RWE and Norges Bank Investment Management Reach Key Milestone with First Foundation Installed at Nordseecluster

RWE and Norges Bank Investment Management Reach Key Milestone with First Foundation Installed at Nordseecluster

(IN BRIEF) RWE and Norges Bank Investment Management have marked a significant milestone in their joint Nordseecluster offshore wind project with the installation of the first monopile foundation approximately 50 km off the coast of Juist, Germany. Each foundation, weighing 1,500 tonnes, was delivered using Van Oord’s new installation vessel, Boreas. The project’s innovative transition piece-less design reduces steel usage and simplifies offshore assembly. Nordseecluster will be developed in two phases: Nordseecluster A, with 660 MW, is scheduled for commissioning in 2027, followed by Nordseecluster B’s 900 MW in 2029. Together, the 1.6 GW project will supply enough renewable electricity for around 1.6 million German households. RWE leads the construction and operations of the wind farm, further strengthening its position as a global offshore wind leader.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 28-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A major construction milestone has been achieved at the Nordseecluster offshore wind project, as the first monopile foundation has now been successfully installed approximately 50 kilometres north of the German island of Juist. With this step, the large-scale renewable energy development led by RWE and Norges Bank Investment Management moves into its next phase of execution.

Each of the massive monopile foundations weighs around 1,500 tonnes—comparable to the weight of 1,000 small cars—and measures 85 metres in length. These foundations were transported from the heavy-lift terminal in Eemshaven, Netherlands, to the offshore site in the German North Sea by Van Oord’s latest installation vessel, Boreas, which can carry four monopiles per journey.

Unlike traditional installations that require a separate transition piece, the Nordseecluster uses an extended single-monopile approach. Secondary steel structures like boat landings will be fitted at sea. This transition piece-less design significantly cuts down on the amount of steel required for construction, improving efficiency and sustainability.

Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, remarked: “With the 1.6-gigawatt Nordseecluster, we and our partner Norges Bank Investment Management are realising the largest offshore wind project currently underway off the German coast. The successful installation of the first foundation is a testament to the dedicated work of our teams and supply chain partners. I’d like to thank everyone who made this milestone possible.”

The Nordseecluster project is being executed in two phases. The first phase, Nordseecluster A, has now officially begun with the installation of its foundations. It will consist of 44 wind turbines and is expected to start generating electricity in 2027, providing 660 megawatts (MW) of capacity. The second phase, Nordseecluster B, will follow with 60 turbines and an additional 900 MW, aiming for commissioning in 2029.

Once fully operational, the combined 1.6-gigawatt (GW) Nordseecluster will have the capacity to power the equivalent of 1.6 million German households with green electricity. RWE, holding 51% of the joint venture, is responsible for the entire lifecycle of construction and operations, while Norges Bank Investment Management holds the remaining 49%.

RWE continues to reinforce its position as a global offshore wind leader, with over two decades of industry experience. In addition to Nordseecluster, RWE is advancing three other major offshore wind projects: the 1.4 GW Sofia project in the UK, the 1.1 GW Thor project in Denmark (also with Norges Bank Investment Management), and the 795 MW OranjeWind in the Netherlands, developed in partnership with TotalEnergies.

RWE
RWE is leading the way to a modern energy world. With its investment and growth strategy, RWE is contributing significantly to the success of the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the energy system. Around 20,000 employees work for the company in almost 30 countries worldwide. RWE is one of the leading companies in the field of renewable energy. RWE is investing billions of euros in expanding its generation portfolio, in particular in offshore and onshore wind, solar energy and batteries. It is perfectly complemented by its global energy trading business. Thanks to its integrated portfolio of renewables, battery storage and flexible generation, as well as its broad project pipeline of possible new builds, RWE is well positioned to address the growing global demand for electricity, particularly driven by further electrification and artificial intelligence. RWE is decarbonising its business in line with the 1.5-degree reduction pathway and will phase out coal by 2030. RWE will be net zero by 2040. Fully in line with the company’s purpose – Our energy for a sustainable life.

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Media Contact:

Sarah Knauber
Media Relations
RWE Renewables GmbH
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SOURCE: RWE