The OFFSHORE-WINDENERGIE foundation (foundation of German industry for the use and research of wind energy at sea) was founded in 2005 on the initiative and under the moderation of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. The coastal states and all economic sectors involved in offshore wind energy were also involved. The aim of the foundation is to consolidate the role of offshore wind energy in the energy mix of the future in Germany and Europe and to promote its expansion in the interest of environmental and climate protection.