Vestas has just inked a monumental deal that could reshape Germany’s offshore wind landscape and accelerate Europe’s energy transition. The Danish wind turbine giant will supply, install, and commission 68 of its cutting-edge V236-15.0 MW turbines for Vattenfall’s Nordlicht 1 offshore wind project in the German North Sea. This isn’t just a business transaction; it’s a bold statement about the future of renewable energy.
The Nordlicht 1 project, located 85km north of the island of Borkum, is set to become Germany’s largest offshore wind farm. With a total capacity of 1,020MW and a grid connection capacity of 980MW, it’s a game-changer. But what’s truly innovative is the excess capacity of 40MW, designed to optimise efficiency and ensure reliable power supply. This is more than just building a wind farm; it’s about reimagining how we generate and distribute electricity.
Vestas and Vattenfall aren’t just partners in this venture; they’re co-drivers of Germany’s energy transition. “Germany’s energy transition is at a crossroads,” said Nils de Baar, President of Vestas Northern and Central Europe. “Together with Vattenfall, we are not just witnessing the change; we are driving the solutions that make it reliable, resilient, and accessible for all.” This isn’t hyperbole; it’s a roadmap for the future.
The project’s timeline is aggressive but achievable. Construction kicks off in 2026, with turbine installation slated for 2027. Nordlicht 1 is expected to be fully operational by 2028. But the real innovation lies in the commitment to sustainability. Vestas and Vattenfall aim to reduce CO₂e emissions throughout the value chain. They’re using low-emission steel for the turbine towers, reducing the carbon footprint by 16%. This steel is made using 100% steel scrap melted in an electric arc furnace powered exclusively by wind energy, lowering the carbon footprint by 66% compared to conventional methods. This isn’t just about building wind turbines; it’s about building a sustainable future.
Catrin Jung, Head of Vattenfall’s offshore business unit, echoed this sentiment. “With Nordlicht, we are staying on course towards fossil freedom,” she said. “Not just by delivering Germany’s largest offshore wind farm, but by making a significant investment that supports the decarbonisation of industry and strengthens the foundation for a clean and reliable energy system.”
This deal isn’t an isolated event. It’s part of a broader trend. In January 2025, Vestas secured a turbine supply order for the second phase of the Tyligulska project in Ukraine, the country’s largest wind energy project. This follows the successful commissioning of the first phase in 2023 and involves the delivery of 64 turbines, contributing to a total capacity of 498MW for both phases. It’s a testament to Vestas’ global reach and commitment to driving the energy transition.
So, what does this mean for the sector? It’s a wake-up call. It’s a challenge to think bigger, to innovate faster, and to collaborate more. It’s a call to action for every player in the energy sector to step up and drive the solutions that make the energy transition reliable, resilient, and accessible for all. The future of energy is here, and it’s blowing in the wind.
