GE Vernova secures 2 GW contract for offshore wind connection in the Baltic Sea

The Ostwind 4 project, led by GE Vernova and 50Hertz, introduces 2 GW HVDC technology to connect offshore wind from the Baltic Sea to the German power grid.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

GE Vernova, in partnership with 50Hertz, has secured the Ostwind 4 contract to establish a 2-gigawatt (GW) energy connection in the Baltic Sea. This project, focused on advancing Germany’s renewable infrastructure, aligns with European climate objectives. It leverages advanced high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology to meet the growing demand for green energy.

The connection, located in the Arkona Basin 30 kilometers from Rügen Island, will transport wind-generated electricity to the mainland with minimal losses. Scheduled for completion in 2031, this system is designed to supply energy to nearly two million households.

A transformative project for Germany

Germany, a leader in energy transition, is intensifying efforts to reach 80% renewable energy by 2030. Ostwind 4 represents a strategic advancement, facilitating the integration of offshore wind farms into the national grid. This additional capacity addresses the increasing demand for sustainable energy while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

For 50Hertz, this project is a first in the use of 2 GW and 525-kilovolt HVDC systems in the Baltic Sea. The company sees it as a crucial step toward fully exploiting the offshore wind potential in this strategic region. According to Stefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz, regulatory adaptations are necessary to effectively connect cross-border wind resources to Germany’s grid.

The benefits of HVDC technology

HVDC transmission is essential for optimizing renewable energy integration. Unlike traditional alternating current systems, HVDC technology enables the transportation of large energy volumes over long distances with greater efficiency. This project also incorporates innovative solutions, such as environmentally friendly gas-insulated equipment, reducing the carbon footprint of the energy infrastructure.

Political and economic dimensions

This project reflects European energy ambitions, strengthening infrastructure to meet climate targets while stimulating the local economy through strategic investments. The collaboration between GE Vernova and 50Hertz underscores the need for industrial actors and grid operators to work together to accelerate the energy transition.

SPIE Wind Connect will carry out subsea connections for phase II of the TPC project, a major development in Taiwan’s offshore wind sector with a projected annual capacity of 1,000 GWh.
Envision Energy launches its first project in Turkey in partnership with Yildizlar Group, adding 232 MW to the national wind capacity in Karaman province.
ABO Energy maintains its annual targets despite a drop in half-year profit, relying on cost-cutting measures and early project sales to secure cash flow.
Energiekontor has closed financing for two wind projects in Verden, with a combined 94 MW, with construction starting this year and commissioning scheduled for 2027.
South Korea has rejected all projects using foreign turbines in its 2025 offshore wind auction, marking a strategic shift in favour of local industry and energy security.
The Danish Energy Agency confirmed the rejection of 37 feasibility study permit applications, citing European Union state aid rules and lack of competition.
With an AUD$3 billion investment, ACEN launches one of Tasmania’s largest private projects, aiming for commissioning in 2030 and annual supply for 500,000 households.
In France, a 12.9 MW wind farm financed by local actors has been commissioned in Martigné-Ferchaud, showcasing an unprecedented model of shared governance between citizens, local authorities and public investment companies.
The governors of five states urged the Trump administration to maintain permits for threatened offshore wind projects, citing massive investments and jobs at stake in a nascent industry.
Green Wind Renewables is developing a 450 MW wind farm in the Wheatbelt region of Australia, with up to 75 turbines and an estimated annual output of 1.5 TWh.
German group RWE has commissioned five new power plants in France, adding 83 MW to its portfolio, following repeated successes in tenders organised by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
The 600 MW onshore wind farm in Laos achieves commercial operation four months early, injecting power into Vietnam via a 500 kV interconnection and consolidating an international financing package of $950mn.
Equinor confirms its participation in Ørsted’s capital increase, aiming to maintain its 10% stake and support the financial stability of the Danish group facing headwinds in offshore wind.
Chinese manufacturer Dongfang Electric has installed a 26 MW offshore wind turbine in Shandong province, setting a double world record for power and rotor diameter.
Facing unforeseen cost increases and a tightening regulatory environment, Mitsubishi Corporation is pulling out of three offshore wind projects, casting doubt on Japan's renewable energy ambitions.
With 323 millions USD in cash, Polenergia strengthens its investments in offshore wind, solar and storage, targeting more than 2.3 GW of new energy capacity in Poland.
French group Valorem has commissioned the ViIatti wind complex in Finland, made up of two farms totalling 313 MW and an estimated annual output of 1 TWh.
The Revolution Wind project, already 80% complete, has been halted by the U.S. administration over national security concerns, creating major uncertainty in the sector.
Quebec funds a mobile training unit to address the shortage of wind turbine maintenance technicians, estimated at 400 positions by 2029.
The United States Department of Commerce is assessing the strategic impact of wind turbine imports amid rising tariffs and supply chain tensions.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.