One milestone follows another at the 1.6‑gigawatt (GW) Nordseecluster offshore wind project. Yesterday, just a few weeks after the successful installation of the first turbine, electricity was fed into the German grid for the first time.
Sven Utermöhlen, Chief Executive Officer RWE Offshore Wind: “The Nordseecluster, RWE's largest offshore wind project currently under construction, is progressing exactly as planned, with the first turbine now generating electricity and feeding power into the German grid. This milestone showcases the exceptional performance of our teams and supply chain partners. Once fully operational, this 1.6-gigawatt project will make an important contribution to Germany’s energy security while helping to decarbonise the industry.”
With a total capacity of 660 megawatts (MW), Nordseecluster A is expected to be fully connected to the grid in early 2027. Installation of the wind turbines is well underway, with testing and commissioning taking place step by step. The electricity generated by the 44 wind turbines will be fed into two offshore substations, where it will be brought up to the required transmission voltage. From there, the electricity will be transmitted to the grid operator’s converter station and then transported to the mainland. Nordseecluster A has two separate grid connection points, which is why two offshore substations are required.
The second expansion phase – Nordseecluster B – will add a further 900 MW of capacity. Production of some components has already begun. Installation of the foundations is scheduled to start next year, followed by the installation of the 60 Vestas turbines in 2028. Nordseecluster B is scheduled to commence commercial operations in early 2029.
Together, the Nordseecluster wind farms will generate around 6.5 terawatt hours of climate-friendly electricity annually. RWE will use the green electricity to provide customised energy solutions to its industrial customers on the path to decarbonisation.
Nordseecluster is a joint offshore wind project between RWE (51% share) and Norges Bank Investment Management (49% share). RWE is responsible for the construction and operation of the Nordseecluster offshore wind farms throughout their entire life cycle.
Images for media use are available at the RWE Media Centre. (Credit: RWE / photographer: Matthias Ibeler)
