Vattenfall has taken a full and final investment decision on Germany’s largest offshore wind project after a key permit became irrevocable.
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has issued an irrevocable permit for the Nordlicht II offshore wind farm. This clears the way for the complete construction of the Nordlicht offshore wind cluster, which includes Nordlicht I and Nordlicht II.
Construction is planned to start in 2026. Nordlicht I is set to become Germany’s largest offshore wind project. Both wind farms are expected to be fully operational in 2028, with a combined net capacity exceeding 1.6 gigawatts.
Permit clears final hurdle
Vattenfall had already taken a final investment decision for Nordlicht I in March 2025. Nordlicht II was approved only on a conditional basis at the time. The now-irrevocable permit removes that condition and confirms full approval for the entire project cluster.
Construction timeline set
Monopile installation for Nordlicht I is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year. Nordlicht II will follow around one year later. The projects are designed to support Germany’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation.
Lower emissions in construction
Both wind farms will use turbine towers partly made from low-emission steel. Vattenfall says this will reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint by 16 per cent.