RWE has emerged as the leading bidder in Germany’s latest offshore wind auction, securing two key sites, N-9.1 and N-9.2, in the German North Sea. These sites, located approximately 110 to 115 kilometres north-west of the island of Borkum near the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone, have a combined potential to accommodate 4,000 megawatts of offshore wind capacity. RWE has committed €250 million for these prime locations and is exploring a partnership with TotalEnergies to develop these projects.

RWE’s success in this auction further solidifies its position as a major player in Germany’s energy transition. According to Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, offshore wind is a critical element of both Germany’s energy strategy and RWE’s Growing Green strategy. With these new acquisitions, RWE plans to significantly expand its already substantial offshore wind portfolio in Germany, possibly in collaboration with TotalEnergies.

The sites will undergo a rigorous planning and development process, with investment decisions anticipated by 2027 for N-9.1 and by 2028 for N-9.2. Offshore construction is expected to commence in 2029 and 2030, with full commissioning slated for 2031 and 2032, respectively. This timeline aligns with the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency’s (BSH) grid connection plans, ensuring that the projects will be integrated into Germany’s energy network as scheduled.

The August 2024 auction included three sites—N-9.1, N-9.2, and N-9.3—offering a total of 5,500 megawatts of offshore wind capacity. The BSH conducted preliminary studies on these sites, providing essential data on marine conditions, subsoil characteristics, and wind and oceanographic conditions. This information will form the basis for RWE’s detailed planning, enabling the company to optimise the development of these wind farms.

RWE’s existing portfolio includes 19 offshore wind farms, six of which are located off the German coast. The company is currently expanding its global offshore wind footprint with several significant projects, including the 1.4 GW Sofia offshore wind farm in the UK, the 1.1 GW Thor offshore project in Denmark, and the 795 MW OranjeWind offshore wind farm in the Netherlands, which is also in partnership with TotalEnergies. In Germany, RWE is developing the Nordseecluster, a 1.6 GW project north of the island of Juist. By 2030, RWE aims to triple its global offshore wind capacity from 3.3 GW to 10 GW.

Offshore wind in the German North Sea: A cornerstone of energy transition

Germany’s ambitious energy transition relies heavily on offshore wind, with the North Sea playing a pivotal role in achieving the country’s renewable energy targets. The successful auction of sites N-9.1 and N-9.2 underscores the strategic importance of this region in Europe’s renewable energy landscape.

The future of offshore wind

Energy experts believe that RWE’s strategic acquisitions will position the company as a leader in the global offshore wind market. With partnerships like the potential collaboration with TotalEnergies, RWE is set to play a crucial role in Europe’s push towards a sustainable energy future. The integration of advanced technologies and the comprehensive data provided by the BSH will likely streamline the development process, leading to efficient and effective deployment of these offshore projects.

  Borkum, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, German Federal Network Agency, Germany, North Sea, offshore wind, RWE, TotalEnergies