First Power From Germany’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm Using 15 MW Turbines – The Maritime Executive

Report on the He Dreiht Offshore Wind Farm and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Project Overview and Contribution to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

The He Dreiht project, Germany’s largest offshore wind farm to date, has achieved a significant operational milestone by generating and delivering its first kilowatt-hour of electricity on November 25. This marks the commencement of the turbine commissioning process and a major step forward in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The project is a cornerstone of operator EnBW’s strategy to transition its generation portfolio to 80 percent renewable energies by 2028, directly supporting the global target to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.

• Operator: EnBW
• Location: North Sea, approximately 85 kilometers northwest of Borkim
• Total Turbines: 64
• Investment: €2.4 billion
• Key Objective: To increase clean energy generation and facilitate the phase-out of coal power, in line with SDG 7 targets.

Technological Innovation and Support for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)

He Dreiht is the first project globally to deploy the advanced 15 MW turbines from Vestas, representing a landmark achievement in sustainable infrastructure and technological innovation, central to SDG 9. This new turbine technology sets a new standard in offshore wind power, significantly increasing energy yield per unit and reshaping the economic viability of offshore wind projects. The advancement in turbine efficiency contributes directly to building resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

• Turbine Model: Vestas 15 MW
• Rotor Diameter: 236 meters
• Swept Area: 43,742 square meters per revolution
• Hub Height: 142 meters
• Performance: A single rotation can supply the equivalent of four households with electricity for a full day, showcasing a dramatic improvement over the 2.3 MW turbines used 15 years prior.

Climate Action and Economic Impact (SDG 13 & SDG 8)

By generating large-scale, zero-emission electricity, the He Dreiht wind farm is a critical asset in the fight against climate change, directly addressing the urgent call for Climate Action under SDG 13. The project’s total investment of €2.4 billion, proceeding without state funding, underscores the economic viability of renewable energy and promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth as outlined in SDG 8. This demonstrates that climate action and economic development can be pursued concurrently through strategic investments in green technology.

Strategic Partnerships and Project Status (SDG 17)

The successful financing and development of the He Dreiht project exemplifies the importance of partnerships, a core principle of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The project is supported by a consortium of investors who collectively own 49.9 percent of the shares, showcasing a successful model for mobilizing private capital for large-scale sustainable development projects.

1. Allianz Capital Partners
2. AIP
3. Norges Bank Investment Management

As of the latest report, 27 of the 64 wind turbines have been installed and are undergoing commissioning. The internal wind farm cabling was completed in August, and additional turbines are expected to begin supplying power in the coming weeks. Full commissioning for the entire wind farm is scheduled for completion by the summer of 2026.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The article is centered on the construction and commissioning of Germany’s largest offshore wind farm, the “He Dreiht” project. This project directly contributes to increasing the supply of clean and renewable energy. The text explicitly states the project “generated and delivered its first kilowatt-hour of electricity,” highlighting its role in energy production.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The construction of a massive offshore wind farm represents a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure. The article highlights the scale of the project with “64 wind turbines” and a total investment of “€2.4 billion.” Furthermore, it emphasizes innovation by noting the project is the “first to deploy the 15 MW turbines by Vestas,” which are described as a “world first in terms of technology, setting new standards in offshore wind power.”

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The development of renewable energy sources like wind power is a primary strategy for combating climate change. The article connects this project to broader climate goals by mentioning the company’s plan to “phase out coal-powered generation” and shift its portfolio towards renewables. This transition from fossil fuels to clean energy is a direct climate action measure.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The article touches upon the economic aspects of the project, which can drive economic growth. It mentions the significant investment of “€2.4 billion” and notes that the new 15 MW turbine “could reshape offshore wind economics in the North Sea.” This indicates a move towards higher economic productivity through technological upgrading and innovation in the renewable energy sector.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • The entire article is about a new renewable energy project that adds significant capacity to the grid. The company EnBW’s goal of “having 80 percent of its generation portfolio consisting of renewable energies by 2028” is a direct contribution to this target.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

1. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and processes.
   • The He Dreiht wind farm is a new, sustainable energy infrastructure project. The article highlights the adoption of clean and advanced technology by mentioning the deployment of the new “15 MW turbine,” a significant upgrade from the “2.3 MW turbines it installed… 15 years ago.”

SDG 13: Climate Action

1. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • The project is part of a broader corporate and likely national strategy to transition to clean energy. The article explicitly states EnBW’s intention to “phase out coal-powered generation,” which is a key climate change mitigation measure integrated into the company’s planning.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

1. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
   • The article emphasizes the technological leap represented by the 15 MW turbines, which “set new standards in offshore wind power” and enable a “significant increase in energy yield per turbine.” This technological upgrading is presented as a way to “reshape offshore wind economics,” pointing directly to increased productivity and innovation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 7 (Target 7.2)

• Share of renewable energy in the energy mix: The article mentions EnBW’s specific goal of having “80 percent of its generation portfolio consisting of renewable energies by 2028.”
• Renewable energy capacity: The total capacity of the wind farm can be calculated from the data provided: 64 turbines, each with a 15 MW capacity.
• Electricity generation: The article notes the project “generated and delivered its first kilowatt-hour of electricity,” a direct measure of its output.

Indicators for SDG 9 (Target 9.4)

• Investment in clean technology: The article states the “total investment is projected at €2.4 billion,” which serves as a financial indicator for sustainable infrastructure development.
• Adoption of new technology: The deployment of the “15 MW turbine” for the first time is a clear indicator of technological adoption and innovation.

Indicators for SDG 13 (Target 13.2)

• Reduction of fossil fuel reliance: The stated goal to “phase out coal-powered generation” is a direct indicator of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Indicators for SDG 8 (Target 8.2)

• Technological advancement: The article provides a clear metric of progress by comparing the new “15 MW turbines” to the “2.3 MW turbines” used 15 years ago, showing a nearly seven-fold increase in individual turbine capacity.
• Increased efficiency: The statement that the new turbine’s “efficiency and performance enable a significant increase in energy yield per turbine” is an indicator of improved productivity.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: maritime-executive.com