'Windader West' | TSO plans 8GW offshore wind link to Germany's industrial heartland
Amprion intends to build four 2GW grid connections from North Sea to population and industrial centres of North Rhine-Westphalia state slated for commissioning in 2030s
German TSO Amprion plans to build an 8GW energy corridor called ‘Windader West’ to link future North Sea offshore wind farms with industrial and population centres in the country’s North Rhine-Westphalia state.
The project encompasses the creation of four offshore grid connection systems – NOR-15-1, 17-1, 19-1, and 21-1 – which are slated to stretch from North Sea wind arrays as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea and underground cables to grid interconnection points in the bustling Rhein-Ruhr metropolitan region.
The timeline for the project entails the initial transmission of 2GW of offshore-generated power to North Rhine-Westphalia in 2032, followed by the remaining three connections slated to online in 2033, 2034, and 2036.
"'Windader West' brings together four initiatives with a combined transmission capacity of 2GW each,” Amprion Offshore CEO Peter Barth said.
“The transmission systems are part of a new generation of 2GW offshore grid links.
“Amprion plays a pivotal role in efficiently and promptly transitioning the energy system to deliver significant quantities of wind energy to North Rhine-Westphalia."
A primary task in the Windader West project's early stages is determining the optimal route corridor for the underground cable layout, Amprion said, adding it is committed to engaging public stakeholders and local residents in the planning process.
Linus Dahm, Project Spokesperson for the North Rhine-Westphalia segment, said: "Early engagement with all interest groups is of utmost importance to us. This approach enables us to connect with local communities, gather valuable insights, and integrate them into our plans."
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