Gode Wind 3 begins commercial operations, expanding Germany’s offshore wind capacity

The Gode Wind 3 Offshore Wind Farm, jointly developed by Ørsted and Nuveen Infrastructure, has officially begun commercial operations, delivering renewable energy capable of powering approximately 250,000 households in Germany. The completion of this project marks another significant step in Germany’s transition towards a greener energy future.

Following the final phase of offshore construction and commissioning, the wind farm was fully commissioned on 28 February 2025. With an installed capacity of 253 megawatts (MW), Gode Wind 3 strengthens Ørsted’s position as a market leader in Germany’s offshore wind sector. The company now operates nearly 20% of the country’s total offshore wind capacity, supplying renewable power to an estimated 1.6 million households.

Nuveen Infrastructure, a leading global infrastructure investment manager with more than USD 30 billion in assets under management, has played a crucial role in the project’s success. Across its 7.6-gigawatt (GW) renewable energy portfolio, the firm contributes to supplying over four million homes with clean electricity.

What Role Does Offshore Wind Play in Germany’s Energy Transition?

Germany’s energy transition, or Energiewende, has placed offshore wind power at the center of its renewable energy strategy. The country aims to phase out coal and nuclear power while increasing its reliance on wind, solar, and other renewable sources. Offshore wind farms such as Gode Wind 3 play a critical role in ensuring a stable, large-scale supply of green energy.

Experts in the renewable energy sector emphasise that offshore wind remains one of the most efficient and scalable solutions for decarbonising the energy grid. By harnessing strong and consistent wind speeds at sea, offshore projects can generate more power than their onshore counterparts. With Gode Wind 3’s completion and the upcoming Borkum Riffgrund 3 project—set to add 913 MW in 2026—Germany’s offshore wind capacity is on track for further expansion.

What Makes Gode Wind 3 a Technological Milestone?

Gode Wind 3 incorporates advanced wind turbine technology designed to maximise efficiency and energy output. The wind farm features 23 turbines manufactured by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, each with a capacity of 11 MW. These turbines, with a rotor diameter of 200 metres, represent the largest operational wind turbines in German waters.

Compared to earlier 8 MW turbine models, the new generation of turbines delivers an increased annual energy yield of up to 40%. This enhanced efficiency not only contributes to Germany’s renewable energy targets but also improves the overall economic viability of offshore wind projects.

The electricity generated at Gode Wind 3 is transmitted through the project’s offshore substation and a converter station managed by TenneT, the German transmission system operator. The high-voltage electricity then enters the onshore grid in Lower Saxony, ensuring seamless integration into Germany’s power supply.

How Does Ørsted Plan to Expand Its Offshore Wind Portfolio?

Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind development, has steadily expanded its renewable energy footprint in Germany. Gode Wind 3 marks the company’s fifth operational offshore wind farm in the German North Sea, reinforcing its commitment to large-scale clean energy production.

The company’s next major offshore wind project, Borkum Riffgrund 3, is scheduled to come online in 2026. With an expected capacity of 913 MW, this wind farm will further boost Germany’s renewable energy supply. Ørsted’s strategic focus remains on developing projects that support national climate goals while delivering cost-effective and sustainable electricity.

The commercial operation of Gode Wind 3 also highlights the growing collaboration between public and private stakeholders in Germany’s renewable energy sector. With increasing policy support and investment in offshore wind infrastructure, Germany is expected to continue its leadership in European renewable energy development.

What Economic and Environmental Benefits Will Gode Wind 3 Deliver?

Beyond increasing Germany’s renewable energy supply, Gode Wind 3 is set to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits. The project has contributed to job creation in the offshore wind industry, supporting engineering, manufacturing, and operational roles.

From an environmental perspective, offshore wind farms like Gode Wind 3 help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality. By producing homegrown renewable energy, Germany can enhance its energy security while mitigating the impact of global energy price fluctuations.

Moreover, Ørsted will receive a weighted average price of EUR 81 per megawatt-hour (MWh) for electricity produced at Gode Wind 3, ensuring a stable financial return on investment. This revenue model supports continued offshore wind development and attracts further capital into the sector.

What’s Next for Germany’s Offshore Wind Industry?

Germany’s offshore wind sector is poised for continued expansion, driven by ambitious national renewable energy targets and growing private-sector investment. The German government aims to install at least 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, with further increases planned for 2045.

Projects such as Gode Wind 3 demonstrate the viability of large-scale offshore wind development, setting a precedent for future investments. As technology advances and costs decline, offshore wind is expected to play an even greater role in Germany’s transition to a carbon-neutral economy.

With Gode Wind 3 now fully operational, Ørsted and Nuveen Infrastructure have reinforced their positions as key players in the offshore wind industry. Their successful collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating the shift to sustainable energy.

As the industry continues to scale up, offshore wind farms will remain at the heart of Germany’s efforts to achieve a cleaner, more resilient energy future.