Discover Offshore Wind

Development of offshore projects for Benelux

A strong tailwind for the energy transition

Electricity generated by offshore wind turbines plays an important role in the energy transition. Offshore wind farms can be rolled out on a large scale and relatively quickly, providing sustainable electricity. The North Sea is an ideal location for this, with strong winds and a shallow seabed. Moreover, this technology contributes to energy independence for Belgium and the Netherlands, as it reduces reliance on the import of (fossil) fuels.

RWE is committed to contributing to the development of offshore wind energy in the Netherlands and Belgium. We own a minority stake in the Belgian wind farm C-Power and are currently building the OranjeWind farm off the Dutch coast, together with our partner TotalEnergies.

RWE and Offshore Wind

With more than 20 years of experience across every stage of an offshore wind farm’s lifecycle - from development to construction and operation - the company is one of the world’s leading players in the offshore wind sector. Offshore wind also serves as a key pillar of its Growing Green strategy.

Would you like to know how our colleagues approach their work? Take a look at the episodes of Our Journey Offshore, where Stephanie, Christina, Benjamin, Denim, and Eva share their personal stories and talk about what they value in working at RWE and in the offshore wind sector.

Offshore wind farms in operation

Development of Offshore Wind

Both the Dutch and Belgian governments have set ambitious targets for the rollout of offshore wind farms. This rollout can only happen if certain criteria related to themes like ecology, system integration, and innovation are met.

Ecology

Offshore wind farms have an impact on nature. We aim to minimize negative effects as much as possible. In fact, we are committed to ensuring that wind farms contribute positively to nature. To achieve this, we take specific measures, such as reducing noise pollution for marine mammals during the construction of our wind farms. Underwater, we foster marine life through the use of artificial reefs that encourage biodiversity.

Underwater view of a concrete structure with rectangular pillars, covered in marine life, surrounded by clear blue water.

System integration

With system integration, we aim to create one integrated energy system that is sustainable, reliable, and secure. At our wind farms, we focus on perfectly matching supply and demand. For example, at OranjeWind, we strive to balance generation with electricity demand through a combination of solutions like batteries, electrolysers, and e-boilers. These store electricity when there is a surplus, which can then be utilized during periods of high demand.

An aerial view of hexagonal floating solar panels in the ocean, surrounded by wind turbines.

Innovation and Research

Innovation is key to accelerating the energy transition, and RWE is fully committed to this effort. Through our OranjeWind Knowledge programme, we collaborate with research institutes and knowledge centers, making this knowledge accessible to the market. In addition, we are a partner in the GROW research programme and are exploring offshore hydrogen opportunities, with active involvement in projects such as NortH2 (in Dutch)  and H2opZee.

A hand reaching out to a glowing gear symbol, surrounded by digital icons and networks, representing technology and innovation.

The rollout of offshore wind is essential for the energy future of the Netherlands.

That is why, together with 23 other companies and organizations, we made an appeal to Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth to implement a two-sided CfD (Contract for Difference) for offshore wind in the Netherlands. That way, we can continue building a clean and reliable energy supply together.

Offshore Wind reference projects

OranjeWind wind farm

With this wind farm, RWE has developed a blueprint for the integration of offshore wind farms in the Dutch energy system.

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Galloper wind farm

On the east coast of the UK, we created 700 jobs during the construction phase, in addition to about 60 long-term positions

More on uk-ireland.rwe.com

Sofia wind farm

RWE participates in strategic environmental forums to provide information on technologies and obtain approval

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