Strong wind is one of the most powerful natural forces on planet Earth – and it is thus also a powerful source for generating climate-friendly energy. The principle is that wind gusts set the three rotor blades in motion, which in turn drive a generator, the electricity from which is fed directly into the grid.
In many countries, wind power is already making an important contribution towards the generation of electricity from renewables, and the numbers are rising. We are therefore proud to be one of the world’s largest owners and operators of onshore and offshore wind farms.
And we want to keep on growing in this dynamic market – both alone and in collaboration with partners.
In the future, offshore wind farms are to be connected to each other with the help of interconnectors - and at an international level.
RWE has first-class resources, experience and expertise, so it can cover the entire wind energy value chain from development through to construction and operation.
Our integrated business comprises the entire lifecycle of offshore projects.
We achieve several milestones along the way to final commissioning:
Origination
Project development
Construction
Operation
Offshore wind farms make use of stable wind conditions and the high wind speeds at sea.
Out in the open sea, the wind turbines are anchored to the seabed commonly using fixed bottom foundations.
Floating foundations are required for sea depth of 60 meters or more.
Offshore wind farms usually have their own substation where all produced electricity is fed into. Some have their own converter station at sea.
From the sea, the electricity is then transported to the onshore substation where it can be fed into the public grid.
RWE is one of the world's leading players in the offshore wind sector and has more than 20 years of experience in the development, construction and efficient operation of offshore wind farms. We operate 19 offshore wind farms and are currently constructing new projects in Europe with a total capacity of over 4 GW. Our construction projects include the Sofia wind farm (1.4 GW) off the British coast, the Thor offshore wind farm (1.1 GW) in Denmark, the Nordseecluster (1.6 GW) north of the German island of Juist and the OranjeWind offshore wind farm (795 MW) in the Netherlands, which we are realising together with TotalEnergies. Further offshore wind farms are under development worldwide. RWE has set itself the goal of tripling its global offshore wind capacity from 3.3 GW today to 10 GW in 2030. The focus for further growth is on attractive markets in Europe, America and the Asia-Pacific region.
Are you generally interested in our wind sites? No problem! On our global map you will find an overview of all offshore and onshore operating locations and projects.
This map is based on Google data. The terminology used within the underlying map is determined by Google and may vary from region to region.
* The term “country” contains states, provinces and territorites and is used without prejudice to the RWE AG position on the status of any given country or region.
RWE Supply & Trading, our international trading house, functions as the link and hub connecting the wind turbines with customers. In the offshore area, we are looking to achieve an appropriate track record for the conclusion of power purchase agreements (PPAs).
There are major opportunities for growth in wind power sales across the entire technology range.
The Kaskasi offshore wind farm (342 MW) was constructed in the North Sea off Germany, 35 km to the north of the island of Heligoland. Most of its components are already made from recyclable materials. The rotor blades, developed by Siemens Gamesa, are recyclable, thanks to the use of a special resin.
First step
Decommissioning at the end of service life
Second step
Immersion in a mild acid solution
Third step
Recovery of separated components
Fourth step
Reuse
Job creation
Construction work for installing the electrical plant alone will create about 500 full-time positions. The benefits will also be felt by local businesses in the areas of accommodation, logistics, catering, and office supplies.
Supporting communities
During onshore construction, local communities will receive £500,000 from the construction fund. A further £40,000 per year will be made available for areas adjacent to above-ground electrical infrastructure (onshore substation) and landfall locations.
Animal protection
We are focusing on measures to protect marine mammals and spawning black bream, and also animal life on land, especially badgers, bats, birds, invertebrates and reptiles.
Support for fisheries
A working group for commercial fishing has been established. Agreements in place with 70 fishermen will prevent negative impacts on their business and define clear rules for the period of construction.
Protection for divers
An agreement on appropriate remedial measures ensures diver safety during the construction work. Additional partnership agreements have been put in place with charter boat owners.
Responsibility for the future
We take concerns and needs into consideration, and support the local fishing community and ports. Ongoing fishing operations within the wind farm are possible, and simultaneously bolster and encourage local job creation.