50Hertz Commissions Siemens Energy, NSORe for Major Offshore Converter Deal
Major Offshore Converter System Project Announced
Project Overview
BERLIN, June 17 (Reuters) - German power grid operator 50Hertz has commissioned a consortium of Siemens Energy and Neptun Smulders Offshore Renewables to build an offshore converter system linking North Sea wind farms to Germany's electricity grid, the company said on Wednesday.
Innovative Two-Gigawatt Standard
The project marks the first time offshore converter platforms built to the new two-gigawatt standard will be manufactured primarily in Germany, with key components to be produced in Rostock-Warnemuende.
Government and Industry Response
"This contract is a strong and encouraging signal for Germany. It shows the potential of our industry and the capabilities of Germany as a business location," German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said, adding that only a few suppliers worldwide can build two-gigawatt offshore converter platforms.
Contract Details and Economic Impact
The initial contract covers one offshore platform and one onshore converter station and 50Hertz said talks were continuing over a second converter system.
Order Volume and Job Creation
If concluded, the total order volume for NSORe alone would come to around €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion), mainly for production and services in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, creating more than 500 long-term jobs.
About NSORe
NSORe is a joint venture between Meyer Werft's Neptun Werft and Belgian steel construction company Smulders.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Maria Martinez and Holger Hansen, Editing by Madeline Chambers)
