Sven Utermöhlen, RWE’s offshore wind chief executive, stated: “The successful completion of monopile installation at Sofia marks a significant milestone in the delivery of this complex offshore wind construction project. This achievement is a testament to the expertise, dedication, and collaboration of the entire RWE team and our partners. Sofia will play a critical role in contributing to the UK’s clean energy transition and reinforcing energy security.”
Situated in water depths of 20-35 meters, the Sofia wind farm is RWE’s largest offshore project currently under construction worldwide. Once operational, its 100 Siemens Gamesa 14MW turbines, standing 252 meters tall, will generate enough electricity to power approximately 1.2 million typical UK homes. Notably, half of the turbines feature recyclable blades, enhancing the project’s sustainability.
The foundations, manufactured by EEW, utilize an innovative extended single monopile design, eliminating the need for a separate transition piece. This approach reduces steel usage and conserves energy resources. Installation began in May 2024, using Van Oord’s Aeolus jack-up vessel, which was upgraded with a 1650-tonne crane capacity to handle the project’s heaviest monopiles.
To minimize environmental impact, RWE implemented a full-scale bubble curtain noise abatement system for 34 foundations, a first for a UK offshore wind project. Operated by Hydrotechnik Offshore, this technology creates a bubble barrier to reduce underwater noise during piling, protecting marine life in the Southern North Sea Special Area of Conservation.
The Port of Tyne served as the primary storage and marshalling hub for the foundation components. With the foundation phase complete, Van Oord is now focused on burying approximately 360km of array cables, with work expected to conclude later in 2025. Turbine installation began in March, with 27 turbines already in place.
The Sofia offshore wind farm underscores RWE’s commitment to advancing renewable energy in the UK. By leveraging innovative technology and sustainable practices, the project supports the region’s clean energy goals while contributing to energy security and environmental conservation.
