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.
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 owns and operates offshore wind turbines throughout Europe representing a total of 3.3 GW. The company is therefore uniquely positioned and predestined to drive the energy transition forward, as well as to play a leading role in the sector at an international level.
The goal is to achieve grid capacity of more than 9 GW by 2030. By taking part in additional auctions in Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region, RWE has a number of complex Offshore projects ahead of it. The largest construction projects include the offshore wind farm Sofia1 (1,400 MW) as well as the recently commissioned offshore wind farm Kaskasi (342 MW). New offshore markets, e.g. Japan, will make a substantial contribution towards our world-leading position.
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.
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 turbine 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.