50 % lower yield from offshore wind

Question for written answer E-004903/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Auke Zijlstra (PfE)

A new study by Delft University of Technology shows that the yield from offshore wind farms may be up to 50 % lower than previously thought. According to the researchers there, this is not due to isolated incidents, but rather to overestimated performance levels in structural terms[1]. This implies that offshore wind projects will remain profitable only as a result of increasing amounts of public funding. Major players such as Ørsted, Equinor and Shell have already withdrawn from offshore wind activities. Since these projects are co-financed through EU programmes, EIB loans, ETS revenues and State aid schemes approved by the Commission, citizens and consumers ultimately bear the ensuing financial risk.

• 1.Given that the yield from offshore wind energy is overestimated on a structural level, can the Commission indicate which independent evaluation mechanism it uses to correct assumptions as to yield, who carries such evaluations out and within what timeframe Parliament will receive the results thereof?
• 2.Can the Commission disclose how much additional public funding (EU and national subsidies) has been allocated to offshore wind since 2020 above the original estimates, and what risk assessment was carried out before this funding was granted?
• 3.When will the Commission publish a scenario analysis indicating that offshore wind produces lower yields than expected, and that nuclear energy, storage and existing capacity should carry greater weight, so that policymakers can gain an insight into alternative means of achieving energy security?

Submitted: 10.12.2025

• [1] https://www.telegraaf.nl/financieel/nieuws/klap-voor-klimaatbeleid-opbrengst-windparken-op-zee-50-procent-lager-dan-waarop-overheid-rekent/110202022.html