Germany's Alpha Ventus ventures into deeper water

In the North Sea, 45km off the East Frisian island of Borkum, history is being made. There, spaced over 4sq km of waves in the gusty German Bight, 12 of the largest turbines built to date are fast taking shape as tower sections are lifted on to waiting steel foundations by heavy-lift construction barges.

On track to enter the annals as Germany’s figurehead offshore wind farm, as well as the world’s first to be erected in deep water (that is, 30 metres and deeper), the 60-megawatt (MW) Alpha Ventus is a landmark. It will be distinguished by the many stern tests of construction and operation in this harsh environment. A dozen 100-metre-plus rotors are next in line for installation.

Wind

Germany's Alpha Ventus ventures into deeper water