Ceremonial Commencement: Steel Sparks Signal Strategic Start

Amprion, the German transmission system operator, has officially launched production for its groundbreaking offshore converter platforms BalWin1 & BalWin2. The announcement was made amid the bright flash of steel-cutting ceremonies held at two prominent European shipyards, Dragados Offshore in Spain & Meyer Werft in Germany. The ceremony marked the first tangible milestone in constructing one of Europe’s most ambitious offshore grid connection projects, each capable of transmitting 2,000 megawatts.

Gigawatt Giantism: Pioneering Platforms Push Power Parameters

BalWin1 & BalWin2 represent a technological leap in offshore electricity transmission. At 2 GW each, the platforms will more than double the capacity of earlier offshore connections. Their massive topsides, weighing approximately 56,500 metric tons including substructures, will be among the largest ever built for Europe’s offshore energy transition. This scale reflects not only growing renewable energy ambitions but also the maturity of offshore infrastructure as a critical part of continental decarbonization.

Collaborative Convergence: Continental Conglomerates Combine Capabilities

The project’s execution involves a triad of European industrial leaders: Dragados Offshore, Siemens Energy & Meyer Werft. Commissioned by Amprion in 2023, Dragados & Siemens are managing core construction and engineering. Meanwhile, Meyer Werft, better known for building world-class cruise liners, is handling much of the steelwork for the platform topsides. Together, these firms exemplify what project leaders have called a "paragon of pan-European cooperation," blending capacity, craftsmanship & coordination.

Strategic Synergy: States Signal Sovereign Support

The steel-cutting celebration was attended by officials from Germany’s Ministry of Environment (Lower Saxony) & Ministry of Economy (North Rhine-Westphalia), reinforcing the regional and national significance of the initiative. BalWin1 will connect to Wehrendorf in Lower Saxony, while BalWin2 will link offshore wind farms directly to Westerkappeln in North Rhine-Westphalia, marking the first time an offshore grid feeds directly into this federal state. This dual-state cooperation highlights the political commitment to energy autonomy & transition.

Electrifying Endeavour: Elaborate Engineering Embraces the Earth & Sea

Each platform is part of a hybrid land-sea transmission network. Subsea cables will stretch 155 km (BalWin1) and 165 km (BalWin2) from wind farms across the North Sea, tunneling under the island of Norderney before reaching the German coast at Hilgenriedersiel. On land, another 205 km (BalWin1) and 215 km (BalWin2) of underground cables will transport power to the mainland grid. This intricate integration of marine & terrestrial routes underscores the complexity of building Europe’s green backbone.

Technological Triumph: Topology Transformed by Transmission Technology

The platform designs incorporate the latest in high-voltage direct current technology, essential for transporting electricity across long distances with minimal losses. HVDC is particularly suited for offshore wind integration, enabling higher efficiency, reduced environmental impact & improved grid stability. These platforms, named BalWin alpha & BalWin beta, will convert alternating current generated by turbines into direct current, then revert it back onshore, ensuring clean power reaches millions efficiently.

Economic Empowerment: Energy Infrastructure Energizes Employment

Beyond climate targets, BalWin1 & BalWin2 offer economic stimulus across Europe. Around 32,000 metric tons of steelwork have been delegated to Meyer Werft alone, generating skilled employment in Germany. The broader construction effort is expected to support thousands of jobs across engineering, logistics & marine sectors. According to Amprion, the projects' scale necessitates not only domestic capacity but broader continental coordination, urging continued investment in Europe’s industrial ecosystem.

Pan-European Paradigm: Project Proclaims Policy Progression

BalWin1 & BalWin2 are not isolated efforts but part of Germany’s integrated grid expansion and the EU’s overarching offshore renewable energy strategy. By synchronizing national and European efforts, the project sets a precedent for transnational infrastructure ventures. Leaders at Amprion stressed the need to “think European” to meet future demand, ensure sovereign energy production, and fortify value creation across borders, essential ambitions amid geopolitical and environmental uncertainties.

Key Takeaways

• Amprion’s BalWin1 & BalWin2 platforms will transmit 4,000 MW collectively, powering ~8 million people.

• The project involves over 56,500 metric tons of platform structures and 420+ km of cable routes.

• Built through a tri-national partnership, the platforms exemplify strategic European cooperation in offshore energy.