Germany's 332-MW Nordsee One offshore wind farm installs 1st foundation

Canada-based Northland Power Inc (TSE:NPI) on Wednesday announced the installation of the first foundation for the 332-MW Nordsee One offshore wind project in German waters.

Northland Power holds a stake of 85% in the project, while Germany's RWE Innogy GmbH, a subsidiary of RWE AG (ETR:RWE), owns 15%.

The first steel foundation, or monopile, was installed ahead of schedule on December 15, the Canadian company said. The monopiles, produced by Ambau, are being installed by offshore marine engineering company GeoSea. The installation will continue through the remainder of 2015 and into 2016.

The wind farm, which will consist of 54 Senvion turbines, is expected to go online in 2017 and to generate over 1,300 GWh of electricity per year, equivalent to the needs of 400,000 German households.

Northland Power and RWE reached financial close on the EUR-1.2-billion (USD 1.3bn) project in March. Ten commercial lenders have agreed to provide EUR 840 million in the form of a non-recourse secured construction and term loan and related loan facilities, allowing the partners to launch construction.

(EUR 1.0 = USD 1.094)

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!