Ocean Breeze Energy plans to keep Germany’s Alpha Ventus offshore wind farm operating beyond its originally planned 20-year life after agreeing to acquire the project from EWE, RWE and Vattenfall.
The companies announced the sale on 1 October 2026. Completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, with financial terms undisclosed.
The buyer’s plans follow earlier preparations for decommissioning. In May 2025, the existing operator said it was preparing a dismantling plan covering the turbines and offshore substation, working with Germany’s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.
The operator had considered repowering but concluded that modern turbines would also require new foundations. It said the relatively small site was unsuitable for such a redevelopment.
Ocean Breeze Energy intends to use experience gained at BARD Offshore 1 to support its plans for Alpha Ventus. It owns and operates the 400 MW BARD project, comprising 80 turbines. Funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management hold the company’s entire share capital.
Alpha Ventus began operating in 2010 as Germany’s first offshore wind farm. Its 12 turbines provide 60 MW of capacity at a site roughly 45 kilometres north of Borkum. The project was developed to test offshore wind technologies and operating and maintenance methods.
