Swedish energy company Vattenfall has successfully removed three unexploded sea mines from World War II in preparation for the Nordlicht offshore wind cluster in the German North Sea.
The mines, each with an explosive force of 200-300 kilograms of TNT, were identified during earlier seabed surveys at the Nordlicht 1 and Nordlicht 2 sites, located 85 kilometers north of the island of Borkum.
Vattenfall verified the objects using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and, after obtaining regulatory approval, conducted controlled detonations in September.
To minimize underwater noise impact, a 90-meter bubble curtain system was deployed to reduce shockwave transmission and protect marine life.
Seven vessels, including support ships, the bubble curtain vessel, and ROV carriers, coordinated the operation. As regulations prohibit simultaneous noise events in the German Bight, the timing was synchronized with other marine construction activities, particularly pile driving by RWE.
Vattenfall made the final investment decision for the Nordlicht 1 and 2 offshore wind farms earlier this year, with UXO removal completed before construction begins in 2026.
Construction at Nordlicht 1 will start first, with turbine installation projected for 2027 and full operation by 2028.
Nordlicht 1 and 2 will feature 112 Vestas V236-15.0 MW wind turbines, with 68 installed in the initial phase.
The 1.6 GW Nordlicht cluster, consisting of the 980 MW Nordlicht 1 and the 630 MW Nordlicht 2, is expected to produce approximately 6 TWh of electricity annually.
Reach the Offshore Wind Industry in One Go!
offshoreWIND.biz is read by thousands of offshore wind professionals every day. Increase your visibility with banners, tell your story with a branded article, and showcase your expertise with a full-page company profile in our offshore wind business directory.
Follow offshoreWIND.biz on:
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz