Vattenfall Receives Planning Approval for Nordlicht 2 Offshore Wind Farm, Advancing One of Germany’s Largest Renewable Energy Projects

Vestas V236-15.0 MW wind turbines (graphic: Vestas)

(IN BRIEF) Vattenfall has received final planning approval from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) for its Nordlicht 2 offshore wind farm, completing the permitting for the 1.6 GW Nordlicht cluster in the German North Sea. Comprising 44 turbines rated at 15 MW each, Nordlicht 2 will be built north of Borkum and linked to the BorWin Delta grid connection system. Construction of Nordlicht 1 will begin in 2026, followed by Nordlicht 2 in 2027, with both expected to be operational by 2028. Together, the projects will generate around 6 TWh of renewable power annually, supported by low-emission steel turbine towers that cut CO₂ emissions by 16%. Acting Head of BU Offshore Jonas van Mansfeld highlighted the project’s role in supporting Germany’s energy transition and Vattenfall’s broader ambition to enable fossil-free living within one generation.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 6-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Vattenfall has secured planning approval from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) for the construction of the Nordlicht 2 offshore wind farm, marking another significant milestone in the company’s commitment to expanding clean energy generation in Germany. The approval completes the permitting process for both sites within the Nordlicht cluster — Nordlicht 1, with a capacity of approximately 980 megawatts (MW), and Nordlicht 2, with around 630 MW — bringing the total capacity of the project to more than 1.6 gigawatts (GW).

Located north of Borkum in the western part of Germany’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Nordlicht 2 will comprise 44 wind turbines, each rated at 15 MW, covering an area of roughly 44 square kilometres. The electricity generated will connect to the BorWin Delta converter platform, part of the NOR-6-3 grid connection system. Once operational, the combined Nordlicht cluster will produce an estimated 6 terawatt hours (TWh) of renewable electricity annually — enough to power millions of homes and make a substantial contribution to Germany’s energy transition.

“With the approval of Nordlicht 2, we are moving forward in close partnership with authorities and stakeholders to deliver one of Germany’s most ambitious offshore wind developments,” said Jonas van Mansfeld, Acting Head of Business Unit Offshore at Vattenfall. “Together with Nordlicht 1 – Germany’s largest offshore wind farm – Nordlicht 2 will make a significant contribution to the country’s energy transition.”

Construction on Nordlicht 1 is scheduled to begin in 2026, followed by Nordlicht 2 in 2027, with both projects expected to be operational by 2028. Each will feature V236-15.0 MW turbines supplied by Vestas, a proven technology in large-scale offshore wind generation. In line with Vattenfall’s sustainability goals, the turbine towers will incorporate low-emission steel, reducing the projects’ carbon footprint by 16% compared to conventional materials.

The Nordlicht cluster represents a cornerstone of Vattenfall’s mission to enable a life without fossil fuels. Beyond Germany, the company is advancing offshore wind projects across Europe, including developments in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia. Through innovation, responsible sourcing, and collaboration with key partners such as Vestas, Vattenfall continues to lead the way toward a sustainable, carbon-neutral energy future.

Media Contact:

Maja Schubert
Tel: +46 8 739 50 10
Email: press@vattenfall.com

SOURCE: Vattenfall