Further Delay of Liability Law Jeopardizes German Jobs, Says WAB

The offshore industry network WAB urges Consumer Protection Minister Ilse Aigner to abandon the resistance to the law on the liability regime for offshore wind farms. The further delay of the law jeopardizes investment and jobs in Germany, said the industry association WAB in Bremerhaven.

A study of the MCA along with the consulting firm PWC has shown recently that the offshore development generates revenue and jobs throughout Germany. Currently, about 14,000 people are working in the offshore industry.

“The offshore regions have a considerable share in added value and employees in the offshore wind energy industry. Therefore, the resistance of Mrs. Aignera is a foolish thing,” says Ronny Meyer, CEO of MCA.

According to the MCA / PWC study, the profiteers of the boom do not only include the coastal regions. Currently, more than 40% of employees in the offshore wind energy industry work in North Rhine Westphalia, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Market share in these countries is over 50%. Bavaria alone has a share of around 12% of added value and is in third place within federal states comparison.

“Many companies in Bavaria have entered in the offshore wind turbines market with reliance on politics, in order to expand their product portfolio. This applies especially to medium-sized suppliers,” Mr. Meyer added.

The study of the MCA shows that around 65% of the Bavarian offshore companies are medium-sized. Revenue from the manufacturing and supply system is expected to increase in the coming years to over EUR 1.2 billion and the number of employees to more than 5,000.

“Mrs. Aigner must abandon her attitude so that these and other jobs are not in danger,” says Meyer.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, August 22, 2012; Image: ilse-aigner.de