RWE AG, in partnership with Norges Bank Investment Management, has taken a significant step forward in its Nordseecluster offshore wind project by successfully installing the first turbine foundation in the German North Sea. Located about 50 kilometers north of Juist Island, the massive monopile foundation marks the official launch of offshore construction for Nordseecluster A. Each foundation measures approximately 85 meters in length and weighs 1,500 tonnes, about the weight of 1,000 small cars. Additionally, these steel giants were transported from the Dutch port of Eemshaven aboard Van Oord’s new offshore installation vessel, Boreas, which has the capacity to carry four monopiles at once.
Smart Design Meets Sustainable Strategy
What sets this project apart is its innovative transition-piece-less foundation design. By removing the need for extra steel connectors between monopiles and turbine towers, RWE significantly reduces the amount of steel used, cutting both costs and environmental impact. Secondary features such as boat landings and access platforms will be added offshore. Furthermore, the logistical strategy, including the use of Boreas and the heavy-lift terminal at Eemshaven, has been executed with precision to minimize delays and ensure smooth delivery to the installation site. This approach reflects RWE’s commitment to both efficiency and sustainability.
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A Two-Phase Powerhouse with Massive Capacity
Nordseecluster is being developed in two key phases. Phase one, known as Nordseecluster A, will see 44 Vestas V236-15 MW turbines installed to produce 660 MW of clean energy. These are slated to begin installation in 2026, with full grid connection expected by early 2027. The second phase, Nordseecluster B, will add 60 more turbines delivering an additional 900 MW. Further, this phase is expected to be operational by early 2029. Together, both phases will deliver a staggering 1.6 GW of renewable energy, enough to supply electricity to approximately 1.6 million German homes annually.
More Than Just a Project: A Regional Energy Hub
Nordseecluster is more than a wind farm, it’s a flagship project for Europe’s green energy future. RWE, which holds a 51% stake, oversees all construction and operations, while Norges Bank Investment Management owns the remaining 49%. Impressively, this is RWE’s largest offshore wind undertaking in German waters to date. A fascinating aspect of the Nordseecluster project is its integration of four adjacent offshore zones (NC 1–4), which allows for shared logistics, ports, and infrastructure. This cluster approach not only cuts costs but boosts project speed and coherence. Eemshaven’s Buss Terminal plays a pivotal role, also serving Denmark’s Thor project, making it a strategic hub in the expansion of Europe’s offshore wind sector.
The Nordseecluster Project Overview
Project Name: Nordseecluster Offshore Wind Project.
Developer: RWE AG (51%) and Norges Bank Investment Management (49%).
Location: German North Sea, 50 km north of Juist Island.
Total Capacity: Up to 1.6 GW.
Phases: Two phases; Nordseecluster A (660 MW) and B (900 MW).
Turbines Used: Vestas V236-15 MW offshore wind turbines.
Timeline: Phase A operational by early 2027; Phase B by early 2029.
Foundation Design: Transition-piece-less monopiles to reduce steel usage.
Energy Output: Enough to power approx. 1.6 million German homes.
Interesting Fact: Combines four offshore sites (NC 1–4) for greater efficiency and shared infrastructure.
