Vattenfall, EWE, and RWE have kicked off the qualification phase for the decommissioning of Alpha Ventus, setting wheels in motion for the retirement of Germany’s first offshore wind farm.
The wind farm was commissioned in 2010 and is located roughly 45 km north of Borkum Island in the North Sea. With Vattenfall confirming plans to decommission the site by May 2025, the consortium is now searching for contractors to undertake the complex removal of the wind farm’s components.
The scope of the contract covers the removal of all 12 wind turbines and their foundations—including six jacket and six tripod foundations – as well as the offshore substation topside and jacket.
Contractors will be responsible for the subsea cable recovery, dismantling, and recycling of all components, as well as transporting everything to shore. The project will also entail cutting the export cable at the offshore substation and removing scour protection.
Two decommissioning options have been put forward. One is the partial pile removal via mechanical separation, while the other entails full pile extraction using methods such as vibrohammer. The deal also involves the onshore disposal or recycling of components, temporary storage, logistics, and harbour support services.
Work is slated to commence in 2027 but could also begin in 2028, with the contract valued at around €50m ($59m). Invitations to tender are expected in March 2026.
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