View this page in German
Energy Generation at Sea
Offshore wind power is a key pillar of the energy transition and plays an important role in combating climate change. Offshore wind turbines generate electricity consistently, benefit from high capacity factors, and help reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Our Projects in Germany
Offshore wind capacity is currently being developed by TotalEnergies in Germany.
Offshore Wind Farms: High Performance at Sea
An offshore wind farm consists of multiple offshore wind turbines with capacities of 8-15 MW. It can provide up to 4,500 full-load hours per year and offers advantages such as consistent electricity generation, and reduced land-use conflicts. TotalEnergies is successfully developing offshore wind farms worldwide, including 7.5 GW of offshore wind capacity in Germany, which will be contributing to the generation of renewable electricity after commissioning.
Advantages of Offshore wind energy
Offshore wind power offers numerous advantages. Companies, energy providers, and policymakers benefit from its high efficiency, stable electricity generation, and the opportunities it provides for large-scale deployment.
Comparison Offshore vs. Onshore
| Characteristics | Offshore | Onshore |
|---|---|---|
| Annual full-load hours | up to 4500 | approx. 2000 |
| Wind speed | high & constant | fluctuating |
| Area required | fewer land use conflicts | potential conflicts of use |
| Electricity generation | stable | variable |
Technology & Construction of Offshore Wind Farms
The development of an offshore wind farm requires cutting-edge technology, precise planning, and robust grid infrastructure. TotalEnergies relies on high-performance turbines, innovative foundation solutions, and secure power transmission systems to deliver renewable electricity from offshore wind to consumers.
Environmental assessments are a key component of offshore wind project development.
Benthic Organisms (Benthos)
For these investigations, seabed and habitat structures are first mapped using side-scan sonar technology. In a second step, 20 sampling stations within the wind farm area and 20 stations within a reference area are selected. The reference area is characterized by similar seabed conditions, making it possible to obtain representative information for the entire study area. Samples (so-called grab samples) are then collected and measurements conducted at all 40 stations.
Habitat Use
To monitor marine mammals, a method known as passive acoustic monitoring is used. This involves deploying specialized devices called acoustic click detectors, which are anchored to the seabed using heavy anchor weights. These detectors listen for and record the clicking sounds produced by marine mammals, allowing researchers to track their presence. This enables scientists to determine when and where marine mammals occur and to identify the routes they use.
From the deck and from the air
In addition to the underwater surveys, observations are also conducted from vessels and aircraft. The survey vessels cover the entire wind farm area along predefined parallel transects. As shown in the photo, the vessels are equipped with wind-protected observation stations, known as “ornithological observation boxes” (Orniboxes). Experienced bird and marine mammal observers work from these stations, recording and counting the animals they observe.
Migratory Birds and Bats
Migratory birds are monitored from an anchored vessel using a radar system. Since radar equipment cannot identify bird species with precision, this digital monitoring is complemented by the expertise of ornithologists, who conduct visual observations during the day and identify bird species at night through the recording and analysis of bird calls. In the Baltic Sea, bat migration is also studied. To support the monitoring of migratory birds, bat detectors are deployed simultaneously to record and assess bat activity and migration patterns.
Future prospects for offshore wind power
TotalEnergies reicht Genehmigungsunterlagen für Offshore-Windparks beim Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie ein.
TotalEnergies erreicht einen weiteren Meilenstein und reicht die Genehmigungsunterlagen für Offshore-Windparks in der Nordsee und Ostsee fristgerecht beim BSH ein.
Offshore wind power continues to evolve. New technologies and international projects are expanding the opportunities for renewable electricity generation.
Floating Offshore
Definition: Wind turbines installed on floating foundations for deep-water locations (>60 m).
Advantages: More flexible site selection, reduced disturbance to the seabed, and significant potential for regions with strong wind resources located far from the coast.
Future Potential: A major growth market in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Sector Coupling & Energy Storage Solutions
Integration of offshore electricity into hydrogen production, energy storage systems, and smart grids.
Contributes to grid stability and security of energy supply.
Conclusion: Offshore Wind Energy with TotalEnergies
Offshore wind power is a key pillar of the energy transition, providing businesses and society with renewable, reliable electricity. TotalEnergies combines technology, experience, and environmental expertise to develop and operate offshore wind farms.
Behind the scenes of our offshore wind projects
Take a look behind the scenes of TotalEnergies’ offshore wind projects. The video shows the work on board the “Fugro Synergy” in the German North Sea, providing insights into the preliminary surveys and the safety measures implemented on board.
Frequently Asked Questions About Offshore Wind Power
Contact us!
- Telefonnummer
- E-Mail