RWE has achieved a key milestone at its 1.6 GW Nordseecluster offshore wind project, with the project feeding electricity into the German grid for the first time, just weeks after the successful installation of its first wind turbine.
“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,” said Sven Utermöhlen, Chief Executive Officer, RWE Offshore Wind. He added that the milestone reflects the strong performance of the project teams and supply chain partners, while highlighting the project’s role in strengthening Germany’s energy security and supporting industrial decarbonisation.
The first phase, Nordseecluster A, has a total installed capacity of 660 MW and is expected to be fully connected to the grid in early 2027. Installation of the project’s 44 wind turbines is currently underway, with testing and commissioning progressing in stages. The electricity generated will be transmitted through two offshore substations, where it will be stepped up to transmission voltage before being transferred to the grid operator’s converter station and delivered to the mainland via two separate grid connection points.
The second phase, Nordseecluster B, will contribute an additional 900 MW of offshore wind capacity. Manufacturing of selected components has already commenced, while foundation installation is scheduled to begin next year. Installation of 60 Vestas wind turbines is planned for 2028, with commercial operations expected to start in early 2029.
Once fully operational, the combined Nordseecluster offshore wind farms will generate approximately 6.5 terawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually. RWE intends to use the green electricity to provide tailored energy solutions for industrial customers pursuing decarbonisation.
Nordseecluster is being developed as a joint venture between RWE, which holds a 51% stake, and Norges Bank Investment Management, which owns the remaining 49%. RWE is responsible for the construction, operation, and lifecycle management of the offshore wind project.
