The 1.1 GW Thor offshore wind farm off Denmark’s west coast has started operations. On 16 March, soon after the installation of the first turbine, Thor delivered electricity into the Danish grid for the first time. The grid is operated by Energinet, while Danske Commodities A/S delivers route-to-market services for Thor’s electricity on behalf of developer RWE.
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO RWE Offshore Wind, commented: “Thor is progressing exactly as planned. Our focus now turns to the next steps, which will see all 72 turbines brought into commercial operation by 2027.”
Pernille Haaning, CEO RWE Renewables Denmark, said: “Thor will play an important role in strengthening Denmark’s and Europe’s green energy security and supporting climate ambitions. We look forward to bringing the remaining turbines into operation in the coming months.”
Thor is a joint project of RWE (51%) and Norges Bank Investment Management (49%). RWE will manage construction and operations throughout Thor’s lifetime operations.
Sustainable features of the array include CO2-reduced steel towers and recyclable blades – Thor is believed to be the first offshore wind farm in the world to use 36 steel turbine towers that have been manufactured (by Siemens Gamesa) with a lower carbon footprint. In addition, some of the turbines will be equipped with recyclable rotor blades. This represents a significant step toward full lifecycle sustainability for an offshore wind farm and aligns with RWE’s sustainability ambitions.
The construction works are progressing according to plan. Last year, the offshore substation was delivered by HSM Offshore Energy and all foundations for the 72 Siemens Gamesa wind turbines (up to 15 MW each) were successfully installed. Siemens also completed the onshore substation. Recently the project obtained the 30-year electricity production licence from the Danish Energy Agency, one of the preconditions to start the commissioning works.
