Jan De Nul Completes Critical Export Cable Pull-In for Denmark's 1,080 MW Thor Offshore Wind Farm, Advancing Grid Integration
Key Insights
Jan De Nul has successfully completed the pull-in of two crucial export cables for the 1,080 MW Thor offshore wind farm in Denmark.
These cables will transmit renewable electricity from the wind farm, located 22 kilometers offshore, to the Danish mainland grid.
The milestone follows Energinet's completion of the grid connection infrastructure, paving the way for turbine installation in 2026 and full operation by 2027.
The Thor project, Denmark's largest offshore wind farm, is being developed by RWE in partnership with Norges Bank Investment Management.
Jan De Nul has successfully completed the pull-in of two critical export cables for the 1,080 MW Thor offshore wind farm, a significant milestone for Denmark's largest offshore wind project. The operation, which involved connecting the cables from the offshore site, located approximately 22 kilometers off the west coast of Jutland, to the Danish mainland, marks a crucial step in enabling the transmission of clean, renewable electricity to the national grid. This development underscores the rapid progress in the construction phase of the Thor project, which is poised to become a cornerstone of Denmark's green energy transition.
The completion of the export cable pull-in follows a comprehensive contract awarded in 2023 to Jan De Nul in partnership with Hellenic Cables. This extensive agreement encompasses the manufacturing and installation of approximately 60 kilometers of export cables, spanning the 30-kilometer route from the wind farm to shore, alongside an additional 200 kilometers of inter-array cables designed to connect the individual turbines within the array. The precise execution of such complex marine operations is vital for the long-term reliability and efficiency of large-scale offshore wind infrastructure.
This achievement aligns with recent announcements from Energinet, the Danish transmission system operator (TSO), which confirmed the completion of its construction work related to the wind farm's grid connection. The synchronized progress between offshore installation and onshore grid readiness is essential for maintaining project timelines and ensuring seamless integration of the generated power. The Thor project, with its impressive 1,080 MW capacity, will feature 72 Siemens Gamesa SG 14-236 DD wind turbines, with their installation anticipated to commence in 2026. The entire wind farm is scheduled to enter full commercial operation by 2027.
RWE, leading the construction and future operation of the Thor offshore wind farm, is developing the project in collaboration with Norges Bank Investment Management, highlighting significant international investment in Denmark's renewable energy sector. The operations and maintenance (O&M) base for the wind farm is also nearing completion, further solidifying the project's operational readiness. The successful cable pull-in not only de-risks a critical path item for the project but also reinforces Denmark's position as a leader in offshore wind development, demonstrating the country's commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity and reducing carbon emissions.