RWE partners with 2nd Swedish port for planned Baltic Sea projects

RWE AG (ETR:RWE) has agreed a partnership with a second Swedish port to explore its suitability for RWE’s planned offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea.

The German energy group said today it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Smalandshamnar AB, the operator of the port of Oskarshamn, to study whether the port could be used for logistics, installation, loading, operations and maintenance activities in relation to future RWE projects. The first step will be to map needed build-outs and investments for scaling-up the port’s capacity.

Earlier in May, RWE signed a similar MoU with the port of Karlshamn.

“We are delighted to be working with the Port of Oskarshamn and the Port of Karlshamn. Offshore wind expansion has significant potential in Sweden. Offshore infrastructure projects such as wind farms often require extensive logistical support,” said Matilda Machacek, vice president of offshore development Nordics at RWE Offshore Wind.

“For better logistics and more efficient operations, and for the viability of offshore wind in Sweden, it is important that we have harbours close to the projects. This will result in growth for both neighbouring ports and the surrounding regions,” Machacek added.

Smalandshamnar chief executive Niclas Stromqvist said the port of Oskarshamn is already one of the leading harbours in Sweden for the transport and handling of onshore wind components and plans to become a hub for offshore wind, too.

RWE aims to grow its global offshore wind capacity from 3.3 GW now to 10 GW in 2030.

In Sweden, the company operates the 48-MW Karehamn offshore wind farm near the Swedish island of Oland in the Baltic Sea, one of few operating offshore wind farms in the country. According to its website, it has several projects in development in Sweden.

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