German has uncommission 60 MW offshore wind farm! In a controversial move that signals the end of an era for renewable energy or the beginning of a new one, Germany’s 15-year-old offshore wind project, Alfa Ventus, is set to close. What led to this bold decision and what does it mean for the future of wind energy in Europe? Let’s explore the facts.
Alpha Ventus Wind Farm Decommissioning Explained
Alpha Ventus, which was inaugurated on 27 April 2010 was one of the pit-stops towards Germany’s pursuit for renewable power. Situated 45 km from the island of Borkum in the German Bight, the farm comprised six Adwen M5000 and six Senvion 5M wind turbines which were installed using two types of foundations, making the site a testing ground for both technology deployed and activity offshore.
The farm wasn’t just a power producer, having been developed by the Alpha Ventus consortium, a joint venture of EWE, RWE and Vattenfall. It served as a platform for research, but also as an innovation in the ways in how the technology of the turbine works (turbine behavior and installation operation) and how the turbine would be integrated in the grid in a harsh marine environment.
This year there was rumour in the press that the consortium was considering its future options for the windfarm, including serious consideration given to decommissioning. The catalyst? The end of the subsidy period for Alpha Ventus, which expired last year. Since the project continues to work, this goal was completed, they wrote their partner.
Repowering (the replacement of ageing turbines with new equipment) was not economically or technically feasible for the small and frail infrastructure of the project. According to Eric Richter, Managing Director of the operating company DOTI:
“Because of the size and weight of today’s turbine models, you have to replace the foundations too, it’s sort of like building a new turbine.”
Offshore Wind Power Project Retirement
Decommissioning On 21 May 2025, the consortium published a statement about the decommissioning of Alpha Ventus. It is closing down Germany’s first offshore wind farm, but it is also making history, as it is the first time an offshore wind farm in German waters has been decommissioned.
The work will be carried out in close cooperation with the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) and other authorities. The focus will be on:
✅ Reducing environmental damage
🔄 Maximise recycling and reusing of elements
📚 Document and learn from that experience.
“We were the first to erect an offshore wind farm in German waters as well as the first to gain experience in decommissioning,” — Richter said.
While the actual removal won’t happen right away — Alpha Ventus still has a little over four years of design life left — planning is already taking place. Vessels, and port facilities require advance booking and/must be booked well in advance, so prior arrangements are crucial.
The project developers are now working on a comprehensive decommissioning concept that favours environmental protection and will provide a blueprint for future wind-downs of offshore windfarms in Germany and elsewhere.
Legacy Of Germany Wind Farm Closure
Though its turbines may soon be quiet, Alpha Ventus is passing on a powerful legacy. It showed offshore wind could work in Germany, sparking an industry that now generates power for millions of homes. And now, by wading into the uncharted waters of offshore wind decommissioning ahead of everyone else, it is leading the way yet again.
Germany’s long view on its own greener future will see Alpha Ventus standing as a monument to innovation, daring experimentation and the cycle of life of renewable infrastructure.
