Nordseecluster Substations Completed in France

Why It Matters

The ready‑to‑install substations accelerate Nordseecluster’s timeline, reinforcing Europe’s offshore wind capacity growth and showcasing French shipbuilding expertise in large‑scale renewable infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• Two 1,800‑2,500‑tonne substations ready for installation
• Substations will boost Nordseecluster A to 660 MW capacity
• RWE and Norges Bank each hold majority stakes
• Foundations already installed, enabling swift offshore integration
• Installation slated for late February, eight‑day barge transit

Pulse Analysis

Europe’s offshore wind market is entering a phase of rapid scaling, and the Nordseecluster project exemplifies this momentum. By completing two of the world’s heaviest offshore substations in France, Chantiers de l’Atlantique demonstrates the shipyard’s capacity to deliver critical grid‑link components at unprecedented size. These substations are pivotal for converting the raw output of 660 MW of turbines into high‑voltage electricity, a step that mitigates transmission losses and aligns with the European Union’s target of 300 GW offshore wind by 2030.

The engineering challenges of transporting and installing 1,800‑tonne and 2,500‑tonne topsides are formidable. An eight‑day barge voyage across the North Sea requires precise weather forecasting, specialized mooring systems, and coordinated marine logistics. Once on‑site, the substations will integrate with pre‑installed foundations, allowing for a streamlined "wedding at sea" operation. Their built‑in remote monitoring and control capabilities reflect a broader industry shift toward digital twins and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs for offshore assets.

From a business perspective, the joint venture between RWE (51 %) and Norges Bank Investment Management (49 %) underscores the growing appetite of institutional investors for renewable infrastructure. The timely delivery bolsters confidence in the project’s financial model, paving the way for Phase B’s additional 900 MW capacity slated for 2029. Moreover, the successful collaboration highlights the strategic role of French shipyards in the global supply chain, positioning them as essential partners for future offshore wind expansions across the North Sea and beyond.

Nordseecluster substations completed in France

Chantiers de l’Atlantique prepares two topsides for North Sea installation · 10 February 2026 · Offshore Wind

A ceremony at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint‑Nazaire has marked the completion of two offshore substations for Phase A of the Nordseecluster wind project off Germany.

The collaboration between RWE, which holds 51 %, and Norges Bank Investment Management, with 49 %, will now see the units depart by the end of the month for an eight‑day barge journey to a site 50 kilometres north of Juist.

The company said each topside measures about 40 metres in length and 22 metres in height, with weights of roughly 1 800 tonnes and 2 500 tonnes, and that foundations for both structures are already installed.

RWE added that the substations will collect electricity, increase voltage and transmit power to the grid operator’s converter station while also enabling remote monitoring and control.

Nordseecluster A has 660 MW and is due online in early 2027, while Nordseecluster B will add 900 MW from 2029.

“It is impressive to see these two large topsides ready for installation in the German North Sea.” – Tobias Keitel, Chief Technology Officer, RWE Offshore Wind

“With the foundations already in place, everything is prepared for the upcoming ‘wedding at sea’ — the moment when the topsides are successfully installed on the foundations.” – Tobias Keitel

“We would like to thank RWE for their confidence in us.” – Frédéric Grizaud, Senior Vice President, Marine Renewable Energies Business Unit, Chantiers de l’Atlantique

“Delivering two offshore substations simultaneously is a major achievement for our teams and reflects both their commitment and technical expertise.” – Frédéric Grizaud