Norway’s Aker Solutions has signed a contract with Dragados Offshore to deliver the steel substructure for the 2GW HVDC converter station for the BalWin1 offshore wind grid connection system in Germany.

The HVDC substructures will be fabricated in Aker Solutions’ yard in Verdal, Norway. At its peak, the project will employ over 500 people.

The scope involves procurement, method engineering, and construction of the offshore HVDC converter platform substructures. Preparation for procurement and method engineering will begin immediately, while construction will begin in early 2026, with deliveries in 2028 and 2029.

According to Aker Solutions, the contract also includes an option for the BalWin 2 steel substructure. Its value is estimated to be between NOK 1.5bn and NOK 2.5bn ($133.7m and $223m).

Each of the BalWin 1 and BalWin 2 grid connection systems consists of a 2GW HVDC offshore and onshore substation for the transmission of renewable electrical energy.

Amprion Offshore is the transmission system operator responsible for these systems. The two projects can supply enough electricity to power a major city like Berlin.