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RWE's Nordseecluster Offshore Wind Substations Ready for Installation

Key highlights
  • The Nordseecluster offshore wind project is a collaboration between RWE (51%) and Norges Bank Investment Management (49%).
  • The substations will be transported from Saint-Nazaire to the North Sea by the end of the month.
  • Nordseecluster A will have a capacity of 660 MW, with full commissioning in early 2027.
  • Nordseecluster B will add 900 MW, starting commercial operation in 2029.

Project Overview

The Nordseecluster offshore wind project, a joint venture between RWE (51%) and Norges Bank Investment Management (49%), is progressing with the completion of two offshore electrical substations. These substations, constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, are set to be installed in the German North Sea.

Substation Details

Each substation topside measures approximately 40 meters in length and 22 meters in height. The first topside weighs around 1,800 tonnes, while the second is about 2,500 tonnes. They will be transported by barge to their installation site, 50 kilometers north of the German island of Juist, by the end of the month.

Construction Progress

Nordseecluster A's offshore works are on track, with foundation installation completed last year and cable-laying underway. The installation of 44 wind turbines is scheduled for summer 2026, with full commissioning expected in early 2027, providing a total capacity of 660 megawatts (MW).

Future Expansion

The second phase, Nordseecluster B, is already in progress with foundation fabrication. It will add 900 MW through 60 wind turbines, set to begin commercial operation in 2029. Together, the Nordseecluster will generate enough electricity to power approximately 1.6 million German households.