50Hertz, the transmission system operator for eastern Germany, has awarded the Ostwind 4 project to a consortium consisting of GE Vernova and Drydocks World. This initiative involves the design, construction, and commissioning of a pioneering high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) electric transmission system, which will be the first of its kind in the German Baltic Sea. With a capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW), Ostwind 4 aims to integrate offshore wind farms located northeast of Rügen island into the German power grid. The project will entail the creation of both an offshore converter platform and an onshore converter station, marking a significant advancement in renewable energy infrastructure that employs 525-kV HVDC technology, which is capable of transporting larger amounts of electrical power over longer distances with reduced transmission losses compared to traditional alternating current (AC) systems.
The Ostwind 4 project site was secured by Total Energies during an auction and is strategically placed on the edge of the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The delivery of electricity will involve a subsea cable stretching approximately 110 kilometers (km) from the offshore converter to Lubmin, followed by a 4 km underground cable leading to the counter-converter substation in the municipality of Brünzow. At this point, the direct current (DC) will be converted back to alternating current (AC) for integration into the broader 50Hertz extra-high-voltage transmission grid, ensuring effective distribution of energy harvested from offshore wind resources. The contract for the subsea and underground cable production and installation was awarded to the Danish company NKT in 2023, emphasizing the collaborative effort necessary for the successful implementation of this ambitious renewable energy project.
The GE Vernova and Drydocks World consortium will oversee the construction of the offshore converter platform and the onshore converter station. GE Vernova, as the leading entity in the consortium, will provide advanced HVDC technology components, including voltage-sourced converters (VSC), high-voltage transformers, air-core reactors, and innovative g3 gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). The g3 insulating gas utilized in this project is a greener alternative to traditional sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), boasting a dramatically lower global warming potential, which aligns with contemporary sustainability goals. Civil works at the onshore site and the implementation of grid automation telecommunications equipment will be managed by GE Vernova, leveraging expertise from their new HVDC Competence Center in Berlin. Drydocks World will be responsible for engineering, procurement, and the construction of the converter station’s structural components, with fabrication occurring at their facility in Dubai.
The establishment of Ostwind 4 is seen as a leading-edge advancement in wind energy utilization within the Baltic Sea region. This initiative is recognized as pioneering work within the renewable energy sector, given its capacity to harness and effectively transmit offshore wind energy directly to the German grid, aligning with initiatives for broader energy integration across national borders. Stefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz, emphasizes the need for innovative thinking and regulatory frameworks that facilitate the interconnection of wind farms in other European Union countries to ensure comprehensive utilization of the Baltic Sea’s offshore wind potential.
Highlighting Germany’s ambitious energy transition framework, GE Vernova notes that the country aims to completely phase out coal by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. The climate strategy encourages a shift towards renewable energy sources, with a target of 80% of the electricity supply coming from renewables by 2030. Projects like Ostwind 4 play a crucial role in realizing these targets by promoting the effective transfer of renewable energy from offshore wind installations to the central power grid and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. GE Vernova considers Ostwind 4 a critical milestone in advancing electrification efforts and contributing to global decarbonization objectives.
The collaborative efforts of GE Vernova and Drydocks World in the Ostwind 4 project epitomize a commitment to advancing infrastructure that supports sustainable energy practices. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, underscores their dedication to facilitating clean energy transitions through innovative and strategic initiatives. With advancements in HVDC technology, the project not only emphasizes efficient power transmission but also operational reliability at significant distances. The partnership is poised to set new standards for renewable energy projects, driving efforts towards a sustainable energy future while enhancing energy security for Europe. As industry leaders come together to share their insights, the Ostwind 4 project serves as a template for future offshore wind developments.
