Skyborn Renewables and German transmission system operator 50Hertz have signed an agreement to commission the 976.5 MW Gennaker offshore wind farm by mid-2028. The project, located in German territorial waters, is a significant step for renewable energy development.
The agreement covers the construction and operation of two offshore substations, OSS Darß and OSS Zingst. These substations are essential for the Gennaker offshore wind farm to operate efficiently.
“The agreement resolves legal and regulatory uncertainties and sets a pioneering precedent for grid connection of an offshore wind farm located in territorial waters,” according to 50Hertz.
The Gennaker wind farm will be the first to use the “territorial waters regulation,” allowing for grid connection following the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) approval. The project is located off the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula, within a 12-nautical-mile zone.
The agreement details responsibilities, payment terms, and operational principles for the two offshore platforms, which will have a combined capacity of up to 927 MW. The platforms will serve both the wind farm and the grid connection system.
Gennaker’s offshore substations are being developed by a consortium including HSM Offshore Energy, Smulders, and Iv, with Allseas managing the transportation and installation. They are currently under construction in the Netherlands.
Once operational, the substations will convert electricity generated by Gennaker to 220 kV high voltage, transmitting it to the Gnewitz substation, 70 to 90 kilometers away. Construction at the Gnewitz site is progressing post-approval.
For the territorial waters section, the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania approved the planning in 2025, allowing work on offshore cable routes and onshore landing activities near Dierhagen. Approval procedures are ongoing, but necessary documents have been submitted.
The project, situated about 15 kilometers north of the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula, will feature 63 Siemens Gamesa 13-236 turbines. Turbine installation is planned for late summer 2027, with full state approval granted in December of the previous year. The agreement between 50Hertz and Skyborn is crucial for commissioning the grid connection system in July 2028.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz