TotalEnergies secures 1GW offshore wind project in North Sea

TotalEnergies secures 1GW offshore wind project in North Sea

TotalEnergies has been awarded the N-9.4 offshore wind concession in Germany’s North Sea, marking a significant expansion of its renewable energy portfolio. The concession, granted by Germany’s Federal Network Agency, encompasses 141 square kilometers and will support the development of 1 gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind capacity. This project is part of TotalEnergies’ strategy to increase its clean energy output to over 100 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually by 2030.

The N-9.4 site is strategically positioned near two other offshore wind projects, N-9.1 and N-9.2, which TotalEnergies co-owns with RWE. This proximity allows for the shared use of infrastructure and project management resources, which is expected to lower both capital and operational costs. TotalEnergies has received an initial 25-year operating license for the N-9.4 site, with the possibility of extending it to 35 years, facilitating a long-term presence in the North Sea.

In addition to generating clean energy, TotalEnergies is committed to environmental stewardship. As part of the concession’s conditions, Offshore Wind One GmbH, a consortium including TotalEnergies, will pay €18 million (approximately $20.8 million) to the German federal government in 2026 for marine biodiversity protection and sustainable fishing initiatives. Furthermore, the company will contribute €8.1 million (about $9.3 million) annually for 20 years to the electricity transmission system operator responsible for connecting the wind farm to the grid, starting once the site becomes operational.

Due to delays in connection timelines from German transmission system operators (TSOs), TotalEnergies has begun a strategic review of all offshore wind concessions it has acquired since 2023. The company is actively engaging with authorities to reassess development conditions and connection strategies to maintain progress in its projects.

The N-9.4 offshore wind development aligns with TotalEnergies’ broader strategy that integrates offshore wind, solar energy, and flexible power sources such as combined cycle gas turbines and battery storage. As of March 2025, TotalEnergies had 28 GW of gross installed renewable capacity and aims to reach 35 GW by the end of the year. Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized the dual challenges the company faces: producing the energy required today while reducing emissions, particularly aiming for zero methane emissions by 2030.

TotalEnergies has already met its 2025 methane emissions reduction target a year early, achieving a 55% reduction compared to 2020 levels. The company is now targeting a 60% reduction by 2025 and an 80% reduction by 2030. Pouyanné stated that these goals are critical not only for TotalEnergies but for the entire oil and gas sector.

With the addition of the N-9.4 concession, TotalEnergies’ offshore wind capacity now totals 23 GW across Europe, Asia, the US, and Central Asia. The company’s key projects include: – Seagreen (1.14 GW, Scotland) – operational – Outer Dowsing (1.5 GW, UK) – in development – Erebus (96 MW, UK) – floating wind, expected by 2027 – Carolina Long Bay (1 GW, US) – targeted for 2029 – Bada (2 GW+, South Korea) – late-stage development – Mirny (1 GW, Kazakhstan) – onshore wind with storage, commissioning by 2028.

Recent acquisitions have been fundamental in achieving these targets. Stéphane Michel, President of Gas, Renewables and Power at TotalEnergies, noted that the completion of acquisitions in Europe, North America, and Africa will help reach the goal of 35 GW of renewable capacity by 2025 and more than 100 TWh of annual electricity production by 2030.

TotalEnergies aims to optimize capital allocation in renewables while enhancing the profitability of its Integrated Power business. The company is also looking to integrate the expertise of VSB Group’s 500 employees in onshore wind projects within Europe, particularly Germany.

The N-9.4 concession award solidifies TotalEnergies’ role in advancing Germany’s clean energy future, focusing on emissions reductions, ecosystem investment, and global portfolio expansion. The company’s proactive measures in light of potential infrastructure delays demonstrate its commitment to delivering large-scale clean electricity solutions.