RWE secures planning approval for 900 MW second phase of German North Sea cluster

RWE has received planning permission for Nordseecluster B, the 900 MW second phase of its 1.6 GW offshore wind development in the German North Sea. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with commercial operations expected in early 2029, following the 660 MW first phase already under construction.

RWE has obtained planning permission from the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency for Nordseecluster B, the second phase of its 1.6 GW offshore wind development in the German North Sea, according to an official announcement. The 900 MW phase follows the 660 MW Nordseecluster A, which is already under construction with foundations installed and turbine installation scheduled for summer 2026. RWE is a German multinational energy company with significant offshore wind operations.

The Nordseecluster is located 46 kilometres north of Borkum and 50 kilometres north of Juist, with RWE holding a 51% stake alongside Norges Bank Investment Management (49%). RWE will manage construction and operation throughout the project lifecycle. Nordseecluster A is scheduled for grid connection by early 2027, while Nordseecluster B will see foundation installation in 2027 and turbine installation in 2028, with commercial operations expected in early 2029. Combined annual generation is projected at approximately 6.5 terawatt-hours.

RWE has signed a power purchase agreement with Amazon for 110 MW from Nordseecluster B to support industrial customers' decarbonisation goals. This development matters for the European offshore wind sector, where permitting timelines remain a critical constraint for project development. The approval demonstrates progress in Germany's offshore expansion, which targets significant capacity additions to support industrial electrification and hydrogen production.

For the renewable energy industry, the project adds to RWE's existing portfolio of six German offshore wind farms. Stakeholders including turbine manufacturers, foundation suppliers, and industrial off-takers stand to benefit from the continued pipeline of offshore projects in the North Sea. The PPA with Amazon reflects growing corporate demand for renewable energy in Europe.