Ørsted has completed the first phase of its Bahren West onshore wind farm in Germany, its largest onshore wind farm in Germany. With a combined capacity of 50.4 MW, Bahren West I will produce enough power to supply approximately 35,000 German households.

The firm is now gearing up for the second phase of the project, Bahren West II, which will begin construction in May 2025. The phase will provide an additional 61.6 MW of wind energy capacity, with the project due for completion by 2027.

Germany’s Renewable Energy Future Compliance

The Bahren West projects show Ørsted’s continued commitment to spearheading the energy transition in Germany. Ørsted continues to build its onshore wind business in Germany, helping to advance Germany’s renewable energy ambitions.

Stefan Bachmaier, Managing Director of Ørsted Onshore Germany, said, “We’re delighted to be able to announce the operation of Bahren West I and the imminent start of construction of Bahren West II at the same time.The two projects are significant milestones for Ørsted’s onshore wind ambitions in Germany. With Bahren West, we’re not only making a strong contribution to Germany’s renewable energy targets, but also reaffirming our commitment to providing renewable, reliable, and sustainable energy.”

Also read: Ørsted and Nuveen Infrastructure Complete Gode Wind 3 Offshore Wind Farm in Germany

St. Wendel Wind Farm Set to Launch

In addition to the Bahren West developments, Ørsted is also preparing to commission the 16.8 MW St. Wendel onshore wind farm later this year. The St. Wendel project will further bolster the company’s onshore wind capacity in Germany, demonstrating Ørsted’s expanding footprint in the region.

With a total onshore wind power capacity of around 3.8 GW installed worldwide, Ørsted is still leading the way in renewable energy. The Bahren West wind farms, situated on the German-Polish border in Brandenburg’s Neiße-Malxetal municipality, are a key component of Ørsted’s global mission to sustainable energy solutions

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has signed a €45.75 million sovereign loan with Albania’s state energy distribution company, Operatori i Shpërndarjes së Energjisë Elektrike (OSHEE). The loan will allow OSHEE to restructure some of its short-term debt as well as free up funds for green investment to enhance Albania’s energy infrastructure.

Debt Restructuring and Green Investments

In late 2021, OSHEE borrowed €81.5 million in short-term commercial bank loans to cover imports of electricity with skyrocketing energy prices on the global market. The EBRD‘s newest financing will enable OSHEE to refinance part of the debt as a more sustainable long-term loan together with commercial banks. This refinancing will free up capital that OSHEE will invest in green projects essential for its modernization.

Under the deal, OSHEE has pledged to invest a maximum of €45 million over four years in enhancing its distribution grid. The upgrades will blend renewable energy, reduce power losses in the grid, and promote reliability, offering consumers a more efficient and stable supply.

Also read: EBRD Provides €50 Million to TEB Arval for Electric Vehicle Fleet Expansion

Technical Assistance and Employee Training

During his visit to Albania, EBRD Vice President Matteo Patrone signed the financing agreements, making them official. Signing the deal alongside him were Albania’s Minister of Finance and EBRD Governor, Petrit Malaj, and OSHEE Administrator, Enea Karakaci.

Minister Malaj stated that the transaction brought significant benefits, as refinancing OSHEE’s short-term loans into long-term loans from the EBRD would allow the company to repay the principal in manageable instalments over an extended period. He explained that this approach would create a smoother amortisation profile and lower the risk of future debt refinancing. Additionally, he highlighted that the new financing terms were more favourable, ultimately reducing the total cost of the loan.

Beyond financial restructuring, the project also includes technical assistance to enhance OSHEE’s workforce capabilities. OSHEE’s training academy will provide advanced training to employees, improving their skills in network planning and infrastructure investment for modernization.