Ostwind 4 connects Baltic wind farms to Germany’s grid with cutting-edge HVDC tech, advancing renewable energy through global collaboration and innovation
50Hertz, the Transmission System Operator for eastern Germany, including Berlin and Hamburg, has awarded the project and installation of Ostwind 4.
Germany currently has 1,602 offshore wind turbines with a total capacity of 8.9GW, the goal is to have a total capacity of 30 GW by 2030.
In 2023, wind energy had the largest share in German electricity production, ahead of brown coal and other energy sources.
Drydocks World, a DP World company, is partnering with GE Vernova, to secure a landmark project to build and install a 2 gigawatt (GW) offshore wind grid connection, furthering Germany’s wind journey to power nearly two million German households.
What is Ostwind 4?
Ostwind 4 will connect Baltic sea wind farms to the national grid via cutting-edge High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology.
WHAT IS THE BALTIC?
- The Baltic refers to the countries that have shorelines along the Baltic Sea: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden.
- The Baltic Sea Coast (Ostseeküste) of Germany is a vacation region located in the northern federal states of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
This means that Germany’s first deployment, in the Baltic, will consist of a 525 kilovolts HVDC transmission system.
Located 30 kilometers northeast of Rügen Island, the project includes the construction of offshore and onshore converter stations and a 110-kilometer DC cable system, linking land and sea.
Stefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz Transmission, comments: “The awarding of the contract to GE Vernova and Drydock World marks the beginning of a new chapter in the use of wind energy in the Baltic Sea. 50Hertz is the first transmission system operator to deploy 2 GW / 525 kV technology in this sea area. This is pioneering work.
“We want to ensure that the entirety of the technically and economically viable offshore wind energy potential in the Baltic Sea is exploited, primarily with the help of direct current technology. To do this, we need to think and act in an even more networked way across national borders.
“One prerequisite for this is the creation of legal and regulatory conditions that enable wind farms in the waters of other EU states to be connected to the German transmission grid.”
Where does the partnership come in?
Each company plays its own part when it comes to the building and installation of Ostwind 4.
Drydocks World will manage the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of the wind energy converter stations topsides and jacket structures.
The topside, manufactured in Drydocks World’s Dubai facility, will integrate advanced equipment designed and manufactured in Europe.
Once completed, the topside platform will be transported and installed in German waters.
Captain Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, explains: “The Ostwind 4 project exemplifies the power of international collaboration in advancing renewable energy solutions. Drydocks World is honoured to support Germany’s transition to sustainable energy by delivering cutting-edge offshore infrastructure that embodies engineering excellence and environmental stewardship.
“This achievement reaffirms our unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, setting new benchmarks for offshore wind projects and supporting global efforts to build a greener future.”
GE Vernova will play its part by supplying the HVDC technology which will include:
- Voltage-Sourced Converters (VSC)
- Transformers
- SF6-free gas insulated switchgear
- Civil works for the onshore converter station
- Grid automation equipment.
Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification business, comments: “Ostwind 4 represents a crucial milestone in our mission to electrify and decarbonise with the energy to change the world.
“By leveraging our advanced HVDC technology, this key infrastructure project underscores the essential role of offshore wind to ensure European energy security and to accelerate the global energy transition.
“This order also highlights the rapid growth in GE Vernova’s Electrification segment, our fastest growing business, as our customers invest in the grid.
“We are very proud to collaborate with 50Hertz and Drydocks World to advance Germany’s renewable energy goals and set a new standard for a resilient and sustainable grid infrastructure.”
DP World’s sustainability projects
DP World has the slogan “Our World, Our Future” when it comes to projects, ensuring that it operates responsible business, prioritises sustainability and impact on people, environment and communities.
DP World show how versatile sustainability is, the company has delved in many different projects to show how green it really is, a few being:
- Water conservation: The DP World Tour Championship banned plastic water bottles, installed free water walls and introduced waterless urinals – saving over 120,000 500ml bottles and 20 million litres of water
- Emissions reduction: The company is transitioning to electric machinery, saving approximately 10,000 litres of diesel and embracing solar lighting to reduce energy usage by 30%
- Green energy: DP World London Gateway terminal moved to 100% green energy sources in 2019
- Hybrid technology: The company upgraded its straddle carrier fleet with hybrid electric machines, reducing NOx emissions by half
- Waterway cleaning: In collaboration with Hampshire Wildlife Trust, DP World funded the installation of two sea-bins to combat plastic pollution in local waterways
- Green charter: DP World Southampton introduced a ‘green charge’ on older trucks to reduce emissions, supporting the city’s vision for a cleaner environment
- Climate resilience: The company is assessing potential climate impacts across 50 ports and terminals in its global portfolio.
Drydocks World is a key player in the race against climate change, setting new standards in the maritime industry worldwide.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said: “Drydocks World’s pivotal role in the Ostwind 4 Project underscores its technical excellence and commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure.
This award reflects DP World’s broader mission to drive clean energy transitions and economic growth. As the global energy landscape evolves, we remain dedicated to leveraging our expertise and innovative capabilities to support initiatives that drive clean energy transitions and economic development.”
The Ostwind 4 project exemplifies the transformative potential of international collaboration and cutting-edge technology in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Partnerships like those between 50Hertz, GE Vernova and Drydocks World showcase the pivotal role of innovation in accelerating the global energy transition.
As this project progresses, it not only supports Germany’s sustainable energy goals but also inspires similar efforts worldwide, advancing the vision of a cleaner, greener future for all.
