Ocean Breeze Energy is set to acquire the interests of EWE, RWE and Vattenfall in the Alpha Ventus offshore wind farm in the German North Sea, potentially enabling the project to continue operating beyond its original 20-year lifespan.
The transaction, announced on 1 October, is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2026. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
Located approximately 45 kilometres north of Borkum, Alpha Ventus began operating in 2010 with 12 turbines and a combined capacity of 60 MW. As Germany’s first offshore wind farm, it served as a test site for turbine technology, foundations, offshore construction and maintenance practices. Its operating experience has since helped shape the country’s expanding offshore wind sector.
The sale marks the end of the consortium’s ownership of a project established primarily as a demonstration and testing platform. EWE holds 47.5% of the operating company, Deutsche Offshore-Testfeld und Infrastruktur (DOTI), while RWE and Vattenfall each hold 26.25%.
“Alpha ventus played a key role as Germany’s first offshore wind farm,” said Jantje Bolduan, offshore manager at EWE. She described the project as a “unique testing ground and learning environment” whose lessons continue to influence offshore developments.
Ocean Breeze said it sees commercial potential in keeping the ageing assets in service. The company owns and operates BARD Offshore 1, a neighbouring 400 MW wind farm using legacy turbine technology.
“With BARD Offshore 1 we have over ten years of experience in the management of offshore wind farms with a legacy turbine technology,” said Jean Huby, Ocean Breeze’s chief executive. He added that the company aims to “open a new chapter in the alpha ventus success story” and support the energy transition.
Operational links with BARD Offshore 1, alongside Ocean Breeze’s technical solutions, are expected to support the extension strategy. The proposed change in ownership would allow existing offshore infrastructure to continue producing renewable electricity rather than moving directly towards decommissioning.
