Vattenfall is testing key installation, safety and work processes on land for its Nordlicht offshore wind project using a transition piece mock-up at CS Wind Offshore in Aalborg, Denmark.
The transition pieces for Nordlicht I are approximately 23.7 metres high and weigh about 362 tons, Vattenfall said.
The company noted that the mock-up tests assembly, bolting, cable pulling and routing as well as safety and rescue procedures under realistic conditions.
Installation requires complex lifting operations and coordination of various trades.
Offshore foundation construction for Nordlicht I is planned to start in July 2026, with Nordlicht II expected around one year later.
The monopiles supplied by EEW are up to 80.5 metres long and weigh up to 1,290 tons each.
A total of 68 monopiles and transition pieces are planned for Nordlicht I.
“This intensive preparation on land demonstrates the importance of close cooperation between our teams and partners. By testing interfaces, processes and safety aspects early on, we are creating the basis for a safe and efficient implementation of Nordlicht at sea,” said Manuel Fischer, EPC director Nordlicht at Vattenfall.
Work has already begun on scour protection in the German North Sea to protect seabed foundation locations from erosion.
The Nordlicht cluster has a net capacity of more than 1.6GW and is scheduled to enter operation in 2028.
Once fully operational, it is expected to generate approximately 6 terawatt hours of electricity annually.