WindEurope has summarised the development of offshore wind energy in Europe in the first half of 2023. How does the Baltic Sea look in comparison to Europe? Below we present details of the projects under construction during this period.

Europe built 2.1 GW of new offshore wind in the first half of 2023, bringing its total offshore wind capacity to 32.4 GW. 13 wind farms were under construction in Europe, for the installation of foundations and turbines – representing a total 7.2 GW of new capacity. Final investment decisions were taken for a further 5 GW after delays last year. But this is still whims what the EU wants. This is below the level needed to reach Europe’s energy and climate targets. The EU should be building on average 11 GW a year of offshore between now and 2030.

Connected turbines
2,144 MW (212 turbines) – including 228 MW (24 turbines) of Arcadis Ost 1 wind farm on German part of Baltic Sea – were connected to the grid in Europe in the first half of 2023.
Arcadis Ost 1 with total capacity of 257 MW is the first wind farm using a floating installation method for turbines.

Installed foundations
In Europe 6 wind farms already installed foundations, they will progress turbine installation in the second half of 2023. One of theme is Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm on German waters where 17 foundations have been installed. This 476 MW wind farm where in total 50 turbines will be operating will be commissioned in 2024.

Final Investment Decisions obtained
Investments in new wind farms is recovering after no large-scale projects reached Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2022. In Europe 6 wind farms have reached FID in first half of 2023 raising almost EUR 15 bn for 5 GW new capacity. There were no Baltic Sea wind farms among them.

Installed offshore capacity
Europe’s installed offshore capacity now stands at 32 430 MW. On the Baltic Sea there are:

  • Finland 71 MW (3 wind farms, 19 turbines connected)
  • Sweden 192 MW (5 wind farms, 80 turbines connected)
  • Germany* 8.303 MW (31wind farms, 1563 turbines connected)
  • Denmark* 2.308 MW (15 wind farms, 631 turbines connected)
    * cumulative data for North and Baltic Seas

Source of data: WindEurope report summarises offshore installations from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023.