RWE Secures Control of Nordseecluster Offshore Wind Project, Accelerating Renewable Energy Expansion

RWE Secures Control of Nordseecluster Offshore Wind Project, Accelerating Renewable Energy Expansion

(IN BRIEF) RWE, a global renewable energy company, has acquired full ownership of the Nordseecluster, a 1.6-gigawatt cluster of offshore wind farms in the German North Sea. The cluster, consisting of four sites, was previously co-developed with Northland Power, which has now sold its 49% share to RWE. The Nordseecluster will be developed in two phases, with the first phase set to begin construction in 2025. RWE has selected preferred suppliers for the project, including Vestas, and aims to leverage economies of scale and synergies during development. The acquisition strengthens RWE’s position in the German offshore market and aligns with its renewable energy goals.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 26-May-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  RWE AG (ETR: RWE), a German multinational energy company, has solidified its position in the German offshore market with the complete ownership of the Nordseecluster, a significant 1.6-gigawatt (GW) cluster of offshore wind farms in the German North Sea. Formerly co-developed with Canadian company Northland Power, RWE has acquired Northland Power’s 49% stake in the cluster for approximately €35 million.

The Nordseecluster, comprising four sites located north of the island of Juist, will be developed in two phases: Nordseecluster A and Nordseecluster B. Currently in the permit application phase, Nordseecluster A consists of two wind farms, N-3.8 and N-3.7, with a combined capacity of 660 megawatts (MW). Offshore construction for Nordseecluster A is anticipated to commence in 2025, with commercial operations slated to begin in early 2027. Nordseecluster B, the second phase, is projected to add an additional 900 MW of capacity starting in 2029. RWE plans to participate in the German government’s offshore wind auctions this year to secure the rights for both sites in Nordseecluster B.

RWE has already selected preferred suppliers for the main components across all four sites, with Vestas being one of them. Vestas will deliver 104 offshore wind turbines, each with a capacity of 15 MW. RWE anticipates significant economies of scale and synergies during the development, construction, and operation of the Nordseecluster. Leveraging its in-house capabilities, RWE is committed to providing tailored green solutions to support the decarbonization efforts of its industrial and municipal customers.

The Nordseecluster is strategically located near RWE’s existing Nordsee One wind farm, a joint venture with Northland Power, which has a capacity of 332 MW and will continue to be operated jointly by the two companies.

Sven Utermöhlen, CEO RWE Offshore Wind: “Becoming the sole owner of the Nordseecluster aligns with our ambition to further grow our position as a global leader in offshore wind. As it will be Germany’s first gigawatt-scale offshore wind cluster, it will provide us with significant size and scale. When the Nordseecluster becomes operational in 2027 and 2029, we will be supporting the decarbonisation drive in our home market of Germany by generating around six terawatt hours of green electricity per year. And we are going for even more as we plan to take part in the large German offshore wind auctions in summer this year.”

RWE is actively working towards its renewable energy targets and contributing to Germany’s energy transition by investing in innovative projects like the Nordseecluster. The company remains dedicated to supporting a sustainable future through its focus on offshore wind development and collaboration with key partners.

Media contacts:

Stephanie Schunck
Director Group Communications & Public Affairs
T+49 (0) 201 5179-5177

Vera Bücker
Head of Media Relations International & Finance
T+49 (0) 201 5179-5112

SOURCE: RWE