Vattenfall has secured the rights to develop two offshore wind projects in Denmark after emerging as the successful bidder in the country’s latest offshore wind tender, adding a minimum of 1.8 GW to its European development pipeline.
The company was awarded the 800 MW Hesselø project in the Kattegat between Denmark and Sweden and the 1 GW North Sea I Mid project off the west coast of Jutland near Hvide Sande. Both projects are expected to be connected to the Danish grid by the end of 2032 under 30-year concessions, with the option of a 10-year extension.
The awards mark the first major offshore wind tender in Denmark since the government overhauled its auction model following the failure of its subsidy-free auction in 2024. The revised framework introduced two-sided CfDs, helping restore investor confidence after rising costs and supply chain pressures had stalled new offshore developments.
“Winning both projects reflects our continued ambition to grow our offshore wind portfolio and support the electrification of industry and society,” said David Flood, Head of Business Unit Offshore at Vattenfall.
He added: “Wind power, together with other fossil-free sources of generation, can help meet the growing demand for clean electricity in Europe. Projects like this demonstrate how we are scaling offshore wind while maintaining a strong focus on affordability and long-term value.”
The Hesselø and North Sea I Mid projects represent Vattenfall’s largest offshore wind award in Denmark since the 407 MW Horns Rev 3 wind farm entered operation in 2019. Once commissioned, they will increase the company’s Danish offshore wind portfolio from around 1.5 GW currently in operation to at least 3.3 GW, reinforcing Denmark’s position as one of Vattenfall’s key offshore wind markets.
Today, Vattenfall operates five offshore wind farms in Danish waters, generating around 6.5 TWh of electricity annually – enough to supply approximately 1.5 million households.
While the projects have now been awarded, key supply chain contracts remain to be placed. Vattenfall has not yet selected turbine, foundation, cable or installation suppliers, with procurement expected to begin as the projects move through the development phase. The company has also not announced any equity partners and appears to have bid independently. However, Vattenfall has previously brought infrastructure investors and pension funds into offshore wind projects at later stages of development, making a similar approach possible for Hesselø and North Sea I Mid.
Similarly, no engineering or marine contractors have been appointed. On previous offshore wind projects, Vattenfall has worked with companies including DEME, Jan De Nul, Van Oord and Cadeler, although no decisions have been announced for the Danish developments.
The two projects form part of Denmark’s broader 2.8 GW offshore wind programme, designed to accelerate the country’s transition to fossil-free electricity while supporting growing demand from industry and electrification.
Vattenfall said it will now work with partners and Danish authorities to advance both projects through the development, permitting and procurement phases ahead of construction.
