Vattenfall installed the first monopile for Nordlicht I in the German North Sea, marking the start of the offshore construction phase for Germany’s largest offshore wind project.
Nordlicht takes shape in the North Sea
Vattenfall initiated a new offshore construction phase for the Nordlicht offshore wind farm after installing the first monopile for Nordlicht I on July 1. The operation took place approximately 85 kilometers north of the island of Borkum, in German North Sea waters.
Furthermore, this advancement marks the beginning of a key phase for large-scale offshore wind development in Germany. The project comprises Nordlicht I, with a capacity of nearly 980 MW, and Nordlicht II, with approximately 630 MW. Together, the complex will reach around 1.61 GW.
DEME installs Nordlicht I foundations
The installation was carried out by DEME, the company responsible for the transport and assembly of the foundations and transition pieces for Nordlicht I and Nordlicht II. The monopiles are manufactured by EEW Special Pipe Constructions in Rostock, while the transition pieces come from CSWind in Aalborg.
Nordlicht I will feature 68 monopile foundations and transition pieces. Each structure can measure up to 80.5 meters in length and weigh up to 1,290 tons, reflecting the technical scale of the offshore deployment.
A key project for German offshore wind energy
According to Vattenfall, the progress of Nordlicht contributes to strengthening energy security and competitiveness in Europe. The company, owned by the Swedish state, is one of the largest producers and retailers of electricity and heat on the continent, with a primary presence in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United Kingdom.
Additionally, the company stated that Nordlicht II will begin its offshore phase approximately one year after Nordlicht I. Both offshore wind farms are scheduled to become operational in 2028.
Fossil-free electricity and reduced carbon footprint
Once fully operational, Nordlicht will be able to generate approximately 6 TWh of electricity annually. This production will support Europe’s demand for local, reliable, and fossil-free energy.
Furthermore, Vattenfall will incorporate turbine towers partially manufactured with low-emission steel. With this measure, the company expects to reduce the project’s total carbon footprint by approximately 16%.
Source and photo: Vattenfall
