Dutch Firm Van Oord Commences Scour Protection Works at RWE Nordseecluster Offshore Wind Farm
Dutch offshore installation company Van Oord has initiated scour protection works at the RWE Nordseecluster offshore wind farm, marking the beginning of offshore construction for the first phase of the 1.6GW project.
The scour protection is essential to provide full protection for the monopiles that will be installed later this year, ensuring the stability and longevity of the wind farm structures.
Van Oord is carrying out the scour protection works using its flexible fallpipe vessel, Stornes. Equipped with a dynamic positioning system, a flexible fallpipe, and in-house developed ROV technology, the vessel ensures precise and efficient installation even at greater water depths.
Following the scour protection works, Van Oord plans to deploy its state-of-the-art offshore installation vessel, Boreas, to undertake the foundation installation for the wind farm.
RWE Nordseecluster Offshore Wind Project Details
The RWE Nordseecluster offshore wind project, developed by RWE, comprises two phases – Nordseecluster A and Nordseecluster B. Nordseecluster A will have a capacity of 660MW, with commissioning slated for 2027, while Nordseecluster B will add an additional 900MW, expected to come online in 2029.
When complete, the project will feature a total of 44 wind turbines for Nordseecluster A, to be erected in 2026 and fully connected to the grid by early 2027. Nordseecluster B will introduce an additional 60 wind turbines to the site.
Vestas has been selected to supply its V236-15.0 MW offshore wind turbines for the Nordseecluster project, ensuring high efficiency and reliable power generation capabilities.
Once operational, the Nordseecluster offshore wind farm will generate sustainable electricity to power approximately 1.6 million households, contributing significantly to Germany’s renewable energy goals and reducing carbon emissions.
With Van Oord’s expertise in offshore installations and the progress made on the scour protection works, the RWE Nordseecluster project is well on its way to becoming a key player in the transition to clean energy in the region.