Germany’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm Reaches Milestone with First Turbine Installation
Germany’s largest offshore wind farm, EnBW’s He Dreiht, has achieved a significant milestone with the installation of the first massive turbine in the North Sea. The project, which translates to “it spins” in Low German, is utilizing Vestas’s groundbreaking 15-megawatt turbines, making it the first in the world to deploy them. The sheer power of these turbines is evident in the fact that just one rotation of the rotor can generate enough electricity to sustain four households for an entire day.
Once completed, He Dreiht will boast 64 mega turbines producing a total of 960 megawatts of clean energy, sufficient to power approximately 1.1 million homes. What sets this project apart is that it is being developed without any government subsidies, showcasing the efficiency and sustainability of offshore wind energy.
EnBW, a leading energy company in Germany, has been actively involved in offshore wind projects for over 15 years, with He Dreiht marking their most ambitious endeavor yet. Michael Class, head of EnBW’s generation portfolio development, emphasized the project’s role in significantly increasing their renewable energy output to over 10 gigawatts by 2030.
The installation of the first V236-15.0 MW turbine is a major achievement for Vestas as well. Nils de Baar, president of Vestas Northern & Central Europe, highlighted the significance of this milestone in advancing Germany’s transition towards a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy system.
Located approximately 85 kilometers northwest of Borkum and 110 kilometers west of Helgoland, He Dreiht is a massive undertaking that involves more than 500 workers and a fleet of over 60 ships during peak construction periods. The meticulous installation process includes setting 64 foundations in the seabed, transporting turbine parts from Esbjerg, Denmark to the construction site, and lifting the turbines into position.
A partner consortium comprising Allianz Capital Partners, AIP, and Norges Bank Investment Management holds a 49.9% stake in He Dreiht, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this groundbreaking project.
As the global shift towards renewable energy sources gains momentum, initiatives like He Dreiht serve as shining examples of sustainable energy production on a large scale. With its innovative technology and commitment to environmental stewardship, Germany’s largest offshore wind farm is poised to make a significant impact in the country’s energy landscape for years to come.
