Steel cutting has begun for the BalWin1 offshore wind grid connection, marking the start of construction on one of the world’s first 2-gigawatt (GW) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) platforms.
The BalWin1 project is part of a broader initiative to connect wind energy generated in the North Sea to Germany’s power transmission network. Alongside BalWin2, the BalWin1 system will transport electricity into the grid operated by Amprion, one of Germany’s major transmission system operators.
The grid connection point for BalWin1 is located in Wehrendorf, in the southern Osnabrück region. Subsea cables for both BalWin1 and BalWin2 will follow a largely parallel route across the North Sea, passing through the mudflats near Norderney and continuing inland from Hilgenriedersiel to their respective destinations.
Spanish engineering company Dragados Offshore hosted the steel-cutting ceremony for the BalWin1 platform. In a statement, the company said: “This milestone represents the beginning of a groundbreaking journey, made possible by the outstanding collaboration between Amprion, Siemens Energy, and Dragados Offshore.”
“Together, we are shaping the future of energy transmission and driving the energy transition forward. A big thank you to everyone involved – this is just the beginning,” the company added.
BalWin1 is expected to play a key role in expanding Germany’s offshore wind infrastructure as the country works toward meeting its long-term renewable energy targets.
