In a significant stride towards bolstering Germany’s renewable energy infrastructure, Prysmian Group, a leading Italian cable maker and installation services provider, has inked three substantial contracts with the German transmission system operator Amprion. Valued at a staggering $5 billion, these contracts mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards harnessing offshore wind power to meet its energy needs sustainably.
The agreements encompass the development of two offshore grid connection systems – BalWin1 and BalWin2 – alongside the underground cable project DC34. The sheer magnitude of this undertaking is underscored by the inclusion of approximately 4,400 kilometres of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables and Dedicated Metallic Return (DMR) cables. Notably, this collaboration between Prysmian and Amprion represents the largest package deal in both value and cable length ever awarded to the former.
Hakan Ozmen, EVP of Prysmian Transmission Division, rightly emphasised the significance of these contracts, characterising them as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two entities and reaffirming Prysmian’s commitment to facilitating the global energy transition. Equally enthusiastic about the collaboration, Hendrik Neumann, Amprion’s CTO, emphasised the pivotal role of such partnerships in realising Germany’s ambitious offshore expansion targets.
These projects align seamlessly with Germany’s broader objective of installing 70 GW of offshore wind energy by 2045, thereby propelling the nation closer to its overarching renewable energy goals. BalWin1 and BalWin2, slated to transmit up to 2 GW of offshore wind energy each, hold the promise of bolstering the industrial heartland of Germany by efficiently channelling renewable energy resources from the North Sea to the Western and Southern regions.
Moreover, the DC34 project, integral to the Rhein-Main-Link, is poised to bridge the gap between Lower Saxony and Hesse, facilitating the seamless transmission of up to 2 GW of wind energy to consumers in the bustling Rhine-Main metropolitan area. Such initiatives not only exemplify Germany’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions but also underscore the pivotal role of collaboration between industry stakeholders in realising ambitious renewable energy targets.
As the world grapples with the pressing need to mitigate climate change, initiatives like these serve as beacons of hope, illustrating the transformative potential of renewable energy. Prysmian and Amprion’s collaborative endeavour not only signifies a significant milestone in Germany’s renewable energy transition but also sets a commendable precedent for international cooperation in combating climate change.
In essence, as Prysmian and Amprion set sail on this monumental journey to harness the power of wind, they not only chart a course towards a sustainable future but also inspire nations worldwide to unite in their pursuit of a greener, more resilient planet.