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First Turbine Installed at Germany’s Borkum Riffgrund 3 Offshore Wind Farm by Ørsted

Germany's Borkum Riffgrund 3 offshore wind farm installed its first Siemens Gamesa SG 11.0-200 DD turbine, marking a milestone towards its 2025 commissioning.
Orsted Borkum Riffgrund 3 first turbine

Germany’s Borkum Riffgrund 3 offshore wind farm has seen the installation of its first Siemens Gamesa SG 11.0-200 DD wind turbine.

This wind farm, located approximately 72 kilometres off the coast of Lower Saxony, will feature a total of 83 Siemens Gamesa wind turbines, each with a rated capacity of 11 MW.

The project’s first wind turbine installation was undertaken by Seaway7’s newbuild Seaway Ventus. The process will be equally shared with Wind Osprey from Cadeler.

Ørsted and Nuveen Infrastructure jointly own Borkum Riffgrund 3. This milestone follows the successful delivery of the first power from the 253 MW Gode Wind 3 offshore wind farm, which the two companies are building simultaneously.

According to Peter Obling, Head of Continental Europe at Ørsted, Borkum Riffgrund 3 is a pioneering project in offshore wind energy and the first offshore wind farm in Germany to exceed 900 MW.

The Gode Wind 3 and Borkum Riffgrund 3 sites are in proximity to Ørsted’s operational offshore wind farms, Borkum Riffgrund 1 and 2, and Gode Wind 1 and 2. The addition of the two new wind farms will nearly double Ørsted’s installed offshore wind capacity in Germany to approximately 2.5 GW.

Ørsted was awarded the rights to build Borkum Riffgrund 3 with bids of EUR 0 per MWh during the German offshore wind auctions in 2017 and 2018, a first for offshore wind.

Upon commissioning of the offshore wind farm in 2025, offtake agreements totalling 786 MW have been established with Amazon (350 MW), BASF (186 MW), Covestro (100 MW), Energie-Handels-Gesellschaft/REWE Group (100 MW), and Google (50 MW).

Felix Gschnell, Programme Director for Borkum Riffgrund 3 and Gode Wind 3, stated that the installation of the first wind turbine represents a significant moment for the project. The team’s focus is now directed towards the safe and timely completion of the project for its operational handover in 2025.

Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024