GE Vernova, in partnership with Drydocks World, has secured the contract for the Ostwind 4 project from 50Hertz, a leading German Transmission System Operator (TSO).
The project marks a milestone in renewable energy infrastructure as the first 2-gigawatt (GW) High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission system in the German Baltic Sea, facilitating the connection of offshore wind energy to the mainland grid.
Scheduled for completion by the end of 2031, Ostwind 4 will deliver renewable energy from the Arkona Basin, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Rügen Island, to nearly two million German households. Utilizing advanced HVDC technology, the system will operate at 525 kilovolts (kV) to enable efficient, low-loss power transmission over long distances.
The GE Vernova–Drydocks World consortium will provide a turnkey solution comprising:
Offshore Converter Platform: Designed, fabricated, and installed by Drydocks World at its Dubai facility. The platform integrates a U-shaped jacket substructure with nature-inclusive scour protection to support marine biodiversity.
Onshore Converter Station: Developed by GE Vernova, featuring advanced Voltage-Sourced Converters (VSC), high-voltage transformers, g³ gas-insulated switchgear, and air-core reactors.
GE Vernova’s HVDC Competence Center in Berlin will support the project by advancing grid stability technologies and renewable energy integration.
Driving Germany’s Renewable Energy Goals
Germany’s Energiewende initiative targets an 80 percent renewable energy share by 2030 and a 100 percent clean energy grid by 2035. Ostwind 4 plays a critical role in achieving these goals by harnessing offshore wind resources and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Stefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz, said: “Ostwind 4 represents pioneering work in the Baltic Sea, deploying 2 GW / 525 kV technology for the first time. It is a vital step toward exploiting the full offshore wind potential in the region and strengthening transnational energy collaboration.”
Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification business, said: “Ostwind 4 is a cornerstone in electrifying and decarbonizing the world. By leveraging advanced HVDC technology, this project supports European energy security and sets new standards for grid resilience and sustainability.”
Drydocks World’s Chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: “This project reflects our commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure. By delivering innovative solutions, we contribute to both sustainability and economic growth in the evolving global energy landscape.”
HVDC technology enables efficient long-distance power transmission, reducing energy losses by up to 50 percent compared to AC systems. GE Vernova’s g³ gas-insulated switchgear further supports decarbonization by replacing traditional SF₆ gas, achieving a 99 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.