€1.6 Billion Milestone Reached as Iberdrola and Masdar Complete Baltic Eagle Wind Farm

The completion of the 476 MW Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm marks a significant achievement for Germany’s ongoing energy transition. Located in the Baltic Sea, this project will provide clean electricity to approximately 475,000 homes, contributing to a reduction of around 800,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The Baltic Eagle is a key component of Iberdrola’s Baltic Hub, a series of offshore wind projects aimed at supporting Germany’s renewable energy goals.

This project aligns with Germany’s plan to phase out coal and nuclear power, replacing them with sustainable energy sources like offshore wind. With Iberdrola and Masdar—two global leaders in renewable energy—joining forces, the Baltic Eagle showcases the potential for international collaboration in driving clean energy production. This installation also supports the broader energy security of Europe, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while helping to meet the European Union’s climate objectives.

The strategic collaboration between Iberdrola and Masdar

The Baltic Eagle project is the result of a strategic partnership between Spain’s Iberdrola and the UAE’s Masdar. In 2023, Masdar acquired a 49% stake in the €1.6 billion wind farm, strengthening its position in the renewable energy market. This partnership, first established in July 2023, has allowed both companies to combine their expertise in offshore wind technology and project development.

The collaboration was further solidified at COP28, where the two companies announced a €15 billion agreement to explore new offshore wind and green hydrogen projects in key markets such as Germany, the UK, and the US. This agreement demonstrates the companies’ shared commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity and driving the global transition toward sustainable energy sources. Their partnership is not only crucial for the success of Baltic Eagle but also for future innovations in renewable energy.

Technology and infrastructure powering the Baltic Eagle

Baltic Eagle stands as a technological success story in the offshore wind sector. Located 30 kilometers northeast of Rügen Island, the wind farm consists of 50 turbines, each with a capacity of 9.53 MW. These turbines were supplied by Vestas, a world leader in wind turbine manufacturing, and were installed by Fred Olsen Windcarrier, a company known for its precision in offshore installations.

These turbines, mounted on monopile foundations, are expected to generate 1.9 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to meet the energy needs of 475,000 German households. This large-scale generation of renewable electricity is key to Germany’s decarbonization strategy. The wind farm’s production is secured under long-term contracts, and it will benefit from a regulated tariff for its first 20 years of operation, providing a solid foundation for long-term sustainability.

The broader impact of the Baltic Hub

Baltic Eagle is part of Iberdrola’s ambitious Baltic Hub, which includes two additional offshore wind projects: Wikinger, already operational, and Windanker, which is in the planning stages. Together, these projects will provide over 1.1 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2026, representing a total investment of approximately €3.7 billion.

These projects play a pivotal role in Europe’s efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and achieve carbon neutrality. The completion of the Baltic Hub will not only strengthen Germany’s energy security but also serve as a model for international cooperation in the fight against climate change. Iberdrola’s investment in the Baltic Sea region underscores its commitment to driving the global energy transition through innovative and large-scale renewable energy projects.

Offshore wind energy is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the global push towards renewable energy, with the Baltic Eagle wind farm serving as a prime example of this shift. Iberdrola has been a leader in offshore wind development, with plans to reach nearly 5,000 MW of offshore wind capacity globally by 2026. This growth reflects the increasing importance of offshore wind in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting international climate targets.

Sources: