Vattenfall has taken a landmark step in Europe’s energy transition by giving final investment approval for what will become Germany’s largest offshore wind project, a move expected to significantly strengthen the country’s renewable electricity supply and industrial competitiveness. The project, located in the German North Sea, combines two major wind farms — Nordlicht 1 and Nordlicht 2 — with a total capacity of around 1.6 GW, enough to power more than 1.7 million households once fully operational.
Construction Timeline and Technology
Construction of the Nordlicht offshore cluster is scheduled to begin in 2026, with first power expected by 2028. The wind farms will deploy more than 110 next-generation turbines, each exceeding 15 MW capacity, reflecting the rapid scaling of offshore turbine technology. Vattenfall has confirmed long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with major industrial customers, ensuring price stability while reducing their carbon footprint.
The project will be supported by Germany’s offshore grid expansion programme, including new high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connections to bring clean power from the North Sea to industrial hubs in northern and western Germany.
Economic and Climate Impact
With a total investment estimated at €6.5 billion, the Nordlicht project is set to generate thousands of jobs across turbine manufacturing, marine engineering, port logistics, and grid infrastructure. Vattenfall expects the wind farms to avoid nearly 3 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, directly contributing to Germany’s target of achieving at least 80% renewable electricity by 2030.
The decision also comes as Europe looks to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and stabilise electricity prices after recent energy market volatility.
Strategic Importance for Germany
Industry analysts say the Nordlicht cluster will play a pivotal role in securing Germany’s future power supply, especially as coal and nuclear plants are phased out. By locking in one of the continent’s largest offshore wind investments, Vattenfall is positioning Germany as a leading offshore wind hub in Europe, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a clean-energy manufacturing and export powerhouse.
