Powering a Sustainable Future
TotalEnergies is one of the leading experts in offshore wind. With its know-how, the company successfully develops and operates offshore wind farms worldwide.
Our Projects in Germany
Offshore-Windkraftkapazität wird derzeit von TotalEnergies in Deutschland entwickelt.
Offshore Wind Farms: High Performance and Efficiency at Sea
An offshore wind farm consists of several wind turbines at sea with capacities of 8–15 MW, delivering up to 4,500 full-load hours annually and offering advantages such as consistent power production, high efficiency, and fewer land-use conflicts. TotalEnergies is among the leading offshore wind experts and successfully develops offshore wind farms worldwide, including 7.5 GW of offshore capacity in Germany, contributing to the production of low-carbon electricity.
*COD depending on park size, 6 to 12 months later than the FEP
**Site Development Plan (FEP)
TotalEnergies, one of the largest developers of offshore wind farms in Germany, will make a significant contribution to the expansion of offshore energy in the coming years. Drawing on its expertise and capabilities, the company supports its ambition to generate 100 terawatt-hours of low-carbon electricity annually by 2030
MD Offshore Wind Germany bei TotalEnergies
Advantages of Offshore Wind Energy
Offshore wind power offers numerous benefits. Companies, energy providers, and policymakers benefit from high efficiency, stable electricity generation, and extensive utilization opportunities.
Comparison Offshore vs. Onshore
| Attributes | Offshore | Onshore |
|---|---|---|
| full-lead hours / year | up to 4500 | until 2000 |
| wind speed | high & steady | unsteady |
| space requirements | low kand-use conflict | potential land-use conflicts |
| electricity generation | consistent | variable |
From Turbine to Grid – How Offshore Wind Farms Work
Developing an offshore wind farm requires cutting-edge technology, precise planning, and a robust grid connection. TotalEnergies relies on high-performance turbines, innovative foundation solutions, and secure power transmission.
Environmental Analysis: A Core Pillar of Offshore Wind Development
Benthic organisms (Benthos)
Understanding the seafloor is the foundation of responsible offshore development. We begin by mapping the seabed using high-resolution side-scan sonar to identify habitat types and geological features.
To ensure scientific accuracy, we select 20 sampling stations within the wind farm area and 20 in a nearby reference zone with similar seabed conditions. At each of these 40 stations, we collect sediment and biological samples using a Van Veen grab. These samples help us assess the health and diversity of benthic communities, ensuring minimal disruption to marine ecosystems.
Use of habitats
Protecting marine mammals is a top priority. We use passive acoustic monitoring to detect species such as porpoises and dolphins. Specialized click detectors, securely anchored to the seabed, record echolocation sounds made by these animals.
This non-invasive method allows us to track their presence and migration routes over time, helping us plan construction activities to avoid sensitive periods and habitats.
From Deck and from the air
Our environmental monitoring extends above the waterline. Expert observers conduct visual surveys from both ships and aircraft, following systematic transects across the project area.
Onboard our vessels, trained ornithologists and marine mammal specialists work from wind-protected observation stations, known as “Orniboxes,” to record sightings. These observations provide valuable data on species abundance, behavior, and seasonal patterns.
Migratory birds and bats
Migratory species are particularly sensitive to offshore infrastructure. To monitor bird migration, we deploy radar systems on anchored vessels. While radar tracks flight paths and densities, species identification is carried out by ornithologists through:
- Daytime visual observations
- Nighttime acoustic monitoring of bird calls
In the Baltic Sea, we also monitor bat migration using ultrasonic detectors. These devices capture high-frequency calls, helping us understand bat activity over open water and implement protective measures where needed.
Future prospects for offshore wind power
TotalEnergies submits permit application documents for offshore wind farms to the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).
TotalEnergies achieves another milestone by submitting permit application documents for offshore wind farms in the North Sea and Baltic Sea to the BSH on schedule.
Offshore wind power is continuously evolving. New technologies and international projects are expanding the possibilities for efficient, low-CO₂ electricity production.
Floating Offshore Wind Power
- Definition: Wind turbines on floating foundations for deep waters (>60 m).
- Advantages: More flexible site selection, less impact on the seabed, potential for regions with high wind speeds far from the coast.
- Future potential: Significant growth market in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
Sector coupling & storage solutions
- Integration of offshore power into hydrogen production, energy storage, and smart grids.
- Contribution to grid stability and security of supply.
Conclusion – Offshore Wind Power with TotalEnergies
Offshore wind power is a key pillar of the energy transition, providing businesses and society with low-CO₂, reliable electricity. TotalEnergies combines technology, experience, and environmental expertise to efficiently develop and operate offshore wind farms.