EnBW Energie Baden-Wรผrttemberg (EnBW) has officially completed the installation of all 64 wind turbines at the 960MW He Dreiht offshore wind farm located in the German North Sea. Danish turbine manufacturer Vestas delivered and installed the turbines, each featuring a 15MW output capacity.
Situated approximately 85km northwest of Borkum and 110km west of Heligoland, the offshore wind farm represents a significant advancement in renewable power generation infrastructure. Technical and electrical commissioning work is scheduled to continue over the coming weeks, with EnBW expecting the site to achieve full operational capability by late summer. Meanwhile, Vestas is investigating following the discovery of damage to a rotor blade in late July.
Operational Capacity and Energy Output Details
Upon final completion, the project will hold the capacity to supply clean electricity to an estimated 1.1 million households. Most of the electricity generated at the installation has already been secured through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), while EnBW continues active negotiations with potential buyers for the remaining output. Notably, EnBW signed a 15-year PPA with Google in February this year to supply 100MW of clean electricity directly from the facility.
EnBW board member for sustainable generation infrastructure Peter Heydecker said: โWe have reached another important milestone at He Dreiht following the completion of the wind turbine installation work. โOffshore wind is a domestic, renewable energy source that can generate considerable amounts of electricity for many hours a year, thus playing a key role in maintaining security of supply and decarbonising the electricity system. โAs our largest offshore project to date, He Dreiht reflects our continued commitment to expanding renewable energy and advancing our generation portfolio toward climate neutrality.โ
Subsidyless Financial Model and Corporate Governance
Developed entirely without state funding, the major renewable asset represents a total investment of approximately โฌ2.4bn ($2.77bn). EnBW retains a controlling 50.1% stake in the development, while a consortium comprising Allianz Global Investors, AIP Management, and Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) holds the remaining 49.9% stake.
Operational coordination for the development remains managed directly through EnBWโs dedicated offshore office in Hamburg. Subsequent phases for the project will encompass final technical checks and comprehensive commissioning activities prior to entering full commercial operation later in the year.