Germany's 2-GW Offshore Wind Connector Secures Major Contract for 2034 Launch

A major contract for new offshore converter platforms has been awarded by 50Hertz. The systems will be built primarily in Germany and are set to support the North Sea Connector 2 (NSC2) project. These platforms play a crucial role in transmitting electricity from offshore wind farms to the mainland. The NSC2 project will feature a system with an offshore platform and an onshore station near Schwerin. The offshore converters will be installed in the North Sea, around 200 kilometres west of Sylt. Both platforms will meet the new 2-gigawatt (GW) standard for enhanced capacity.

The main structure of the offshore platform, known as the topside, will be constructed at Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock. Key components for the project will also be manufactured at the same location. Negotiations are currently underway for an additional converter platform of the same scale, with production also planned in Rostock-Warnemünde.

The NSC2 project is expected to enter service by the end of 2034. The converter platforms will enable efficient transmission of wind energy to the grid. Manufacturing in Rostock underlines Germany’s role in advancing offshore energy infrastructure. The project marks a significant step in expanding renewable energy capacity in the North Sea.