Merkur Offshore Wind Farm

Project description

Merkur is a wind farm located in the German exclusive economic zone approximately 45km north of the islands of Borkum.     

396-MW German offshore wind farm development project raises EUR 1.6 billion

• Represents one of the largest project financed offshore wind projects in the country
• Strong equity consortium with Partners Group, InfraRed Capital Partners, DEME and GE
• First large-scale commercial deployment of the GE Haliade 150-6MW turbine

Detail of the equipment used

Thanks to its 150-meter diameter rotor (with blades stretching 73.50 m), the turbine can supply power to the equivalent of about 5,000 European homes.
Developed for all offshore conditions, our 6MW direct drive wind turbine combines proven technology and innovation. Building on our unique Pure Torque* design, it provides high yield and uncompromising reliability that will lower the cost of offshore energy.

Innovative technology

• The Pure Torque* design protects the generator to ensure and improves its performance by diverting unwanted stresses from the wind safely to the turbine’s tower though the main frame.
• The innovative Advanced High Density direct-drive Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) is more compact and lightweight design compared to earlier generation direct-drive systems.

Reliable

• GE’s unique and proven rotor support with direct-drive PMG increases reliability, maximises turbine availability and reduces maintenance costs.

Efficient

• Strength and durability are maximised with the 150m diameter rotor combined with 73.5m light blade.
• Yield improved by 15% compared to the existing offshore turbines.
• Supplying 5,000 households with electricity.

Funding details

Close to EUR 500 million in equity was provided by a consortium of five sponsors comprising of Partners Group‎, the global private markets investment manager (with a 50% equity share on behalf of its clients); InfraRed Capital Partners, the infrastructure and real estate  investment  manager (with a 25% equity share on behalf of its infrastructure investors); DEME Concessions Wind, the infrastructure investment arm of the DEME Group (12.5%); GE  Energy Financial Services, the energy investing arm of the industrial company (6.25%); and, L’Agence de l’environnement et de la maîtrise de l’énergie (ADEME), acting in the name and on behalf of the French State (6.25%).‎