature conservation area (EEZ) in km
Programme Mecklenburg Pomerania Route of the connecting pipeline through
9.3.2 Comparison of the sites with each § 30 biotope / § 30 suspected areas
other (EEZ) in km
Within the framework of the FEP (Chapter Significance of the area for the
5.2.2), a comparison is made between the sites individual objects of protection (textual).
designated in the FEP and those under
examination with regard to the criteria that are
Table 5. Site comparison using nature conservation criteria.
Site Minimum distance Site inside the Site within the Affection of § Connection Connection
(km) to the nearest main main porpoise 30 line through § 30
protected area concentration distribution biotopes/suspe through biotope /
after area of loons area cted areas conservatio suspected areas
FFH-Dir | VS-Dir n area (EEZ (share of EEZ
share, km) route, km)
N-3.7 26 21 No No Not known No No
N-3.8 20 22 No No Not known No No
O-1.3 9 13 - - Suspected area No No
not confirmed
N-7.2 28 58 No No Not known No Yes, 2 km
suspected area
Investigated alternatives 55
N-3.5 14 18 No No Not known No No
N-3.6 11 21 No No Not known No No
N-6.6 27 6 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-6.7 40 33 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-9.1 48 30 No No Not known No No
N-9.2 48 50 No No Not known No No
N-9.3 51 28 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-9.4 50 43 No No Not known No Ja, ca. 10 km*
N-10.1 29 70 No No Not known No No
N-10.2 34 66 No No Not known No No
O-2.2 (in 12 23 - - Not known No No
Prüfung)
N-5.4 (in 5 17 Yes Yes Yes Yes, 157 km Yes, approx. 3 km
den FEP- (Chap. sandbank + 13 km
Entwürfen 9.3.3) suspected area
2019 in (Chap. 9.3.3)
Prüfung)
*compare Chapter. 9.3.4.
56 Investigated alternatives
In detail: medium importance for harbour porpoises (cf.
Ch. 2.8.3.1) and sea and resting birds (Ch.
North Sea
2.9.3.1). This area is most frequently used by
The designated sites N-3.7, N-3.8, N-3.5 and N- species of seabirds which are widespread
3.6 in area N-3 are located at a distance of throughout the North Sea. Disturbance-
more than 10 km from the nearest nature sensitive species such as loons occur only
reserve "Borkum Riffgrund". The smallest briefly in the areas in search of food and during
distance to the main concentration area of the main migration periods. Due to the
loons is around 40 km, and the main distribution occurrence of species of burrowing bottom
area of harbour porpoises is at least 34 km megafauna, the benthic community is assigned
away from the individual areas. According to average to above-average importance in the
current knowledge, the areas are considered to area of the designated site N-7.2 (section
be of medium importance for resting and 2.6.3.1). Based on current knowledge, the
foraging birds (cf. 2.9.3.1). For harbour occurrence of legally protected biotopes is not
porpoises, the importance of the areas in area to be expected in the N-7.2 site (Section
N-3 is currently assumed to be medium to - 2.5.3.1). The connecting pipeline for the N-7.2
seasonally in spring - high. Monitoring results area runs outside nature conservation areas in
for the area N-1 to N-3 show a significantly the EEZ at all events, but over a length of
higher occurrence in the protected area around 2 km the pipeline crosses suspected
"Borkum Riffgrund" with decreasing densities in areas of "species-rich gravel, coarse sand and
an easterly direction (section 2.8.3.1). No schill". Based on the current state of
occurrences of protected biotopes are known in knowledge, this means that at best only
the area of the designated sites N-3.5, N-3.6, potential small-scale conflicts can be identified
N-3.7 and N-3.8. Due to the only slight overlap with regard to the route of the connecting
of the N-3 area with the "Borkum Riffgrund" pipeline.
sandbank and the otherwise predominantly
Sites N-6.6 and N-6.7 are also located far from
homogeneous, fine to medium-sand
nature conservation areas (min. 25 km) and at
sedimentary conditions, the N-3 area as a
a considerable distance from the main
whole is accorded a low, and in the southwest
concentration area of loons and the main
sub-area average, importance with regard to
distribution area of harbour porpoises (more
the protected biotope types.
than 55 km in each case). The areas are
The connecting pipelines for all four areas run considered to be of medium importance both for
in the EEZ outside nature reserves and outside harbour porpoises and for sea and resting
known occurrences of legally protected birds. Due to the occurrence and ecological
biotopes. Thus, according to current importance of the burrowing ground
knowledge, no significant nature conservation megafauna, the benthic biocoenosis in the
conflicts are discernible for the areas designated areas of area N-6 is attributed
designated in area N-3. average to above-average importance (section
Site N-7.2 is located at a considerable distance 2.6.3.1). Based on current knowledge, the
from nature conservation areas (min. 28 km). designated sites N-6.6 and N-6.7 are not
The main concentration area of loons and the expected to contain any legally protected
main distribution area of harbour porpoises are biotopes (2.5.3.1). The connecting pipelines for
both more than 50 km away from N-7.2. both areas in area N-6 run completely outside
According to current knowledge, area N-7 is of nature conservation areas in the EEZ, and the
routes cross the protected sandbank biotope
Investigated alternatives 57
type over a length of around 10 km. Based on ground megafauna, benthos on these areas is
current knowledge, potential conflicts are of average to above-average importance
therefore conceivable with regard to the route of overall. The occurrence of legally protected
the connecting pipeline, but less so with regard biotopes on the sites can be ruled out on the
to the areas themselves. Reference is made to basis of the available information. Despite the
the examination of alternatives to bypassing the occurrence of sediments, some of which have a
sandbank in Section 9.3.4. high proportion of silt, and species of digging
soil megafauna (Section 2.6.3.1), the absence
The sites N-9.1 to N-9.4 are at a distance of at
of sea feathers means that the legally protected
least 28 km from the nearest protected area.
biotope type "silt beds with digging soil
The distance to the main distribution area of
megafauna" can be ruled out.
harbour porpoises is around 50 km, and even
54 km to the main concentration area of loons. The site N-5.4 described in the (preliminary)
Overall, the areas are of medium importance for drafts of the FEP 2019 under review is at a
the protected species of marine mammals and minimum distance of 5 km from the "Sylt Outer
sea and resting birds. For the benthic species Reef - Eastern German Bight" nature
protected, the areas are assigned average to conservation area; the distance to the nearest
above-average importance due to the presence "Eastern German Bight" bird sanctuary is
of species of digging bottom megafauna. The around 17 km. The area lies both within the
occurrence of legally protected biotopes on the main concentration area of loons and in the
sites can be ruled out on the basis of the main distribution area of harbour porpoises.
available information. Despite the occurrence of Due to the partly extensive occurrence of the
sediments, some with a high proportion of silt, biotopes "Sublittoral sandbank", "reefs" and
and species of digging soil megafauna (Section "species-rich gravel, coarse sand and schill
2.6.3.1), the absence of sea feathers means beds", the site N-5.4, which is currently being
that the legally protected biotope type "silt beds examined in the (preliminary) drafts of FEP
with digging soil megafauna" can be ruled out. 2019, is of great importance with regard to the
The connecting pipeline NOR-9-2 runs for just protected asset biotope types. In view of the
under 10 km through the protected sandbank relatively high species diversity and the high
biotope type, but in the EEZ it runs completely structural heterogeneity, the benthic community
outside protected areas. Based on the current can be regarded as above average for the area
state of knowledge, potential conflicts could as a whole. According to the current state of
thus arise with regard to the route of the knowledge, the surroundings of area N-5.4,
connecting pipeline (cf. also the assessment of which is currently under review in the
alternatives to bypassing the sandbank in (preliminary) drafts of FEP 2019, are of great
Chapter 9.3.4). importance to harbour porpoises and represent
the core area of the identified main distribution
Sites N-10.1 and N-10.2 are at a distance of at
range of harbour porpoise in the German North
least 29 km from the nearest protected area.
Sea (BMU, 2013; cf. 2.8.3.1). For the protection
The distance to the main distribution area of
of sea and resting birds, the very high
harbour porpoises is 30 km and to the main
importance of the area surrounding the entire
concentration area of loons 35 km. Overall, the
N-5 area for the black-throated and black-
areas are of medium importance for the
throated divers listed in Annex I of the Birds
protected species of marine mammals and sea
Directive must be emphasised (cf. 2.9.3.1).
and resting birds. Due to the ecological
importance of the proven species of burrowing
58 Investigated alternatives
Research and monitoring results unanimously possible decrease in migratory intensity with
show that the avoidance behaviour of divers increasing distance from the coast.
towards offshore wind farms and the associated Consequently, migratory birds are no longer
habitat loss is much more pronounced than taken into account when comparing the areas in
originally assumed. Current results from the the North Sea that have been designated and
wind farm projects in area N-5 show significant are under examination. The same applies to
mean avoidance distances of around 15 km in fish, for which the importance of the areas and
the western sub-area (cf. Chapter 5.2.2.1). In sites can only be described in general terms on
accordance with the precautionary principle and the basis of the available catch data and
in order to exclude with the necessary certainty methods. The overview of species records by
any hazard to the marine environment within area did not show any particular significance of
the meaning of Article 5 (3) WindSeeG and any a specific area for the constant, common
significant disturbance within the meaning of character species.
Article 44 (1) No. 2 BNatSchG, the FEP - also
The result shows that the sites N-9.1 to N-9.4
against the background of a further study on
as well as N-10.1 and N-10.2 represent a
divers now available - continues to refrain from
reasonable alternative to the area N-5.4
designating site N-5.4, which is currently under
examined in the (preliminary) drafts of the FEP
review in the (preliminary) drafts of FEP 2019
2019, at least in terms of the nature
(see Chapters 8.4 and 8.5 of the draft FEP).
conservation issues examined here.
The required connecting pipeline for the area N-
Baltic Sea
5.4, which is currently being examined in the
(preliminary) drafts of FEP 2019, runs in the The site O-1.3 in the Baltic Sea is located at a
EEZ over a distance of 157 km and thus almost distance of almost 10 km from the nearest
completely through the nature reserve "Sylt protected area "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank".
Outer Reef - Eastern German Bight". It crosses According to the current state of knowledge, the
known occurrences of the FFH-LRT benthic biocoenosis in the area of Area O-1.3 is
"Sandbank" over a length of around 3 km and of medium importance overall (Section 2.6.3.1
over a distance of around 13 km of suspected Baltic Sea Environmental Information). In the
areas of the § 30 biotope "Species-rich gravel, north-eastern area of site O-1.3, a residual
coarse sand and schill grounds". In the sediment area with coarser sediments and
procedure for the parallel connection system deposits of overgrown stones was identified.
SylWin1, it became apparent that bypassing This suspected reef area was not confirmed in
these KGS occurrences was problematic. From the course of the suitability test. For harbour
a nature conservation point of view, this results porpoises, the area of site O-1.3 is of medium
in considerable conflicts with regard to the site to seasonal importance in the winter months.
N-5.4, which is being examined in the The importance results from the possible use
(preliminary) drafts of the FEP 2019. by individuals of the Baltic Sea's separate and
highly endangered harbour porpoise population.
For migratory birds, the individual marine areas
However, the area is used irregularly by
in the area of N-1 to N-13 are of average to
harbour porpoises for crossing, staying and as
above-average importance overall. The current
a source of food (section 2.8.3.1 Baltic Sea
state of knowledge does not indicate any
Baltic Sea Baltic Sea Unit). For seabirds, all
significant differences between the individual
findings to date indicate that the area O-1.3 is
areas and zones. It is also not possible at
of medium importance. Area O-1, in which the
present to draw any final conclusion about a
site is located, has a medium overall seabird
Investigated alternatives 59
occurrence and also only a medium occurrence importance for harbour porpoises. The
of endangered species and species requiring seasonally high importance of the area is due to
special protection (section 2.9.3.1 Baltic Sea the potential use of the separate and highly
Terminal). With regard to migratory birds, the endangered Baltic Sea population of harbour
area of the O-1.3 site is of average importance porpoise by individuals during the winter
for migrating waterfowl, and of average to months (section 2.8.3.1 Baltic Sea BU). All
above-average importance for night migrators. findings to date indicate that the O-2 area is of
A differentiated consideration is required for minor importance for seabirds. The area has a
migratory birds. Known main migration routes low occurrence of endangered species and
are undoubtedly of above-average importance. species requiring special protection (section
The neighbouring areas of these main migration 2.9.3.1 Baltic Sea disaster area). Overall, the
routes such as the area O-1.3 are probably of area of site O-2.2 under review is of average to
average to above-average importance above-average importance for migrating
depending on wind force and direction. In waterbirds. In particular, the baseline survey of
strong westerly winds, cranes may drift from the the site south of O-2.2 revealed a high number
main migration route into the area O-1 (Chapter of common scoter individuals. Thus, 8174
2.10.3.3 Baltic Sea sub-area). The route animals were counted in 2011. This means that
connecting area O-1.3 runs in the EEZ outside approx. 1.5% of the biogeographic population
protected areas and outside known passed through area O-2, which is of above-
occurrences of protected biotopes. There are average importance for the Common Scoter
indications of possible conflicts with bird migration. Most of the nocturnal bird migration
migration in the O-1.3 site, and the suitability of takes place across a wide front across the
the O-1.3 site is currently being reviewed. Baltic Sea. Due to the very high numbers of
Based on the results of the SEA within the expected individuals and the significant
framework of the suitability test, the need for proportion of endangered species, site O-2.2 is
the establishment of guidelines to avoid a of average to above-average importance for
significantly increased risk of collision for night migration.
certain types of migratory birds is seen.
A differentiated observation is necessary for
The site under examination O-2.2 is located at crane migration. A total of 1231 migrating
a distance of 12 km from the nearest nature cranes were recorded in area O-2 during
reserve. The route connecting the area also autumn migration in 2008, which corresponds
runs in the EEZ outside nature reserves and to about 3.1% of the resting population of
outside known occurrences of protected Western Pomerania or 1.37% of the
biotopes. The site O-2.2 has a low structural biogeographic population. The majority of these
richness overall. No legally protected biotopes birds may have been displaced by north-
are expected to occur in this site (Section westerly winds from a flight path from southern
2.5.4.1 Baltic Sea Environmental Report). The Sweden to south-eastern Rügen. The area O-
area is of little significance for benthos. The 2.2 is located close to known main migration
predominant benthic species are predominantly routes and is therefore probably of average to
composed of species that regenerate rapidly above-average importance for bird migration,
(Section 2.6.3.1 Baltic Sea BU). According to depending on wind strength and direction
current knowledge, the area is used by harbour (Chapter 2.10.3.3 Baltic Sea Bird Area). Thus,
porpoises as a transit area. On the basis of in relation to migratory birds as a protected
available information, it is currently possible to asset, especially when viewed cumulatively,
deduce that the O-2 area is of medium to high nature conservation conflicts are discernible in
60 Investigated alternatives
the O-2.2 site. Questions which cannot yet be 9.4 Technical alternatives
conclusively assessed need to be discussed
It is the task of the FEP to define the necessary
and clarified, for example on the issue of bird
routes and locations for the entire network
migration and species protection prohibitions
topology in the German EEZ up to the border of
(Article 44 of the Federal Nature Conservation
the 12 sm zone within the framework of the
Act), so that the definition of the O-2.2 site will
existing framework conditions in terms of space
be further examined within the framework of the
and time with regard to the calendar years of
continuation of the FEP.Alternative routes for
commissioning.
gates N-IV and N-V
The TSO obliged to connect the offshore wind
Alternative routes to Lower Saxony for gate N-II
farms in the Baltic Sea to the grid has so far
(Norderney) were assessed for the NOR-7-2
pursued a connection concept based on three-
system, in addition to the route proposed in the
phase current technology. When three-phase
plan for gate N-IV/N-V. These are solely spatial
technology is used, offshore wind farms are
variants as they do not represent an alternative
connected to the grid by combining the
in temporal terms. Please see the alternative
electricity generated by the individual wind
assessment of NOR-3-2 and NOR-6-3 for NOR-
turbines of one or more farms on a transformer
7-2 in the draft Site Development Plan in
platform and from here via a three-phase
chapter 5.5.2.
submarine cable system directly onshore and
In BFO-N 2016/2017, instead of NOR-7-2, the further to the grid connection point. In contrast
connecting line NOR-5-2 led to boundary to the standard concept in the North Sea
corridor (HVDC transmission), no separate converter
N-V. Therefore, an alternative consideration of platform is required for the grid connection
NOR-7-2 and NOR-5-2 for boundary corridor N- itself, thus saving space. However, in order to
V is given here (see Fehler! Verweisquelle dissipate a given power output, a higher
konnte nicht gefunden werden.). It should be number of cable systems is necessary when
noted that the specification of region N-5 and using three-phase technology due to the lower
site N-5.4 is still being assessed (see chapter transmission capacity of three-phase submarine
Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht cable systems.
gefunden werden.).
Due to the low wind farm capacity in the
Compared with the NOR-7-2 and NOR-5-2 German Baltic Sea EEZ expected for
routes for boundary corridor N-V, a significantly commissioning from 2026 compared to the
higher number of crossings is required with capacity of an HVDC transmission system, a
existing or planned cables or pipelines for the connection by means of a DC system would
NOR-7-2 route. However, it also appears that probably lead to permanent vacancies.
the route from NOR-5-2 to gate N-V, at a
The transmission system operator plans, builds
distance of 159 km, would be almost 70%
and operates the transformer platform of the
longer than the NOR-7-2 route (94 km).
grid connection system. A separate platform of
Moreover, NOR-5-2 would run almost entirely
the offshore wind farm is unlikely to be
within the nature conservation area and, in
necessary due to its proximity to the coast and
places, within or in the immediate vicinity of
the transformer platform may also be used in
known section 30 biotope occurrences. Overall,
coordination with the TSO. In this way, the
therefore, the proposed NOR-7-2 alternative is
costs incurred by an additional platform for the
expected to have less impact on the marine
grid user as well as the associated additional
environment than the route of NOR-5-2.
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 61
space requirements and environmental impacts unforeseen adverse effects at an early stage
during construction, operation and dismantling and take appropriate remedial action.
can be avoided.
Accordingly, in accordance with section 40
The offshore connection lines in the Baltic Sea subsection 2 no. 9 UVPG, the environmental
are therefore basically designed similarly to the report is to specify the measures envisaged for
connection concept known from the BFO-O monitoring the significant environmental effects
based on three-phase current technology, of implementation of the plan. Monitoring is the
whereby the responsibility for planning, responsibility of the Federal Maritime and
construction and operation of the transformer Hydrographic Agency, which is the authority
platform has been shifted to the transmission responsible for the Strategic Environmental
system operator. Assessment (see section 45 subsection 2
UVPG). As intended by Art. 10 subsection 2 of
Two of the grid connection systems already
the SEA Directive and section 45 subsection 5
implemented by the TSO in the Baltic Sea area
of the UVPG, existing monitoring mechanisms
to connect offshore wind energy projects in the
may be used to prevent duplication of
O-3 area of the FEP and in the territorial sea
monitoring work. According to section 45
are based on a transmission voltage of 150 kV.
subsection 4 UVPG, the results of the
For the other three systems currently being
monitoring activities are to be taken into
implemented to connect offshore wind farm
account in the updating of the Site
projects in the O-1 area, an increase of the
Development Plan.
transmission voltage to 220 kV has been
implemented. By designing for a voltage level of With regard to the planned monitoring activities,
220 kV, the highest possible transmission it should be noted that the actual monitoring of
capacity per cable system - for the three-phase the potential effects on the marine environment
connection - can be realised and the can only begin when the Site Development Plan
transmission task can be fulfilled with as few is implemented, i.e. when the decisions made
cable systems as possible. Using a lower within the framework of the plan are
transmission voltage would therefore lead to a implemented. Nevertheless, the natural
higher number of cable systems and thus be development of the marine environment,
less environmentally friendly. including climate change, should not be
disregarded when assessing the results of
A possible further increase of the voltage level
monitoring activities. However, general
is not necessary for the connection systems in
research cannot be carried out within the
the Baltic Sea EEZ due to the limited power to
framework of monitoring. Therefore, project-
be transmitted. Furthermore, an increase would
related monitoring of the effects of the uses
not lead to a reduction in the number of cable
regulated in the plan is of particular importance.
systems required.
The main function of plan monitoring is to bring
10 Measures envisaged for together and evaluate the results of different
monitoring the phases of monitoring at the level of individual
projects or clusters of projects developed in a
environmental impacts spatial and temporal context. The assessment
The potential significant effects on the will also cover the unforeseen significant effects
environment resulting from the implementation of the implementation of the plan, the marine
of the plan are to be monitored in accordance environment and the review of the forecasts in
with section 45 UVPG. The aim is to identify the environmental report. In this context, in
62 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts
accordance with section 45 subsection 3 Evaluation of measures to prevent and
UVPG, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic mitigate significant effects on the marine
Agency will ask the competent authorities for environment,
the monitoring results available there; these are
Development of norms and standards.
required for implementation of the monitoring
activities. The following data and information are required
in order to assess the possible effects of the
Results from existing national and international
plan:
monitoring programmes must also be taken into
account, also with a view to preventing 1. Data and information available to the
duplication of work. The monitoring of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
conservation status of certain species and within the scope of its responsibility:
habitats required pursuant to Art. 11 of the
Data resources from previous EISs and
Habitats Directive must also be included, as
monitoring activities of offshore projects
must the investigations to be carried out in the
that are available to the Federal
context of the management plans for the nature
Maritime and Hydrographic Agency for
conservation area "Pommeranian Bight –
review (according to the Offshore
Rönnebank". It will also provide links with the
Installations Ordinance),
measures provided in the Marine Strategy
Framework Directive and the Water Framework Data resources from the right of
Directive. subrogation (according to WindSeeG),
In summary, the planned measures for Data resources from the preliminary
monitoring the potential effects of the plan can investigations (according to WindSeeG),
be summarised as follows: Data resources from the construction
The collection of data and information that and operation monitoring of offshore
can be used to describe and assess the wind farms and other uses,
status of areas, factors and potential effects Data from national monitoring, collected
of the development of individual projects, by the Federal Maritime and
Development of suitable procedures and Hydrographic Agency or by the Leibniz
criteria for evaluation of the results from Institute for Baltic Sea Research on
effect monitoring of individual projects, behalf of the Agency,
Development of procedures and criteria for Data from Federal Maritime and
evaluation of cumulative effects, Hydrographic Agency research projects.
Development of procedures and criteria for 2. Data and information from the areas of
forecasting possible effects of the plan in a responsibility of other Federal and State
spatial and temporal context, authorities
(on request):
Development of procedures and criteria for
evaluating the plan and adapting or, where Data from national monitoring of the
appropriate, optimising it as part of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea (formerly
update, BLMP),
Data from monitoring activities as part of
the implementation of the Marine
Strategy Framework Directive,
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 63
Data from the monitoring of Natura 2000 When combining and evaluating the results
sites, from monitoring at project level and from other
national and international monitoring
Data provided by States from monitoring
programmes, and from the accompanying
activities in coastal waters,
research, it will be necessary to review the gaps
Data from other authorities responsible in knowledge and uncertain forecasts presented
for the authorisation of uses at sea in the environmental report. This applies in
according to other legal bases, e.g. the particular to forecasts concerning assessment
Federal Mining Act, maritime traffic of significant effects on the marine environment
monitoring (AIS), fisheries monitoring from the uses regulated in the Site
(VMS) Development Plan. The cumulative effects of
defined uses are to be assessed regionally and
3. Data and information from Federal and
supraregionally.
State research projects,
e.g.: 10.1 Monitoring of potential effects of
HELBIRD / DIVER, areas and sites for offshore wind
Sediment EEZ
turbines
The investigation of the potential environmental
4. Data and information from evaluations
effects of areas and sites for offshore wind
carried out within the scope of international
energy is to be carried out at project level on
committees and conventions
the basis of the standard "Investigation of
HELCOM impacts of offshore wind turbines (StUK4)" and
in coordination with the Federal Maritime and
ASCOBANS
Hydrographic Agency. The results from the
AEWA investigations of the offshore wind farm projects
are to be used as a basis for assessment of the
BirdLife International.
locations with regard to the biological factors.
For reasons of practicability and appropriate Monitoring during construction of foundations
implementation of requirements from the by means of pile-driving work involves
strategic environmental assessment, the measuring underwater noise and acoustic
Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency will recordings of the effects of pile-driving noise on
pursue an approach focusing on the marine mammals using POD measuring
interdisciplinary compilation of information on instruments. Additional monitoring measures
the marine environment that is as ecosystem- are also planned in order to assess the effects
oriented as possible when monitoring the of the stratification of the water under certain
possible effects of the plan. hydrographic conditions on the propagation of
To be able to assess the causes of planned pile-driving noise in the Baltic Sea, and to allow
changes in parts or individual elements of an further measures to be implemented if
ecosystem, the anthropogenic variables from necessary. These measures may include
spatial observation (e.g. technical information additional noise measurements coupled with
on shipping traffic from AIS data resources) CTD measurements at different water depths in
must also be considered and included in the order to detect possible changes in noise
assessment. propagation attenuation due to stratification of
the water body.
64 Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts
Investigations are required for all factors in o ProBird, forecast of migratory bird
accordance with the requirements of StUK4 for activity,
the entire duration of the construction phase
o ERa, field report on pile-driving noise,
and for a period of between three and five
years. o Schall [Noise] I and II, development
No special monitoring is required during the of a specialist information system for
operating phase. underwater noise,
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic o Schall [Noise] I and II, evaluation of
Agency implements a whole range of projects underwater noise measurements.
as part of its accompanying research into the The measures implemented to date include
possible impacts of offshore wind turbines on development of measurement regulations for
the marine environment. measuring underwater noise (2011),
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic development of measurement regulations for
Agency's research projects directly related to determining the effectiveness of noise
the possible effects on factors and the mitigation systems (2013), and cooperation on
development of norms and standards include the development of ISO 18406:17 and DIN
the following: SPEC 45653.
Project ANKER "Approaches to cost The results from ongoing Federal Maritime and
reduction in the surveying of monitoring data Hydrographic Agency projects will be directly
for offshore wind farms", FKZ 0325921, with incorporated into the further development of
funding from the Federal Ministry for standards, such as the development of StUK5.
Economic Affairs and Energy/PtJ,
10.2 Monitoring of potential effects of
R&D study BeMo "Evaluation approaches for
platforms
underwater noise monitoring in connection
with offshore licensing procedures, regional The same monitoring measures as stated in
development and the Marine Strategy 10.1 are to be applied to the platforms provided
Framework Directive", with funding from the for in the Site Development Plan.
Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital
Infrastructure/Federal Maritime and 10.3 Monitoring of the potential
Hydrographic Agency, effects of sea cables
R&D project "Sound mapping", with funding As for submarine cable systems, the potential
from the Federal Ministry of Transport and impact on the marine environment can only be
Digital Infrastructure/Federal Maritime and assessed in the specific project. For the first
Hydrographic Agency, time, StUK4 (standard examination concept 4)
also contains minimum requirements for the
R&D cooperation, NavES "Eco-friendly investigation of submarine cable routes with
offshore developments", with funding from regard to benthos, biotope structure and
the departmental research plan of the biotope types during the baseline survey and
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature the operational phase of the submarine cable
Conservation and Nuclear Safety; several systems. For example, during the baseline
sub-projects belong to NavES: survey, each biotope structure determined by
o MultiBird, investigation of the collision sediment investigations along the cable route
risk of migratory birds, must be covered by at least three cross-
Measures envisaged for monitoring the environmental impacts 65
transects for the benthos investigations. In in the EEZ. The pooling of information leads to
addition, one cross-transect each must be an increasingly solid basis for impact
placed at the start and end points of the route. forecasting.
Each cross-transect in turn consists of five
The general intention is to keep data from
stations. Identified suspected areas of biotopes
research, projects and monitoring consistent
protected according to § 30 BNatSchG are to
and to make it available for competent
be additionally investigated for spatial
evaluation. In particular, the creation of joint
delimitation according to the current mapping
overview products for the verification of the
instructions of the BfN.
plan's impacts is to be aimed at here. The
After the cable system has been laid, its spatial data infrastructure already in place at
location has to be verified to the licensing the BSH, with data from physics, chemistry,
authority in accordance with current licensing geology and biology, as well as use of the sea,
practice in the first five years of operation by at will be used as a basis for the compilation and
least one survey per year. The number of evaluation of ecologically relevant data and will
surveys in the following years is determined by be further developed accordingly.
the licensing authority on a case-by-case basis.
With regard to the compilation and archiving of
The surveys with regard to the marine
ecologically relevant data from project-related
environment are to be performed in
monitoring and accompanying research, it is
coordination with the licensing authority on a
planned in detail that data collected in the
project-specific basis. As far as possible, the
course of accompanying ecological research
investigation methods shall be described as
will also be compiled in the BSH and archived
described in the "Standard - Investigation of the
in the long term. The data on biological assets
Impacts of Offshore Wind Turbines on the
from baseline surveys of offshore wind energy
Marine Environment (StUK4)". One year after
projects and from monitoring of the construction
commissioning of the submarine cable systems,
and operating phases are already being
investigations of the benthic biotic communities
collected and archived at the BSH in a
on the same transects as in the baseline survey
specialist information network for environmental
are to be carried out to verify possible impacts
assessments, known as MARLIN (MarineLife
of the construction and operation phase.
Investigator)..
To monitor the implementation of the plan,
measures are also planned which will help to
verify the forecasts made with regard to
significant impacts of offshore wind energy and,
if necessary, to adjust utilisation strategies and
planned avoidance and mitigation measures or
to review evaluation criteria, in particular with
regard to cumulative effects.
Within the framework of the SEA for the plan,
new findings from the environmental impact
studies and from the joint evaluation of
research and EIA data are used (cf. Chapter 2).
A joint evaluation of research and EIA data also
produces products that provide a better
overview of the distribution of biological assets
66 Non-technical summary
11 Non-technical summary purposes of the plan.
The FEP has the character of a sectoral plan.
§§ Under Sections 4 et seq. of the Wind Energy
As an important control instrument, the sectoral
at Sea Act (WindSeeG), the BSH prepares a
plan is designed to plan the use of offshore
site development plan (FEP) in agreement with
wind energy in a targeted and as optimal as
the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) and in
possible by defining areas and sites as well as
coordination with the Federal Agency for Nature
locations, route and route corridors for grid
Conservation (BfN), the Directorate-General for
connections or for cross-border submarine
Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) and the
cable systems.
coastal Länder.
The FEP contains provisions for the expansion
The FEP was first drawn up in 2018 and 2019
of offshore wind energy plants and the offshore
and was published on 28 June 2019 and is
connection lines required for this purpose for
currently being updated. When the FEP was
the period from 2026 to at least 2030 with the
drawn up, a detailed environmental assessment
aim of
was carried out in accordance with the
Environmental Impact Assessment Act (UVPG), to achieve the expansion target under § 4
the so-called Strategic Environmental No. 2b of the EEG,
Assessment (SEA). The environmental reports expand electricity generation from offshore
were also published on 28.06.2019. The wind turbines in a spatially ordered and
performance of a Strategic Environmental space-saving manner, and
Assessment with the preparation of an to ensure the orderly and efficient use and
environmental report is based on § 35 para. 1 utilisation of offshore connecting lines and
no. 1 UVPG in conjunction with No. 1.17 of to plan, construct, commission and use
Annex 5, as site development plans are subject offshore connecting lines in parallel with
to the SEA obligation under Article 5 the expansion of electricity generation from
WindSeeG. In principle, this also applies if the wind turbines at sea.
FEP is updated or amended.
Within the framework of the central model, the
The SEA for the FEP 2019 does not formally FEP is the control instrument for the orderly
include new areas and the definition of new expansion of offshore wind energy in a staged
areas or other energy production areas. Thus, a planning process. The FEP SEA is linked to
strategic environmental assessment must be upstream and downstream environmental
carried out for the definitions that have not yet assessments. The FEP classifies itself as
been reviewed, as it is in any case not possible sectoral planning in accordance with the higher-
to rule out the possibility of anticipated level regional planning. In the next step, the
significant environmental impacts. Insofar as areas for offshore wind energy plants defined in
new findings on existing provisions are the FEP are pre-examined. If the suitability of a
available and relevant, these will also be taken site for the use of offshore wind energy is
into account. established, the site is put out to tender and the
The main document of the SEA is the present winning bidder can submit an application for
environmental report. It identifies, describes approval (planning approval or planning
and assesses the likely significant effects that permission) for the construction and operation
the implementation of the FEP will have on the of wind energy plants on the site. There is no
environment and possible alternative planning preliminary investigation for the defined
options, taking into account the essential platform sites and cable routes.
Non-technical summary 67
With regard to the character of the FEP as a the specifications in terms of time as the
controlling planning instrument, the scope of the chronological order of the call for tenders or the
assessment of presumably significant calendar years of commissioning that are
environmental impacts is characterised by a relevant here, since these do not cause any
larger scope of investigation and, in principle, a further environmental impacts compared to the
smaller depth of investigation. Just as with the spatial specifications. Although some planning
instrument of maritime spatial planning, the and engineering principles serve, among other
focus of the assessment is on the evaluation of things, to reduce environmental impacts, they
cumulative effects and the examination of may also lead to impacts themselves, so that
alternatives. an assessment is required.
The establishment, updating and amendment of The assessment of the likely significant
the FEP and the implementation of the SEA will environmental effects of the implementation of
be carried out with due regard for the objectives the FEP includes secondary, cumulative,
of environmental protection. These provide synergistic, short-, medium- and long-term,
information on the environmental status that is permanent and temporary, positive and
to be achieved in the future (environmental negative effects in terms of the goods to be
quality objectives). The objectives of protected.
environmental protection can be seen in an
The basis for assessing potential impacts is a
overall view of the international, Community
detailed description and assessment of the
and national conventions and regulations which
environmental status. The SEA has been
deal with marine environmental protection and
carried out with regard to the following objects
on the basis of which the Federal Republic of
of protection:
Germany has committed itself to certain
principles and objectives. Area
Strategic Environmental Assessment Floor
methodology
Water
In the present environmental report, the
Plankton
methodology of the SEA of the Federal Sectoral
Plans Offshore (BFO), which has already been Biotope types
used as a basis, is built on and further Benthos
developed with a view to the additional
Fish
specifications made in the FEP that go beyond
the BFO. Marine mammals
The methodology is based primarily on the Avifauna
provisions of the plan to be examined. Within bats
the framework of this SEA, it is determined,
Biological diversity
described and evaluated for each of the
specifications whether the specifications are Air
likely to have significant impacts on the objects Climate
of protection concerned. The subject matter of
the environmental report corresponds to the Landscape
specifications of the FEP as listed in Article 5 cultural heritage and other tangible assets
para 1 WindSeeG. However, it is not so much
68 Non-technical summary
the consideration of the protected areas. In
people, in particular human health
order to depict the spectrum of possible
Interactions between protected goods (realistic) developments, the assessment is
essentially based on a range of individual
The description and assessment of the likely parameters. This enables the most
significant environmental impacts is carried out comprehensive possible description and
separately for areas and land, platforms and assessment of the current planning status with
submarine cable systems. Furthermore, where regard to the protected interests.
necessary, a differentiation is made according
Regarding the areas, irrespective of the
to different technical designs. The description
concrete definition in the plan and the
and assessment of the probable significant
probability of implementation in the Baltic Sea
impacts of the implementation of the FEP on
EEZ, a total of 3 areas are assumed in the
the marine environment also refers to the
sense of a worst-case consideration. In
protected assets described. All plan contents
accordance with § 5 para. 1 no. 5 WindSeeG,
which may potentially have significant
the expected capacity of offshore wind energy
environmental impacts are examined.
plants to be installed is to be specified in the
The effects of construction and dismantling as FEP for the areas or specifically for the areas.
well as the effects of plant and operating Although one or more layouts for offshore wind
conditions are considered. In addition, effects farm planning are not taken as a basis for
that may arise in the course of maintenance determining the expected installed capacity,
and repair work are also taken into account. certain parameters such as number of turbines,
This is followed by a description of possible hub height, height of the lower rotor tip, rotor
interactions, a consideration of possible diameter, total height, diameter of foundation
cumulative effects and potential cross-border types and scour protection are assumed in this
impacts. SEA for a consideration related to the
An assessment of the impacts caused by the protection of the environment.
FEP's specifications is carried out on the basis Also, when examining the sites for platforms,
of the status description and status assessment certain parameters are taken as a basis, such
and the function and significance of the as the number of platforms or the length of the
individual areas, sites and routes for the park's internal cabling. When determining
individual objects of protection on the one hand, routes and route corridors for submarine cable
and the impacts emanating from these systems, certain widths of the cable trench and
specifications and the resulting potential the number and area of the crossing structures
impacts on the other. A forecast of the project- and platforms are assumed.
related impacts when the FEP is implemented
According to § 5 Para. 2a WindSeeG, the FEP
is based on the criteria of intensity, scope and
can also make specifications for "other energy
duration of the effects.
production areas" for a total of 40 to 70 km².
Within the framework of the impact prognosis, Pursuant to § 3 No. 8 WindSeeG, another
specific framework parameters for areas and energy production area is an area outside areas
sites, for platform locations and for cable routes where offshore wind energy turbines and other
are used as a basis for evaluation. Although no energy production facilities can be erected in a
wind farm layouts are specified in the FEP to spatial context. The installations may not be
determine the expected installed capacity, connected to the public grid. Within the
certain parameters are assumed in the SEA for framework of the strategic environmental
Non-technical summary 69
assessment, a "classic" offshore wind farm is these impairments will probably only have a
assumed on the basis of the knowledge gained small-scale effect and are limited in time. Due
to date with regard to electricity generation. to the nature of the plant, changes in the
Environmental impacts beyond this are strongly species composition may occur as a result of
dependent on the respective use variant and local land sealing and the introduction of hard
are therefore comprehensively examined at the substrates in the immediate vicinity of the
approval level. In this respect, the SEA for the building. As the colonisation of the artificial hard
other areas of energy generation is carried out substrates is associated with an accumulation
in the same way as the assessment of areas for of organic material, a local lack of oxygen may
offshore wind energy. occur due to the biological degradation process.
In the Baltic Sea EEZ, the current draft FEP The laying of the submarine cable systems is
proposes SEO-1 as a possible other energy also only expected to cause small-scale
production area. The other energy production disturbances of the benthos by sediment
area SEO-1 is under examination due to upheavals and turbidity plumes in the area of
possible conflicts of use with regard to nature the cable route. Possible effects on the benthos
conservation issues, in particular bird migration. depend on the installation methods used and
the geological and hydrographic conditions.
Benthos
With the comparatively gentle installation using
The inventory of species in the Baltic Sea EEZ, the flushing method, only minor disturbances of
with its approximately 250 macrozoobenthos the benthos in the area of the cable route are to
species, can be regarded as average. The be expected. Local sediment shifts and turbidity
benthic communities are also typical for the plumes are to be expected during the laying of
Baltic Sea EEZ and for the most part do not the submarine cable systems. In more cohesive
exhibit any special features. According to the soils, the cable systems are milled in or laid
currently available studies, the with a heavy plough. These procedures are
macrozoobenthos of the Baltic Sea EEZ is also also associated with disturbance of the
considered average due to the proven number sediment and benthic fauna and sediment
of Red List species. Investigations of turbulence.
macrozoobenthos in the context of the licensing
In areas with a lower proportion of fine grains,
procedures for offshore wind farms and grid
most of the released sediment will settle
connections from 2002 to 2015 have confirmed
relatively quickly in the immediate vicinity of the
this assessment. The species inventory found
cable route. In areas with soft sediments and
and the number of Red List species indicate an
correspondingly high fine-grain content, the
average importance of the study area for
near-bottom currents are relatively low, so that
benthic organisms.
only temporary, local effects can be expected
Deep foundations of wind turbines and for these areas as well. In the short term,
platforms cause small-scale and short-term pollutants and nutrients may be released from
disturbances of the seabed, sediment the sediment into the soil water. The potential
upheavals and the formation of turbidity release of pollutants from the sandy sediment is
plumes. The resuspension of sediment and the negligible. In the area of silty and clayey
subsequent sedimentation can lead to an seabeds, a significant release of pollutants from
impairment or damage of the benthos in the the sediment into the bottom water can occur.
immediate vicinity of the foundations for the The pollutants generally adhere to sinking
duration of construction activities. However, particles which, due to the low currents in the
70 Non-technical summary
Baltic Sea basins, hardly drift over long released during construction, and potential
distances and remain in their original habitat changes. Direct claiming of nature
environment. In the medium term, this conservation areas is generally not permitted
remobilised material is deposited again in the for wind turbines and platforms. In accordance
silty basins. with the planning principles of the FEP, known
occurrences of protected biotopes are to be
Benthic habitats are directly overbuilt in the
avoided as far as possible in accordance
area of necessary rock fills for cable crossings
with Article 30 BNatSchG, or treated with
or where it is locally necessary to lay cable
particular importance in the specific approval
sections on the seabed. The resulting habitat
procedure. In addition, the planned route of the
loss is permanent but small-scale. The result is
pipeline bypasses the currently known
a non-native hard substrate that can cause
occurrences of reefs and suspected reef areas.
changes in species composition on a small
scale. Owing to the predominant sediment
composition in areas where occurrences of
Due to operational conditions, the uppermost
protected biotope types are to be expected,
sediment layer of the seabed directly above the
impairments due to overburdening are likely to
cable system may become warmer, which may
be small-scale, as the released sediment will
lead to impairments of benthic communities.
settle quickly. Due to the prevailing low ground-
With the planning principle for sediment
level currents, even in areas with soft
warming, the FEP stipulates that the 2 K
sediments, turbidity plumes which clearly
criterion must be met. According to BfN's
exceed natural suspended sediment maxima
assessment, this precautionary value ensures
can only be expected up to a distance of about
with sufficient probability, based on current
500 m. The released material remains in the
knowledge, that significant negative impacts of
water column long enough to be distributed
cable heating on the marine environment are
over a large area, so that due to the
avoided.
comparatively low volumes, hardly any
As things stand at present, the planned detectable thickness of the deposited material
transformer or collection platforms and can be expected. Simulations show that the
submarine cable routes are not expected to released sediment will have settled again after
have any significant impacts on the protected max. 12 hours. Thus, according to the current
resource benthos if the 2 K criterion is met. state of knowledge, the impairments will
Only very small-scale areas outside of generally remain small-scale and temporary.
protected areas will be used. Due to the usually
Permanent habitat changes are limited to the
rapid regenerative capacity of the existing
immediate vicinity of foundations and rock fills,
populations of benthic organisms with short
which are required in the case of cable laying
generation cycles and their widespread
on the seabed and cable crossings. Stone
distribution in the German Baltic Sea, rapid
rubble permanently represents a hard substrate
recolonisation is very likely.
that is foreign to the site. This provides new
Biotope types habitats for benthic organisms and can lead to
Possible impacts of wind turbines, platforms a change in the species composition. These
and submarine cable systems on the protected small-scale areas are not expected to have any
asset biotope types can result from direct use of significant impact on the protected biotope
protected biotopes, possible covering by types. In addition, the risk of a negative impact
sedimentation of construction-related material on the benthic soft soil community by species
Non-technical summary 71
untypical of the area is low, since it is highly construction phase, fish may be temporarily
likely that the species will be recruited from frightened away by noise and vibrations. Noise
natural hard substrate habitats. during the construction phase must be reduced
by appropriate measures. Further local impacts
Fish
on the fish fauna may be caused by the
According to current knowledge, the fish additional hard substrates introduced as a
communities typical of the habitat occur in the result of possible changes in benthos. Sediment
German EEZ. The pelagic fish community, warming and magnetic fields that could
represented by herring, sprat, salmon and sea emanate from submarine cables are also not
trout, has been identified, as has the demersal expected to have any lasting effects on mobile
fish community, consisting of large fish species fish fauna.
such as cod, plaice, flounder and dab. Due to
Marine mammals
the habitat-typical fish communities, the fish
fauna is of average importance with regard to The areas and zones defined in the FEP in the
its specificity. In the eastern part of the EEZ, a Baltic Sea EEZ are part of the harbour porpoise
total of 45 fish species have been identified in habitat, as is the whole of the Western Baltic
various studies, including 6 Red List species. Sea. According to current knowledge, these
According to current knowledge, the planned areas are used by harbour porpoises as transit
sites do not represent a preferred habitat for areas. There is currently no evidence that the
any of the protected fish species. As a result, areas and sites have any particular function as
the fish stock in the planning area is not feeding grounds or breeding grounds for
ecologically significant compared to harbour porpoises. Seals and grey seals only
neighbouring marine areas. According to sporadically use the three areas O-1 to O-3 as
current knowledge, the planned construction of transit areas. On the basis of the findings from
wind farms and the associated platforms and the monitoring of Natura 2000 areas and from
sea cable routes are not expected to have a studies for offshore wind farms, it can currently
significant impact on the protected fish species. be deduced that areas O-1 and O-2 are of
The effects on the fish fauna during the medium to seasonal importance for harbour
construction of the wind farms, platforms and porpoises. The seasonally high importance of
submarine cable systems are limited in space the area results from the possible use by
and time. During the construction phase of the individuals of the separate and highly
foundations, the platforms and the laying of the endangered Baltic Sea population of harbour
submarine cable systems, the fish fauna may porpoise during the winter months. For harbour
be temporarily affected in small areas by seals and grey seals these areas are of no
sediment turbulence and the formation of particular importance.
turbidity plumes. Due to the prevailing sediment
Hazards to marine mammals can be caused by
and current conditions, the turbidity of the water
noise emissions during the installation of the
is expected to decrease again quickly. Based
foundations of transformer or collection
on the current state of knowledge,the
platforms. Without the use of noise-reducing
impairments will therefore remain small-scale
measures, considerable disturbance to marine
and temporary. Overall, small-scale impacts on
mammals during pile driving in individual
adult fish can be expected to be minimal. In
subspaces cannot be ruled out. In the specific
addition, the fish fauna is adapted to the natural
approval procedure, therefore, the driving of
sediment turbulence caused by storms that is
piles of the transformer or collection platforms
typical for this area. Furthermore, during the
will only be permitted with the use of effective
72 Non-technical summary
noise abatement measures. For this purpose, habitats of the Pomeranian Bay and the Adler
the FEP will stipulate the principle of noise Ground. Overall, the area has a medium
reduction in the text. seabird occurrence and a medium occurrence
of endangered and particularly worthy of
This states that the installation of the
protection species. According to current
foundations is only to be carried out in
knowledge, areas O-2 and O-3 are of minor
compliance with strict noise reduction
importance as feeding and resting habitats for
measures. In the specific approval procedure,
seabirds. Both areas have a low occurrence of
extensive noise reduction measures and
endangered species and species requiring
monitoring measures are ordered to ensure
special protection. They do not belong to the
compliance with applicable noise protection
main resting, feeding and wintering habitats of
values (sound event level (SEL) of 160 dB re
species listed in Annex I of the directive. Due to
1µPa²s and peak level of 190 dB re 1µPa at a
the depth of the water and the composition of
distance of 750 m around the pile driving or
the ground, all three areas are of limited
placement site). Suitable measures are to be
importance as feeding grounds for diving sea
taken to ensure that no marine mammals are
ducks. Like divers, they use the areas mainly as
present in the vicinity of the pile-driving site.
transit areas. Due to the distance to the coastal
According to current knowledge, significant
breeding colonies, the areas are of no particular
impacts on marine mammals caused by the
importance as feeding grounds for breeding
operation of the transformer or collection
birds.
platforms can be excluded.
In the first place, disturbances for sea birds and
The exclusion of the construction of transformer
resting birds during the construction phase are
and assembly platforms in Natura 2000 sites
caused by light emissions and visual
contributes to reducing the risk to harbour
disturbance. These can cause different species-
porpoises in key feeding and breeding areas.
specific chasing and barrier effects. Direct
The construction and operation of the planned
disturbances in the construction phase are to
transformer or collection platforms is not
be expected locally and for a limited period of
expected to have any significant adverse
time. Due to the high mobility of birds,
effects on marine mammals at present,
significant effects can be ruled out with a high
following implementation of the mitigation
degree of certainty. During the construction
measures to be ordered in individual
phase, which is limited in time, no significant
procedures in accordance with the planning
impacts on sea birds or resting birds are to be
principle and corresponding compliance with
expected, either through the construction of the
applicable noise protection values. Nor are any
planned wind energy plants and platforms or
significant impacts on marine mammals to be
through the laying of the planned submarine
expected from the laying and operation of
cable systems. Construction-related scare
submarine cable systems.
effects are local and do not go beyond the
Seabirds and resting birds disturbances generally associated with slow
The individual areas for offshore wind energy in ship movements.
the Baltic Sea EEZ have different importance For certain bird species, wind farms and
for sea birds and resting birds. Overall, area O- platforms will have a permanent but, according
1 is expected to be of medium importance for to current knowledge, not significant disturbing
seabirds. The area touches the southern and and chasing effect. A possible collision risk for
south-eastern edges of the extensive resting species at risk of collision can be excluded with
Non-technical summary 73
the necessary safety through species-specific Potential cumulative effects caused by the wind
behaviour and possible plant configurations. turbines, transformer and collection platforms in
Due to the exclusionary effect of wind farms conjunction with other planned offshore wind
and platforms in Natura 2000 areas, habitat farms are dealt with in the section on
losses in important habitats are reduced. cumulative effects.
As a result, significant impacts caused by the During the construction phase, which is limited
construction or relocation of platforms, wind in time, no significant impacts on migratory
energy plants and submarine cable systems as birds are to be expected from the erection of
well as by the respective operation on the the planned wind turbines, transformer or
protected property of sea and resting birds can collection platforms or from the laying of the
be excluded with the necessary safety. planned submarine cable systems, according to
current knowledge. Construction-related
Migratory birds
deterrent effects are local and do not go beyond
The EEZ of the Baltic Sea is of average to the disturbances generally associated with slow
above average importance for bird migration. ship movements.
Up to one billion birds migrate across the Baltic
bats
Sea every year. The Baltic Sea is an important
transit area for sea ducks and geese from Migration movements of bats across the Baltic
Northern Europe and Russia (as far as Western Sea have been documented in various ways,
Siberia), with much of the migration in autumn but concrete information on migratory species,
taking place in an east-west direction close to migration corridors, migration heights and
the coast. The western Baltic Sea is flown over migration concentrations is still missing.
by several species requiring special protection Previous findings only confirm that bats,
(e.g. White-cheeked Goose, Whooper Swan, especially long-distance migratory species,
Eider, Scoter and Velvet Scoter) at sometimes migrate across the Baltic Sea. Based on
high intensities. Thermal gliders and other observations to date, it is assumed that bats
tagging land birds prefer to migrate along the tend to migrate across the sea in
"bird flight line" (islands of Fehmarn, Falster, concentrations (swarms), probably at
Møn and Seeland, Falsterbo). East of this main considerable flight altitudes and on regularly
route, these birds migrate at a much lower used migration routes.
density. The western Baltic Sea is of above-
Hazards can be caused to bats during the
average importance for crane migration.
operational phase of wind turbines and
Possible effects of the planned wind farms and platforms. The sensitivity of bats to structures
transformer or collection platforms for migratory on land and the associated risk of collisions is
birds may be that they represent a barrier or a well known, as is the risk of collision with wind
risk of collision. In the clear weather conditions turbines. Furthermore, possible barrier effects
preferred by birds for their migration, the as well as habitat or attraction effects on land
probability of collision with a wind turbine, are also known. However, the effects of
transformer or collection platform is low. Poor offshore structures are largely unknown.
weather conditions increase the risk. It can be
A cumulative consideration of the hazard risk is
assumed that any negative impacts can be
currently not possible due to a lack of reliable
reduced by ensuring that lighting is as
data.
compatible as possible during operation of wind
turbines, transformer or collection platforms. Air quality
74 Non-technical summary
The construction and operation of the platforms to a small-scale change in the food supply.
and the laying of submarine cable systems as Furthermore, the areas and land included in the
part of the implementation of the FEP will have FEP are not considered to be of particular
no measurable impact on air quality. importance for protected goods at the higher
food web level.
Biological diversity
Due to the variability of the habitat, interactions
Biological diversity encompasses the diversity
can only be described in a very imprecise
of habitats and biotic communities, the diversity
manner overall. In principle, it can be stated
of species and genetic diversity within species
that, according to the current state of
(Art. 2 Convention on Biological Diversity,
knowledge, no interactions are discernible that
1992). The public focus is on species diversity.
could result in a threat to the marine
With regard to the current state of biodiversity in environment.
the Baltic Sea, it should be noted that there are
Cumulative effects
countless indications of changes in biodiversity
and species structure at all systematic and Soil, benthos and biotope types
trophic levels in the Baltic Sea. These are
A substantial part of the environmental impacts
mainly due to human activities, such as fishing
caused by the areas and surfaces, platforms
and marine pollution, or to climate change. Red
and submarine cable systems on soil, benthos
lists of endangered animal and plant species
and biotopes will occur exclusively during the
have an important monitoring and warning
construction period (formation of turbidity
function in this context, as they show the status
plumes, sediment shifting, etc.) and on a
of the populations of species and biotopes in a
spatially narrowly defined area. Particularly due
region. Possible impacts on biodiversity are
to the gradual implementation of the
dealt with in the environmental report in
construction projects, construction-related
connection with the individual objects of
cumulative environmental impacts are not very
protection. In summary, according to current
likely.
knowledge, the planned expansion of offshore
wind energy and the associated grid expansion Possible cumulative impacts on the seabed,
are not expected to have any significant impact which could also have a direct impact on the
on biodiversity. benthos and specially protected biotope types
to be protected, result from the permanent
Interactions
direct land use of the foundations of the wind
In general, impacts on a protected good lead to turbines and platforms and from the cable
various consequences and interactions systems laid. The individual impacts are
between the protected goods. The essential basically small-scale and local.
interdependence of the biotic objects of
To estimate direct land use, a rough calculation
protection exists via the food chains. Possible
is made on the basis of the areas/areas,
interactions during the construction phase result
platforms and submarine cable systems
from sediment rearrangements and turbidity
planned in the RDP in conjunction with existing
plumes, as well as noise emissions. However,
installations and planning under the transitional
these interactions occur only very briefly and
system. The calculated land use is based on
are limited to a few days or weeks.
ecological aspects, i.e. the calculation is based
Plant-related interactions, e.g. through the on the direct ecological loss of function or the
introduction of hard substrate, are permanent, possible structural change in the area caused
but only locally to be expected. This could lead by the installation of foundations and cable
Non-technical summary 75
systems. In the area of the cable trench, be significantly affected by the fact that, if pile-
however, the impact on sediment and benthic driving takes place simultaneously at different
organisms will be essentially temporary. In the locations within the EEZ, there may not be
case of crossing particularly sensitive biotope sufficient space to evade and retreat. So far,
types such as reefs, a permanent impairment there is a lack of sufficient experience regarding
would have to be assumed. the temporal and spatial overlap in the
propagation of ramming noise.
On the basis of a model assumption, the
planning of the FEP and the transitional system, However, it is clear from the presentations of
as well as the actual stock of wind energy the FEP that the individual offshore wind farms
plants, submarine cables, rockfill and platforms, and the grid connection systems will be built
occupy a total of approx. 90 ha of land or, in the gradually, i.e. in stages, over the coming years,
case of submarine cables, temporarily impair it. rather than simultaneously.
This is a share of well below 0.2‰ of the total
Seabirds
EEZ area. In comparison, about 55% of the
Baltic Sea EEZ is protected. Since the Vertical structures such as platforms or offshore
construction of wind turbines and platforms in wind turbines can have different effects on
nature reserves is generally not permitted, the resting birds, such as loss of habitat, an
spatial use of the protected areas is limited to increased risk of collision or a chasing and
submarine cable routes. Due to the lack of a barrier effect. For resting birds, the loss of
reliable scientific basis, no statement can be habitat due to the construction of several
made at present about the use of specially structures can be particularly significant.
protected biotope types under Article 30 In particular, endangered and disturbance-
BNatSchG. An area-wide sediment and biotope sensitive seabird species such as loons need to
mapping of the EEZ currently being carried out be taken into account with regard to cumulative
will lead to more reliable information in future. effects. For disturbance-sensitive species,
In addition to the direct use of the seabed and impacts from shipping traffic (including
thus of the habitat of the organisms that have maintenance and operation of cable systems
settled there, the foundations and crossing and platforms) must be taken into account in
structures lead to an additional supply of hard addition to offshore wind farms and platforms.
substrate. The hard substrate introduced also Since all the information available to date on
means that the benthic fauna adapted to soft the areas and sites included in the FEP
soils loses habitat. However, since both the grid indicates that they are of minor importance for
connection systems and the wind farms will use species listed in Annex I of the Directive, there
up the area of ‰, according to current are no apparent obstacles to the enforceability
knowledge no significant impairments are to be of the plan. Due to the distance of the areas
expected in the accumulation which would from the "Pomeranian Bay - Rönnebank" nature
endanger the marine environment with regard conservation area, disturbance to wintering
to the seabed and benthos. birds in the conservation area itself can be ruled
Marine mammals out. This also applies to any disturbance by
shipping traffic in connection with the operation
Cumulative effects on marine mammals, in
and maintenance of the submarine cable
particular harbour porpoises, may occur mainly
systems, platforms and wind turbines. As the
due to noise exposure during pile driving of the
Baltic Sea is intensively used for shipping, no
foundations. For example, these assets could
additional disturbance to sensitive species is to
76 Non-technical summary
be expected as a result of increased shipping geese using a rangefinder was commissioned
traffic during the construction phase or for within the scope of the preliminary area
repair and maintenance purposes. By avoiding investigation of area O-1.3. The findings from
the use of Natura 2000 areas, significant these investigations and the further knowledge
disturbances within the nature reserve can be available resulted in the need to include species
excluded. and group of species-specific legal
requirements for the determination of the
Migratory birds
suitability of area O-1.3. For Area O-2.2, the
A potential hazard for migratory birds results on findings from the investigations on Area O-1.3
the one hand from the risk of collision with the provide valuable information. Due to the
transformer platform and the individual offshore location of area O-2.2 further west and thus
wind turbines, and on the other hand from closer to the central area of the crane migration
adverse effects due to forced changes in the corridor between Rügen and Skåne, the
flight path. findings from the planning approval procedure
Under normal migratory conditions favoured by for the neighbouring project "Baltic Eagle" are
migratory bird species, no evidence has been essential. The area O-2.2 remains under
found so far for any species that the birds investigation. The other energy production area
typically migrate in the danger zone of the SEO-1 south of area O-2 is also under
installations and/or do not recognise and avoid examination due to questions on bird migration
these obstacles. Under the clear weather which cannot yet be conclusively assessed.
conditions preferred by birds for their migration, In order to avoid or minimise the risk, the
the probability of collision with wind turbines or installations shall be designed in such a way
the transformer or collection platforms is that light emissions are avoided as far as
therefore very low. Surprisingly occurring fog possible during construction and operation,
and rain, which lead to poor visibility and low unless such emissions are required and
flight altitudes, represent a potential hazard unavoidable by safety requirements of shipping
situation. A particular problem is the and air traffic as well as requirements of
coincidence of bad weather conditions with so- occupational safety.
called mass train events, which are rare due to
The cumulative effects of the wind energy
the short train routes or train times across the
plants, transformer or collection platforms and
Baltic Sea. The risk of collision for sea and
adjacent wind farms provided for in the FEP
water birds migrating during the day is generally
and in the territorial sea of Mecklenburg-
considered to be low. They orient themselves
Western Pomerania could, in addition to the risk
visually and are usually able to land on the
of bird strikes, also lead to an extension of the
water. The risk of collision is also currently
migratory route for migrating birds. If migratory
considered to be low for day- migrating land
birds migrate within the effective range of wind
birds (e.g. cranes and birds of prey), as these
farms (up to a height of approx. 300 m), they
also orient themselves visually and avoid the
are forced to fly around or over the installations
wind turbines. However, cumulative effects can
by taking evasive action. This distracts them
lead to an increased risk of collision for some
from their migration route to a greater or lesser
areas.
extent. It is known that wind farms are avoided
In order to verify the state of knowledge, an by birds, i.e. they are flown around or over
additional monitoring of the migrating land birds horizontally. In addition to observations on land,
with the main focus on cranes, birds of prey and this behaviour has also been demonstrated in
Non-technical summary 77
offshore areas (e.g. KAHLERT et al. 2004). areas is not likely to have a significant negative
Lateral avoidance reactions are apparently the effect on the further development of the
most common reaction (HORCH & KELLER populations.
2004). The transformer or collection platforms
In this context, it has to be taken into account
are part of the individual wind farms or are
that, according to the present state of the art in
directly spatially related. In this context,
science and technology, this forecast is made
avoiding the transformer or collection platforms
under premises that are not yet suitable to
is negligible, as they do not develop their own
ensure the basis for the protected property in a
barrier effect due to their immediate spatial
satisfactory manner. Gaps in knowledge exist in
proximity to a wind farm and do not reinforce
particular with regard to the species-specific
that of the wind farm.
migratory behaviour. This applies in particular
For birds migrating in an east-west direction, to poor weather conditions (rain, fog). These
which would have to fly around areas O-1 to O- gaps in knowledge could not be closed despite
4, a maximum diversion of about 70 km would extensive research activities carried out in the
be possible. For birds with a strong coastal North Sea and Baltic Sea EEZ as part of the
orientation (e.g. Common Scoter), the diversion accompanying ecological research, including
could be longer as they would still have to fly test field research on bird migration at the
around areas O-5 and O-6. When considering "alpha ventus" offshore pilot park, evaluation of
the north-south migration direction, the possible the data continuously collected on "FINO1"
barrier effect is of a similar order of magnitude. (2008-2011), recording of bird collisions using
The spatial distance between the individual the VARS system and recording of evasive
clusters is large enough to leave sufficient movements of migratory birds using pencil
space to fly around them. Taking into account beam radar.
that the non-stop flight performance of the
Due to the gaps in knowledge mentioned
majority of migratory bird species, including
above, a final cumulative consideration of all
small bird species, is in the order of magnitude
offshore wind farms to be considered, including
of over 1000 km (BERTHOLD 2000), no
projects in areas where no valid permits or
significant effects on the energy budget of
planning approval decisions have yet been
migratory birds are to be expected. For
issued as a result of the implementation of an
example, a diversion of a maximum of 70 km in
EIA, is not possible at this stage. This concerns
relation to the migratory distances caused by
the projects in Area 2 and the projects in Area 1
the barrier effect of the wind farms should not
outside the priority area as well as other
endanger bird migration, as distractions may
offshore wind farms outside the German EEZ.
also occur due to weather conditions.
The EIAs available for the projects in Area 2 do
Based on the available knowledge about the not indicate any particular importance of these
migratory behaviour of the different bird areas for bird migration, such as a migratory
species, the usual flight altitudes and the corridor that is elevated above the surrounding
distribution of bird migration over the day, it can area. However, an increase in crane migration
be concluded that, on the basis of current was observed at times, for example during the
knowledge, even cumulative effects on bird baseline surveys for the projects in Area 2. The
migration are unlikely to be significant as a experts attribute this to drifting birds due to
result of the implementation of the projects unfavourable changes in winds during the Baltic
already approved in the priority areas. At this Sea crossing. On the basis of these
stage, a possible circumvention of the priority observations, and particularly in view of the fact
78 Non-technical summary
that a concentration of bird migration, especially example, the installation of the foundations of
for narrow-fronted migratory birds such as wind turbines and platforms in the specific
cranes, is to be expected in the area between licensing procedure is only permitted with the
Rügen and Skåne (cf. BFN 2006), significant use of effective noise abatement measures (cf.
cumulative effects cannot be ruled out at this e.g. planning principle 4.4.1.7 FEP). Against the
time. background of the special endangerment of the
separate Baltic Sea population of harbour
Transboundary effects
porpoise, intensive monitoring measures are to
The present SEA concludes that, as things be carried out as part of enforcement and, if
stand at present, the provisions of the FEP do necessary, the noise abatement measures are
not have a significant impact on the areas of the to be adapted or the construction work
neighbouring countries bordering the German coordinated in order to exclude any cumulative
Baltic Sea EEZ. effects.
Significant transboundary impacts can be ruled For migratory birds, the wind turbines and
out in principle for the following protected platforms erected on the FEP sites may
assets: soil and water, plankton, benthos, constitute a barrier or a risk of collision. The risk
biotope types, landscape, material assets and of collision needs to be minimised by taking
humans, including human health. Possible appropriate measures to avoid attracting birds
significant transboundary impacts could at best by lighting. With regard to the barrier effect, a
arise from a cumulative view in the area of the conclusive cumulative consideration is not
German Baltic Sea for the highly mobile possible with the current state of knowledge.
biological assets fish, marine mammals, sea
A cumulative assessment of the hazard risk for
birds and resting birds, as well as migratory
the bat migration is also not possible at this
birds and bats.
stage, as sufficient information on migration
With regard to fish as a protected asset, the routes, migration heights and migration
SEA comes to the conclusion that, according to intensities is still lacking. It can generally be
the current state of knowledge, no significant assumed that any significant transboundary
transboundary impacts on the protected asset impacts will be prevented by the provisions of
are to be expected as a result of the the FEP in the same way that appropriate
implementation of the FEP, since on the one avoidance or minimisation measures are
hand the areas for which the FEP makes applied to bird migration.
stipulations do not have a prominent function
Species protection law examination
for the fish fauna and on the other hand the
recognisable and predictable effects are of a The environmental report also contains an
small-scale and temporary nature. examination under species protection law in
accordance with Article 44 (1) of the Federal
This also applies to the protected species
Nature Conservation Act. At the more abstract
marine mammals and sea and resting birds.
level of sectoral planning, this comes to the
These use the areas mainly as transit areas.
conclusion that, according to the current state
There is unlikely to be any significant loss of
of knowledge and in strict compliance with
habitat for strictly protected marine and resting
avoidance and mitigation measures, the areas
bird species. Based on current knowledge and
and sites, platform sites and submarine cable
taking into account impact-reducing and
routes defined in the FEP will not have any
damage-limiting measures, significant
significant negative impacts that would trigger
transboundary impacts can be excluded. For
Non-technical summary 79
any species protection prohibitions. A detailed the Habitats Directive, e.g. the harbour
examination of species protection legislation is porpoise, must be strictly protected everywhere,
the responsibility of the individual approval including outside the established protected
procedure. areas.
Impact assessment Within the framework of the FEP, individual
definitions are planned in the spatial vicinity of
Under the present SEA, the areas, sites,
the nature reserves "Pomeranian Bay -
platforms and submarine cable routes planned
Rönnebank" and "Kadetrinne". Thus the
in the FEP will be subject to a separate
compatibility assessment in the EEZ area is
assessment of their compatibility with the
limited to these protected areas. The impact
conservation purposes of the nature reserves.
assessment will also take into account the
The German Baltic Sea EEZ includes the remote effects of the provisions adopted within
nature reserves "Pomeranian Bay - the EEZ on the protected areas in the adjacent
Rönnebank", "Fehmarn Belt" and "Kadet 12-mile zone and in the adjacent waters of
Trench", which were established by decree on neighbouring countries.
22 September 2017. Compatibility in
assessment of the compatibility of the areas
accordance with the BNatSchG is to be
and sites and of the planned platforms
investigated in line with the assessment
previously carried out for the Fauna-Flora- According to the current state of knowledge,
Habitat areas (FFH areas). disturbance to resting and migratory birds in the
nature reserves under consideration is not to be
§§ Sections 34 and 36 of the Federal Nature
expected as a result of the construction and
Conservation Act (BNatSchG) stipulate that
operation of wind turbines and platforms in the
plans or projects which, individually or in
areas defined in the FEP.
conjunction with other plans or projects, may
significantly affect a Habitats and EU Bird According to the current state of knowledge and
Protection Area and which do not directly serve on the basis of the findings from the monitoring
the management of the area, must be assessed of the erection and operation of the wind farms
for their compatibility with the protection and "Viking" and "Arkona Basin South-East" in area
conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 site. O-1, an impairment of the protection purposes
This also applies to projects outside the site of the nature conservation areas examined can
which, either individually or in combination with be excluded with certainty, taking into account
other projects or plans, are likely to significantly strict impact-minimising and damage-limiting
affect the site's conservation objectives. measures. To this end, the FEP is making
textual stipulations, particularly with regard to
The protected habitat types are the habitat
noise reduction.
types "reefs" and "sandbanks" listed in Annex I
of the Habitats Directive, certain fish species The construction and operation of wind turbines
and marine mammals listed in Annex II of the and platforms are not expected to have any
Directive (sturgeon, black scoter, porpoise, grey significant impacts on the habitat types "reef"
seal) and various bird species listed in Annex I and "sandbank" with their characteristic and
of the Birds Directive (red-throated diver, black- endangered communities and species, due to
throated diver, eared grebe, red-necked grebe, the small-scale nature of the impacts, which are
yellow-billed diver, long-tailed duck, scoter, particularly relevant for reefs, such as sediment
velvet scoter, Common gull, guillemot, razorbill, drift and sediment rearrangement of the
black guillemot). Species listed in Annex IV of released material during the construction
80 Non-technical summary
phase, and the location outside nature Based on the current state of knowledge, the
conservation areas. BSH assumes that when the plan is
implemented, either individually or in
Examination of the compatibility of the planned
conjunction with other projects, a significant
cable routes
impairment of the protective purposes of the
Possible effects of submarine cable systems nature conservation areas under consideration
are usually limited to the laying phase and are can be ruled out with certainty. A new impact
therefore limited in time and space. Impacts on assessment of the areas and test sites in the
nature conservation areas in their components territorial sea will not be carried out, as this was
relevant to the conservation objectives or the already carried out when the LEP M-V was
protection purpose are only to be expected if drawn up.
the cable routes run in the immediate vicinity or
measures to prevent, reduce and offset
within the protected areas; remote impacts on
significant negative impacts of the land-use
legally protected biotopes or FFH habitat types
plan on the marine environment
cannot be assumed on the basis of current
knowledge. In accordance with the requirements of the SEA
Directive, the measures planned to prevent,
In particular because of the small size and short
reduce and as far as possible offset significant
duration of the relocation, a significant impact
negative environmental impacts resulting from
on marine mammals can be excluded. With
the implementation of the FEP are presented.
regard to possible operational impacts, no
significant effects are expected on the basis of In principle, the FEP's stipulations will avoid
the cable configurations defined in the FEP and negative impacts on the development of the
the planning principle for sediment cover. environmental status of the Baltic Sea EEZ. In
Possible significant impairments of bird the event of non-implementation of the plan, the
sanctuaries in their components relevant to the uses would develop without the FEP's space-
protection purpose by the laying and operation saving and resource-conserving steering and
of the submarine cable systems are also to be coordination effect.
excluded. The cable-laying work only takes a
Specifically, the FEP lays down spatial and
few days and is only associated with noise and
textual specifications which, in accordance with
chasing effects typical of ships. Based on
the environmental protection objectives set out
current knowledge, significant adverse effects
in Chapter 1.4of the environmental report, serve
due to sediment drift during the construction
to avoid or reduce significant negative impacts
phase are excluded. Known occurrences of
of the implementation of the FEP on the marine
legally protected biotope types and FFH habitat
environment. This mainly concerns textual
types in the protected areas lie outside the drift
specifications on space-saving planning, on
distances discussed in the technical literature.
avoiding the use of protected areas and
Based on current knowledge, significant
structures pursuant to Article 30 of the Federal
impairment of the Habitats Directive habitat
Nature Conservation Act, on noise reduction,
types "reefs" and "sandbanks with only weak
on compliance with the 2C criterion, on the
permanent inundation by seawater" can thus be
dismantling of structures, and on the
ruled out, even if the plan and existing projects
consideration of best environmental practice
for the nature conservation areas under review
and the respective state of the art.
are considered cumulatively.
Reduction and avoidance measures are
specified and ordered by the competent
Non-technical summary 81
licensing authority at project level for the Measures planned to monitor the
planning, construction and operation phases. environmental impact of implementing the
With regard to the planned areas for wind site development plan
energy plants and platforms and for other
The potential significant impacts on the
energy generation areas, this concerns in
environment resulting from the implementation
particular noise reduction and noise prevention
of the FEP must be monitored in accordance
measures as well as environmentally
with Article 45 (1) UVPG. This is intended to
compatible lighting during the operation of the
enable unforeseen negative impacts to be
structures. Measures to avoid and reduce the
identified at an early stage and suitable
possible effects of submarine cable systems
remedial measures to be taken. The monitoring
must be taken into account in route planning
also serves to verify the gaps in knowledge or
and technical design. In order to avoid
the forecasts with uncertainties as presented in
significant negative effects of cable heating on
the environmental report. According to Article
benthos, the FEP contains a planning principle
45 para. 4 UVPG, the results of the monitoring
for sediment heating.
are to be taken into account in the updating of
Alternative testing the FEP. The actual monitoring of potential
impacts on the marine environment can only
In accordance with Art. 5 para. 1 sentence 1 of
begin once the uses regulated under the plan
the SEA Directive in conjunction with the criteria
have been realised. Therefore, project-related
in Annex I of the SEA Directive and Art. 40
monitoring of the impacts of offshore wind
para. 2 no. 8 UVPG, the environmental report
farms, platforms and submarine cable systems
contains a brief description of the reasons for
is of particular importance. The main task of
the choice of the reasonable alternatives
monitoring is to bring together and evaluate the
examined. At the plan level, the
findings of the various monitoring results at
conceptual/strategic design, spatial and
project level. In addition, existing national and
technical alternatives play a major role.
international monitoring programmes must be
In principle, it should be noted that all taken into account, also to avoid duplication of
specifications in the form of standardised work.
technology and planning principles already
The investigation of the potential environmental
involve a preliminary examination of possible
impacts of areas and sites for offshore wind
and conceivable alternatives. As can be seen
energy as well as of platforms has to be carried
from the justification of the individual planning
out at project level in accordance with the
principles, in particular those relating to the
standard "Untersuchung von Auswirkungen von
environment - e.g. route design that is as
Offshore-Windenergieanlagen (StUK4)"
bundled as possible, implementation with as
(Investigation of the impacts of offshore wind
few intersections as possible - the respective
energy plants) and in coordination with the
principle is already based on a weighing up of
BSH. The monitoring during the construction of
possible public interests and legal positions
foundations by means of pile driving includes
affected, so that a "preliminary examination" of
measurements of underwater noise and
possible alternatives has already taken place.
acoustic recordings of the impact of pile driving
In addition to the zero alternative, this on marine mammals using POD measuring
environmental report examines in particular instruments. In addition, additional monitoring
spatial and technical alternatives. measures are planned to record the effects of
the stratification of the water under certain
82 Non-technical summary
hydrographic conditions on the propagation of
impact noise in the Baltic Sea and to be able to
take further measures if necessary.
The BSH is carrying out a whole series of
projects as part of the accompanying research
into the possible effects of offshore wind
turbines on the marine environment. These
include the ANKER project "Approaches to cost
reduction in the collection of monitoring data for
offshore wind farms", the R&D study BeMo
"Evaluation approaches for underwater noise
monitoring in connection with offshore licensing
procedures, regional planning and MSRL" and
various sub-projects within the R&D network
NavES "Nature-compatible developments at
sea". The results of the BSH's current projects
will be directly incorporated into the further
development of standards and norms, such as
the development of the StUK5.
For the first time, StUK4 also contains
monitoring requirements for the investigation of
sea-ca-bed routes with regard to benthos,
biotope structure and biotope types during the
baseline survey and the operational phase.
Identified suspected areas of biotope types
protected under Article 30 of the Federal Nature
Conservation Act (BNatSchG) must also be
investigated in accordance with the current
mapping instructions of the Federal Agency for
Nature Conservation (BfN). After the cable
system has been laid, its location must be
checked by operational monitoring measures.
One year after commissioning of the submarine
cable systems, investigations of the benthic
biocoenoses must be carried out on the same
transects as in the baseline survey.
The pooling of information creates an
increasingly solid basis for impact forecasting.
The research projects serve the continuous
further development of a uniform, quality-
assured basis of marine environmental
information for the assessment of possible
impacts of offshore installations and form an
important basis for updating the FEP.