Vattenfall, EWE and RWE have opened the qualification phase for contractors bidding to decommission the 60-MW Alpha Ventus offshore wind farm in the German North Sea, the companies said on Wednesday.
The contract, estimated at about €50 million, covers the removal of all 12 turbine foundations, recovery of inter-array subsea cables, dismantling of the offshore substation — including both topside and foundation — and the recycling of all components.
Work is expected to begin in 2027, although the owners said the schedule could shift into 2028 depending on project conditions.
Commissioned in April 2010 and situated roughly 45 kilometres north of Borkum, Alpha Ventus is Germany’s first offshore wind installation. The site consists of six Adwen M5000 turbines and six Senvion 5-MW units installed on two foundation types.
The three owners confirmed earlier this year that they intend to retire the pioneering facility after more than a decade in operation.
