RENEWABLE ENERGY
In 1991, Denmark commissioned the world’ s first offshore wind farm near Vindeby, a town named for its windy conditions. The innovative facility operated for 25 years, producing 243 GWh of renewable electricity before its decommissioning in 2017. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, offshore wind achieved a worldwide capacity of 83 GW in June 2025.
Constructing the first-of-its-kind facility Wind speeds offshore tend to register higher readings. Often, offshore installations have reduced visual impact and produce less noise pollution compared to their onshore counterparts. At sea, turbines also avoid occupying valuable land space. Elkraft, which was later absorbed into Ørsted, first considered the Vindeby concept in 1987 before commencing water surveys in 1989.
“ At the time, it was a project many considered simply outrageous and a bit mad,” Ørsted’ s website says.
Elkraft contracted Bonus Energy to provide 11 wind turbines adapted for offshore conditions. LM Wind Power, now a subsidiary of GE Vernova, produced the 33 blades required for the project. Engineers sealed the turbines’ towers and incorporated air conditioning systems to regulate internal humidity and prolong the machinery’ s operational lifespan. Siemens acquired Bonus Energy in 2004, with the entity now forming part of Siemens Gamesa. Elkraft collaborated with SEAS to construct the wind farm over 11 days, achieving 4.95 MW of nameplate capacity.
energydigital. com
63