Project Overview

The Nordlicht offshore wind project, situated 85 kilometers north of the island of Borkum in the German North Sea, is Germany’s largest offshore wind farm with a total installed capacity of 1.6 GW. This ambitious project consists of two separate wind farms—Nordlicht 1 with a capacity of 980 MW and Nordlicht 2 with 630 MW—and is set to commence construction in 2026 with full commissioning expected by 2028. The project aims to supply clean energy to approximately 1.7 million households, significantly contributing to Germany’s goal of transitioning to renewable energy sources. PDF Vattenfall and BASF to partner on German offshore wind farms Nordlicht

Strategic Collaboration

The strategic partnership between Vattenfall and BASF for the Nordlicht offshore wind project marks a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector. Vattenfall, a leading player in the energy sector, owns 51% of the project, while BASF, a global chemical company, holds a 49% stake. This collaboration is driven by a shared vision of transitioning to a sustainable energy future and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Vattenfall is responsible for the development and construction of the Nordlicht sites, including planning, engineering, and overseeing the entire construction process. The company’s extensive experience in offshore wind projects, as seen in the Vesterhav projects in Denmark, positions it well to manage the complex logistics and technical aspects of the Nordlicht project.

BASF’s significant stake underscores its commitment to sustainability and innovation. As a key partner, BASF brings expertise in chemical solutions, leveraging technological advancements in materials science and chemical engineering to enhance the efficiency and longevity of the wind turbines and foundations. BASF also supports Vattenfall in achieving its goal of supplying fossil-free electricity to German customers.

The benefits of this strategic alliance are multifaceted. Shared expertise enables both companies to pool their knowledge and resources, leading to more efficient project execution. Resource optimization is another key benefit, allowing Vattenfall and BASF to allocate resources more effectively, reducing costs and enhancing project efficiency. The alliance fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, driving continuous improvement in the offshore wind industry.

The Nordlicht project, built without state subsidies, highlights the economic viability of offshore wind energy. The monopiles, each with a diameter of 10 meters, will provide the structural base for the Nordlicht turbines. CS WIND Offshore will supply the transition pieces to connect the turbines to the monopiles, showcasing their proven track record in offshore wind projects, including their collaboration with Vattenfall on the Vesterhav projects in Denmark.

This collaboration between Vattenfall and BASF is a testament to their shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. By combining their expertise and resources, they are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. Vattenfall and BASF award key contracts for Nordlicht

EEW Special Pipe Constructions

EEW Special Pipe Constructions (EEW SPC) has been awarded the contract for manufacturing the monopile foundations for the Nordlicht project. The monopiles, each with a diameter of 10 meters, will serve as the structural base for the Nordlicht turbines. EEW SPC will process approximately 141,000 tons of steel at its Rostock site to produce these foundations. This is their fifth offshore wind project for Vattenfall, demonstrating their expertise and reliability in the field.

The manufacturing process involves precise steel processing and a meticulous production timeline to ensure the structural integrity and stability of the monopile foundations. The monopiles will be installed at water depths ranging from 36 to 38 meters, providing a stable base for the turbines despite the challenging conditions. EEW SPC’s expertise in manufacturing these foundations contributes significantly to the project’s success, ensuring that the Nordlicht wind farm will be a reliable source of clean energy for the region. Vattenfall and BASF

CS Wind Offshore

CS Wind Offshore plays a pivotal role in the Nordlicht offshore wind project, contributing significantly to its success. The company is responsible for supplying the transition pieces that connect the turbines to the monopiles, ensuring the smooth integration and operation of the wind farm. The manufacturing and installation process of these transition pieces is meticulously designed to withstand the harsh offshore conditions, with a focus on durability and reliability.

The transition pieces are crucial for the structural stability and operational efficiency of the wind turbines within the Nordlicht wind farm. CS Wind Offshore’s expertise in this area is well-documented, having previously collaborated with Vattenfall on the Vesterhav projects in Denmark, demonstrating their proven track record in offshore wind projects. This collaboration highlights the importance of specialized contractors in driving the success of large-scale offshore wind initiatives like Nordlicht, where precision and reliability are paramount. Vattenfall and BASF award key contracts for Nordlicht

DEME and Jan De Nul

DEME and Jan De Nul play pivotal roles in the Nordlicht project, with DEME handling installation services and Jan De Nul supplying critical cable components. DEME’s expertise in offshore wind installations is crucial for the project’s success, as they manage the deployment of essential infrastructure, including monopiles and transition pieces. Their vessel deployment strategies are meticulously designed to ensure precise positioning of these components, minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.

DEME’s vessels are equipped with advanced navigation systems and remote-controlled positioning tools, enabling them to operate in challenging offshore conditions with precision. Additionally, DEME implements robust scour protection measures to safeguard the foundations against erosion and damage from strong currents and waves. These measures include the use of geo-textiles and specialized coatings that enhance the structural integrity of the foundations.

Jan De Nul’s contribution is equally vital, supplying high-quality cables that connect the turbines to the electrical grid. Their cables are designed to withstand the harsh offshore environment, ensuring reliable power transmission. Jan De Nul’s cables are certified for offshore use, meeting stringent industry standards to guarantee safety and performance.

The collaboration between DEME and Jan De Nul is essential for the overall success of the Nordlicht project. Their combined efforts ensure the smooth installation and operation of the wind farm, contributing to the generation of clean energy for Germany. The challenges posed by the offshore environment are significant, but the expertise and dedication of DEME and Jan De Nul are instrumental in overcoming these obstacles. Their work underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in complex engineering projects, highlighting how specialized contractors can drive project success in the renewable energy sector. Vattenfall and BASF award key contracts for Nordlicht