wpd and Nordex signing contract for the construction of Germany’s first commercial offshore wind farm

52.5 MW “Baltic I” wind farm to go into operation in 2009

Hamburg.- The first commercial offshore wind farm in Germany is to go into operation in 2009. Planning and operating company wpd and wind turbine manufacturer Nordex have signed an agreement for the delivery of 21 N90/2500 kW turbines. The first turbines in the “Baltic I” project are scheduled for installation in May 2009.



The site is located roughly 13 kilometers to the North of the peninsular of Darß, where the Baltic Sea has a depth of 15 to 19 meters. The turbines will be placed on monopiles to be produced by special subcontractors retained by wpd. Nordex will be responsible for the proper assembly of the wind power systems on these bases as well as the ensuing service.



“We have developed the Baltic I project in an intensive process in conjunction with partners. Thanks also to the support of the state government of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania we have finally been able to secure this crucial pilot project. For this reason, I am particularly pleased that the Nordex turbines are being assembled in Rostock. The basis for construction is formed by the underlying political plans to adjust remuneration in the light of international standards,” explains Dr. Gernot Blanke, a member of wpd AG’s management board. The construction permit required for the project was issued in April 2006.



"This project underscores the outstanding position which Nordex holds as a manufacturer of wind power systems and the potency of its centre of competence for offshore technology in Rostock. Nordex and the city of Rostock will continue to benefit substantially from this global growth market,” said Dr. Otto Ebnet, Minister of Transportation, Construction and State Development.



The N90/2500 series is also in operation at around 500 sites around the world. Accordingly, wpd has opted for a proven multi-megawatt system which was first assembled at sea in 2003. This was followed by a further test system which Nordex assembled off the coast near Rostock at the beginning of last year. “With the Baltic I project, we are able to gain further crucial experience to prepare for offshore business, which will stand us in good stead once this market starts growing in importance in a few years’ time. What is more, this partnership venture confirms our strategies of deploying proven series technology going offshore. We do not want to take any unnecessary risks in offshore projects,” explains Thomas Richterich, CEO of Nordex AG.


About wpd
wpd think energy GmbH & Co KG is a global developer and marketer of renewable energy projects as well as being an operator of renewable energy power stations. It has active subsidiaries in 15 countries and currently employs around 300 employees. wpd Group companies have overseen around 1,200 wind power systems with a total output of 1,750 MW, 8 biogas plants with an output of 11 MW as well as 5 PV projects with a total of 7.4 MWp. In addition, wpd is one of the leading offshore developers, with the first German commercial offshore project – Baltic 1 – to go into operation in 2009.


About Nordex

As one of the technological leaders in multi-megawatt wind power systems, Nordex is benefiting from the trend in favor of large-scale turbines. The range comprises one of the world’s largest series-produced wind power systems (N80/N90/N100 2,500 kW). To date, around 500 turbines of this type have been installed around the world. This experience with multi-megawatt turbines gives Nordex a decisive lead over most of its competitors. Nordex has installed a total of around 3,100 turbines with an aggregate capacity of more than 3,500 MW (November 2007). With exports accounting for more than 80 percent of its business, Nordex AG plays a key role in international high-growth regions. The Company has offices and subsidiaries in 18 countries around the world.