Baltic Sea Wind Lifts 50Hertz Output

Why It Matters

Accelerated offshore growth bolsters Germany’s energy security, offsets on‑shore declines, and advances EU climate objectives through cross‑border renewable integration.

Key Takeaways

• 5,400 GWh offshore fed into 50Hertz grid 2025.
• Represents ~10% annual generation growth.
• Baltic Eagle (450 MW) now fully operational.
• Windanker 2026, Gennaker 2028 slated for connection.
• Onshore wind fell 2,000 GWh to 33,800 GWh.

Pulse Analysis

The Baltic Sea’s offshore wind surge is reshaping Germany’s power landscape, with 5,400 GWh injected into the 50Hertz grid in 2025—enough to power Leipzig and its environs. This 10 % year‑on‑year rise reflects the broader European push toward large‑scale renewable assets, as policymakers tighten emissions caps and utilities scramble for low‑carbon baseload. By diversifying supply away from weather‑sensitive on‑shore farms, the grid gains resilience, a critical factor as Germany strives to meet its 2030 climate targets.

Key projects underpinning this momentum include the 450 MW Baltic Eagle, now delivering full output via the Ostwind 2 link, and the earlier‑connected 250 MW Arcadis Ost 1. Looking ahead, Iberdrola’s Windanker, slated for late‑2026 commissioning, and Skyborn Renewables’ Gennaker, expected in 2028, will add another gigawatt-plus of capacity. These installations leverage advanced turbine technology and high‑capacity factor sites, reducing levelized cost of electricity and easing integration challenges for transmission operators like 50Hertz.

Despite offshore gains, on‑shore wind output slipped by roughly 2,000 GWh in 2024, underscoring the volatility of inland wind resources. To counterbalance this, 50Hertz is deepening cross‑border collaboration with Denmark’s Energinet, notably through the Bornholm Energy Island initiative, which will channel Danish offshore generation into the German market. Such partnerships not only expand the renewable mix but also foster a more interconnected European grid, positioning the region to meet future demand while curbing reliance on fossil fuels.

Baltic Sea wind lifts 50Hertz output

New farms drive 10 % rise in generation · 9 February 2026 · Offshore Wind

Offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea fed about 5 400 GWh of electricity into the East German extra‑high‑voltage grid via 50Hertz’s connection systems in 2025.

50Hertz said this represents growth of around 10 % year on year and is enough to cover the electricity consumption of Leipzig and its surrounding area.

According to the company, the increase stems from continued expansion off Rügen, with the 450 MW Baltic Eagle project now delivering full output via the Ostwind 2 link following the earlier connection of the 250 MW Arcadis Ost 1 wind farm.

The company noted that offshore yield rose from 4 300 GWh in 2023 to 4 900 GWh in 2024.

Stefan Kapferer, chief executive of 50Hertz, said:

“The Baltic Sea is not only a fantastic holiday destination. Their role in security of supply and climate protection in Germany is becoming increasingly important.”

Kapferer added:

“Iberdrola's Windanker wind farm is scheduled to be commissioned in the second half of 2026, and the largest offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea to date is scheduled to be connected to the grid in 2028 – the Gennaker wind farm projected by Skyborn Renewables.”

He stated:

“In addition, 50Hertz will also provide access to wind power outside German waters in cooperation with its Danish partner Energinet, including through the Bornholm Energy Island joint project.”

While offshore generation increased, 50Hertz said on‑shore wind yield in its area fell by around 2 000 GWh last year to 33 800 GWh due to weather conditions despite additional turbines being built.