Vestas has announced a significant order for 68 15MW wind turbines intended for Vattenfall’s Nordlicht 1 offshore wind project, located in the German North Sea. This investment represents a total capacity of just over 1GW, which includes a grid connection capacity of 980 MW and an additional 40 MW of excess capacity. Such strategic planning aims to maximize the efficiency of the connection capacity.
Nils de Baar, President of Vestas Northern & Central Europe, emphasized the critical juncture in Germany’s energy transition. He stated, “Germany’s energy transition is at a crossroads — balancing security, affordability, and sustainability. Together with Vattenfall, we are not just witnessing the change; we are driving the solutions that make it reliable, resilient, and accessible for all.”
Catrin Jung, Head of Business Unit Offshore at Vattenfall, highlighted the project’s importance in promoting fossil freedom in Germany. “With Nordlicht, we are staying on course towards fossil freedom — not just by delivering Germany’s largest offshore wind farm, but by making a significant investment that supports the decarbonisation of industry and strengthens the foundation for a clean and reliable energy system.”
Notably, parts of the Nordlicht 1 turbine towers will be constructed using low-emission steel, which is expected to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the towers by 16%. This innovation aligns with broader industry trends; according to the Global Wind Energy Council, the wind sector is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 1.8 billion tonnes annually by 2030.
The Nordlicht wind farm area, situated 85 kilometers north of the island of Borkum, encompasses two separate locations: Nordlicht 1 and Nordlicht 2. Vestas and Vattenfall previously signed a conditional order agreement in June 2024 for both locations, marking a significant step forward in Germany’s renewable energy landscape.
Construction on Nordlicht 1 is slated to begin in 2026, with turbine installations planned for 2027 and commissioning set for 2028. This timeline highlights a proactive approach to meeting Germany’s ambitious energy goals, which aim for a substantial increase in renewable energy sources by 2030.
The Nordlicht 1 project is a pivotal development in Germany’s commitment to renewable energy, showcasing how partnerships in the wind industry can lead to innovative solutions and significant environmental benefits.
