RWE, a global leader in offshore wind energy, has signed an agreement with Steelwind Nordenham to secure up to 300 monopile foundations for its future offshore wind projects in Europe. This agreement ensures production capacities in an increasingly tight market, positioning RWE to meet its expansion goals.
Holger Himmel, CFO of RWE Offshore Wind, emphasized the importance of the capacity reservation agreement: “By signing an agreement with Steelwind, RWE has taken a big step towards securing the necessary production capacity for monopile foundations. This type of framework agreement is exactly what we need given the challenging market conditions.”
Under the agreement, Steelwind will reserve capacity at its production plant in Nordenham, Germany, for 320,000 metric tonnes of steel — equivalent to around 200 monopiles — over a 24-month period starting in 2027. The contract also includes an option for a 12-month extension, adding an additional 160,000 metric tonnes of steel, or roughly 100 more monopiles.
The monopiles produced by Steelwind will be used at RWE’s planned offshore wind farms across Europe, set to be commissioned from late 2029 onwards. RWE will also have the option to access additional services from Steelwind, such as secondary steel structure delivery and logistical support.
RWE aims to triple its global offshore wind capacity from 3.3 gigawatts to 10 gigawatts by 2030. With 19 offshore wind farms already in operation, including six off the German coast, RWE continues to solidify its position as a key player in the offshore wind sector.
Steelwind, part of the Dillinger Group, has been manufacturing monopiles and single-piece foundations for offshore wind farms since 2014, utilizing advanced technology and steel sourced from Dillinger to meet the demanding specifications of these massive structures.