Rasmus Errboe, CEO of Ørsted, said, “Borkum Riffgrund 3 shows what offshore wind can deliver for Germany: large-scale, home-grown renewable electricity for industry and households, built by a European supply chain. With well-designed, risk-balanced frameworks, the German North and Baltic seas can become power plants that help drive decarbonisation and energy independence.”

“At the same time, the inauguration is a major milestone for Ørsted, as we significantly increase our renewable energy capacity in Germany and take a large step towards delivery on our global 8.1 GW construction portfolio,” he added.

Offshore Wind Supports Germany’s Energy Needs

In her message to guests in Hamburg, Katherina Reiche, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, highlighted the scale of the project and its contribution to Germany’s offshore capacity.

She said, “With 913 MW, this single project adds nearly a tenth to our national offshore capacity, which has already surpassed 10 GW this year. One wind farm with the output of a conventional power plant. Clean energy at true industrial scale.”

Grant Hendrik Tonne, Lower Saxony Minister of Economic Affairs, Transport and Building, also attended the event and emphasised the importance of offshore wind for Germany’s energy independence and industrial competitiveness.

“Borkum Riffgrund 3 illustrates why offshore wind isn’t only an essential pillar of the energy transition. It’s also an important economic driver and a strategic locational advantage. It creates orders for industrial companies, supports skilled employment, and strengthens the maritime expertise of our coastal regions,” said Grant Hendrik Tonne.

Jordi Francesch, Global Head of Clean Energy at Nuveen Infrastructure, said, “Today’s inauguration marks a proud moment for Nuveen Infrastructure and our long-standing partnership with Ørsted. Borkum Riffgrund 3 reflects the scale of investment and collaboration needed to deliver Germany’s energy transition, bringing together industrial offtakers, supply chain partners, and long-term capital to create a project that will serve German businesses and households for decades to come.”

Project Adds Renewable Power for Industry

Germany still imports more than 60 % of its energy, leaving households and businesses exposed to fossil fuel price shocks, which have occurred twice in less than five years.

Josche Muth, Country Manager of Ørsted Germany, said, “Germany is currently taking important steps to make offshore wind more efficient and affordable, especially by introducing two-sided CfDs, longer operating lives for wind farms, and a stronger focus on cross-border projects.”

Borkum Riffgrund 3 forms part of the contribution to German energy security by helping meet the increasing demand for renewable electricity from companies at the centre of Germany’s industrial and digital economy, including Amazon, Google, EHA/REWE Group, Covestro, and BASF. The project is directly connected to the TenneT Dolwin epsilon converter platform, representing a first for offshore wind in Germany. The inauguration also focused on continued innovation and coordination in grid development, with broad agreement that an accelerated and coordinated approach would be central to unlocking Germany’s renewable energy potential.

European Supply Chain Supports Construction

The construction of Borkum Riffgrund 3 demonstrates the role of the European offshore wind supply chain in delivering projects in Germany. The wind farm uses wind turbines and foundations supplied from Germany and Denmark, cables from Germany and France, and installation vessels from the Netherlands and Belgium, among others. Around 100 German companies were contracted in connection with the development and construction of the wind farm, while operations and maintenance are conducted from Ørsted’s sites in Norden-Norddeich and Emden. Offshore wind also generates value beyond Germany’s coastal regions, including industrial areas such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland.

In 2025, the offshore wind industry generated more than 30,000 full-time jobs and EUR 14.6 billion in gross value across Germany. Borkum Riffgrund 3 is Ørsted’s sixth operational offshore wind farm in Germany. Its commissioning brings Ørsted’s installed offshore wind capacity in the country to around 2.5 GW, representing a 25 % market share and the largest operational portfolio of any company in Germany.

Keywords: Borkum Riffgrund 3,

Meta-title:  Opens as Ørsted’s Largest German Project

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Financial Support and Energy Security

As part of the Canada-Ukraine energy cooperation, Canada has committed an additional $10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, bringing its total contribution to $100 million. Furthermore, Canada is providing up to $757 million in loan guarantees to assist with emergency natural gas purchases, ensuring the country maintains adequate fuel reserves for the upcoming 2026 and 2027 heating season. This financial framework is designed to bolster energy security as the nation faces continued challenges to its power grid.

Additional support includes $200 million in concessional trade finance specifically targeting infrastructure projects, with a primary focus on the reconstruction of hydropower facilities.

Strategic Cooperation in Gas and Nuclear Sectors

The partnership emphasizes a long-term approach to cooperation, with both nations actively negotiating arrangements for the supply of LNG. Officials are exploring ways to leverage Ukraine’s substantial underground gas storage capacity to improve regional infrastructure resilience.

Parallel to these gas-related efforts, the two countries are deepening their collaboration in nuclear energy. A strategic agreement between Cameco and NNEGC Energoatom has been established, securing long-term uranium supplies and conversion services through 2035. This agreement serves as a foundational element for Ukraine’s nuclear independence and long-term energy planning.

The statement about the energy cooperation also reaffirms the 1995 bilateral agreement on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, along with the 2023 memorandum between Ukraine’s State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The ministers have pledged to strengthen cooperation in areas including the modernization of uranium mining, nuclear waste management, nuclear safety and joint diplomatic initiatives through the IAEA concerning the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The framework was signed by Greece’s Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and Deputy Ministers Nikos Tsafos and Marilena Soukouli. It establishes more defined requirements for the siting of new facilities and is part of a wider effort to develop coordinated national spatial plans. These plans are being prepared alongside separate frameworks covering tourism and industry. Following public consultation, several restrictions have been introduced. New wind farms are now prohibited in tourism areas classified under Categories A and B. The exclusion zones have also been widened to cover historical sites, ancient monuments, legally protected monuments dating from after 1830, water sources used for human consumption and untouched beaches.

Island and Mountainous Area Requirements

Additional conditions apply to Greece’s islands under the new renewable energy framework. Proposed wind farms on the islands must undergo a specific landscape assessment during the environmental licensing process. The assessment is intended to examine the scale of each project, the character of the surrounding landscape and the visual impact that the installation could create. In mountainous parts of the islands, renewable energy projects will be assessed individually, with authorities considering the morphological and ecological characteristics of each location.

The maximum land coverage permitted for wind farms remains at 4 percent of the area of each Municipal Unit. At the same time, the framework allows a limited exception for locations with relatively low average wind potential. Projects in such areas may still be considered if measurements show that a particular site has sufficiently strong wind resources. Such projects must meet certification requirements and comply with the other restrictions established under the new renewable energy framework.

Innovation in Power Transmission

The newly engineered eco-friendly circuit is reported to be the first of its kind from a South Korean manufacturer and represents one of the only three such products available globally. Instead of traditional insulating gases, the unit utilizes a C4-FN gas mixture. This fluoronitrile-based alternative offers a global warming potential approximately 98% lower than that of SF6.

To successfully implement this technology, engineers were required to perform a comprehensive redesign of critical system components. This included substantial modifications to the internal insulation system and the mechanical switching architecture to ensure reliability and performance.

Impact on the European Market

This 420-kV rated device is specifically aligned with the 400-kV transmission networks utilized by major electricity providers across the European market. As countries move to accelerate the integration of renewable energy, the demand for high-voltage infrastructure capable of transporting electricity across long distances has grown.

According to company sources, HD Hyundai Electric is currently engaged in discussions with a major British utility regarding a potential long-term supply agreement. The company anticipates securing its inaugural order for this technology by early next year.

Furthermore, the integration of this eco-friendly circuit breaker is expected to assist in minimizing the environmental footprint of modern electrical grids. By facilitating the expansion of renewable energy and supporting the development of cross-border transmission networks, the technology addresses the industry’s increasing pressure to adopt safer, more sustainable alternatives. Looking ahead, the company has announced plans to expand its portfolio by developing additional SF6-free circuit breakers rated at 300 kV and 362 kV over the next three years.

Economic Impact and Development

According to the Welsh Government, the construction phase of this offshore wind project is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs. Beyond the initial build, the initiative is projected to provide additional skilled employment opportunities once the facility is fully operational.

Adam Price, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said: “Major offshore wind projects such as this important scheme can be catalysts for economic growth and prosperity.”

The minister said the government would work with the company to bring high-quality jobs to Wales, which directly aligns with our mission to boost productivity.

Advancing Floating Wind Technology

Unlike conventional installations, the Llŷr site serves as a specialized testing facility. Managed by Cierco Energy, the project is designed to validate the technical capabilities required to unlock energy generation in the deeper waters of the Celtic Sea. These findings are expected to inform the development of larger-scale renewable energy deployments planned for the coming decade.

Finalizing Consents and Future Outlook

The recent granting of Section 36 consent represents the final stage of a multi-step approval process. Earlier this year, the project secured a marine licence from Natural Resources Wales and finalized seabed rights through an agreement with The Crown Estate.

Scott Harper, chief executive of Cierco Energy, said: “Securing Section 36 consent is a fantastic achievement for Llŷr and for Wales.”

With the project currently targeting first power for 2031, Pembrokeshire continues to serve as a focal point for the sector. The region’s deep-water port infrastructure remains a strategic asset as the government works to transform its broader renewable energy pipeline into active construction projects.

As part of the agreements, EDF and AFD will assist Serbia in developing the professional expertise and institutional framework required for the civilian nuclear programme. Their support will include preparing a series of relevant studies designed to evaluate the programme’s implementation, Handanovic said in a social media post.

“Our goal is to complete all the necessary studies by the middle of next year so that we can make an informed decision on the further development of the nuclear programme,” Handanovic said.

Studies, Funding and Regulatory Framework to Shape Nuclear Development

As per reports, AFD is providing Serbia with a grant worth 500,000 euro ($573,000) to strengthen the professional and organisational capabilities needed to prepare, develop and manage the first phase, as well as part of the second phase, of the civilian nuclear programme. The funding is intended to support the country’s institutional preparation as it progresses through the early stages of nuclear development.

Following the reversal of its ban on constructing nuclear power plants in November 2024, Serbia received the results last year of a preliminary technical study examining the potential use of nuclear energy. Conducted by EDF, the study concluded that nuclear energy could be integrated into Serbia’s existing transmission system over the next 15-20 years. Handanovic also said last year that Serbia requires about 30 million euro to complete the first two phases of its nuclear programme in line with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.

According to IAEA, the first two phases in the development of a country’s nuclear programme include a pre-feasibility study, preparatory works for contracting and construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP), and establishment of legal and regulatory frameworks. Following the two phases, the construction of a NPP may begin.

Serbia expects to start the construction of a NPP by 2035. In support of its long-term plans, Serbia has already signed several memorandums and cooperation agreements with South Korea, France, the United States, and Russia to exchange knowledge and experience in nuclear energy. The country also plans to cooperate with the UAE’s Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) as part of the development process.

“Strengthening the country’s industrial capacity is an essential step to enable Italian companies to seize the opportunities of a rapidly growing nuclear market,” said Ansaldo Energia CEO Fabrizio Fabbri.

Carlo Luzzatto, CEO and General Manager of RINA, said, “Through this initiative, we aim to support companies on a structured qualification pathway, enabling them to progressively develop the capabilities and meet the requirements needed to operate in an industry defined by the highest regulatory, technological, and safety standards.”

“The Italian Nuclear Association expresses its strong appreciation and full support for this initiative, which is of fundamental importance to strengthen and coordinate a national nuclear supply chain that can already rely on expertise and industrial capabilities developed also through significant projects abroad,” said Stefano Monti, Chairman of the Italian Nuclear Association.

Italy Continues Legislative Steps Toward Nuclear Energy Return

The nuclear supply chain initiative comes as Italy continues to advance its broader plans for the possible return of nuclear energy. The country operated four nuclear power plants beginning in the early 1960s before deciding to phase out nuclear power following the referendum held after the 1986 Chernobyl accident. Its final two operating facilities, Caorso and Trino Vercellese, were closed in 1990. In late March 2011, after the Fukushima Daiichi accident, the Italian government approved a moratorium of at least one year on the construction of nuclear power plants, despite earlier efforts to revive the country’s nuclear programme. A referendum conducted in June that year saw 94% of voters reject the construction of new nuclear reactors.

Since then, public opinion has become increasingly favourable toward nuclear energy. In May 2023, the Italian Parliament approved a motion urging the government to evaluate the inclusion of nuclear power within the country’s energy mix. Later, in September 2023, the government convened the first meeting of the National Platform for Sustainable Nuclear Power to establish a timetable for the possible return of nuclear energy and identify opportunities for the country’s existing nuclear supply chain and industrial capabilities. In October 2025, Italy’s Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, approved for final consideration a bill assigning responsibility for reintroducing nuclear energy to the government. The legislation authorises comprehensive regulation of ‘sustainable’ nuclear power in line with European decarbonisation policies by 2050 and energy security objectives, including the creation of a National Programme for Sustainable Nuclear Power, an independent Nuclear Safety Authority, stronger scientific and industrial research, the development of new skills, and public information initiatives.

Further legislative progress followed in June 2026 when Italy’s lower house of parliament, the Chamber of Deputies, approved the bill presented by Meloni’s government, moving the country closer to resuming the use of nuclear energy. The legislation will now proceed to the upper house, the Senate, for a vote. Once enacted, the implementing legislative decrees must be adopted within 12 months of the law’s entry into force.

The clean energy trade dialogue has been structured around three key areas of cooperation.

• The first focuses on specific CTIP business cases and flagship projects aimed at turning trade and investment opportunities into concrete outcomes. These opportunities include South Africa’s electricity grid expansion, renewable energy projects, sustainable aviation fuels, critical raw materials, and green hydrogen initiatives.
• The second area covers trade and investment facilitation measures, with the objective of making the business environment more transparent and predictable through the exchange of information on recent regulatory processes and by providing clarifications to industry stakeholders.
• The third area addresses regulatory cooperation on climate and energy, where both partners will work together on regulatory approaches, standards, and implementation frameworks to support the green transition.

CTIP Supports Investment, Supply Chains and Green Transition

The Clean Trade and Investment Partnership introduces a new model of trade engagement that combines competitiveness with climate action by encouraging mutually beneficial cooperation in the clean economy and in critical raw materials. Within this framework, governments are expected to play a key role in creating a supportive regulatory environment that enables investments to expand and achieve their intended impact. South Africa has set ambitious goals for its clean transition, including reforms to its electricity sector and the construction of approximately 14,500 km of new transmission lines over the next decade. As these plans move forward, the CTIP is intended to encourage investment opportunities across clean supply chains while delivering mutual benefits for both the European Union and South Africa.

The clean energy trade partnership builds on earlier milestones between the two regions. In November 2025, the EU and South Africa signed the first Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, establishing a framework to promote mutually beneficial trade, investment, and job creation while supporting decarbonisation and the development of clean supply chains. This form of cooperation is designed to strengthen the EU’s role as a preferred partner for countries committed to the clean transition.

In March 2026, both sides also held the first Business-to-Government dialogue under the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP), providing an opportunity to gather business perspectives and priorities for the implementation of the agreement.

Trade Relationship Continues to Expand

South Africa remains the EU’s first CTIP partner and its largest investment partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. Trade flows reached 45 billion euros in 2025, while the EU continues to be the leading investor in South Africa, accounting for more than 40% of foreign direct investment.

Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships were introduced as a new policy tool by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 2024 to support the EU’s decarbonisation and competitiveness objectives as part of the Clean Industrial Deal. As implementation progresses, clean energy trade continues to underpin cooperation between the EU and South Africa across investment, regulatory alignment, and industrial development.

The investment is intended to help lower-income EU countries upgrade their energy infrastructure while accelerating renewable energy deployment, improving energy efficiency, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to supporting climate objectives, the EUR 2.5B fund is expected to reinforce Europe’s energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthening industrial competitiveness through cleaner and more efficient energy systems.

Romania Receives Largest Allocation as Countries Advance Energy Transition

Romania secured the largest share of funding, receiving €636.9 million. Hungary followed with an allocation of €552.3 million, while Czechia was awarded €516.8 million. Greece, Poland, Lithuania, Croatia, Portugal Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia  received €233.9 million, €180 million, €169 million, €109 million, €81.4 million, €44.8 million, €40 million and €20.2 million respectively.

Projects financed through this round of the Modernisation Fund are focused on expanding renewable energy generation, upgrading electricity networks, strengthening energy storage capacity, and improving energy efficiency. Several participating countries will also direct funding toward cleaner transport and heating systems.

In Czechia, financial support will be used to modernize district heating systems to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Croatia intends to expand geothermal energy for regional heating projects. Estonia will replace diesel-powered public transport vehicles with zero-emission electric trolleybuses, while Latvia will introduce electric buses together with new charging infrastructure to support cleaner urban transportation.

Funding Programme Continues to Support Climate and Energy Goals

Portugal and Poland will allocate part of their funding to improve the energy efficiency of residential and public buildings, helping lower energy consumption and reduce emissions. Romania plans to invest in standalone battery energy storage systems to improve grid stability while supporting the growing share of renewable electricity in its energy mix.

The Modernisation Fund is designed to benefit 13 EU member states whose gross domestic product (GDP) per capita remained below 75% of the EU average during the 2016–2018 period. Although 11 countries received allocations under this funding round, Bulgaria and Slovakia also remain eligible for assistance through the programme.

Operating alongside other EU financial instruments, including the cohesion policy and the Just Transition Fund, the EUR 2.5B fund supports member states in achieving their climate and energy objectives. Eligible countries may submit applications for non-priority projects until 11th August 2026, while submissions for priority projects—which account for more than 90% of the fund’s portfolio—must be filed by 8th September 2026. Continued investment through the programme is expected to accelerate Europe’s transition toward a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable energy system.

The discussions focused on three primary pillars: enhancing energy security, expanding clean energy cooperation, and facilitating a more robust LNG trade between the two regions. Participants included various ministers from the European Union, representatives from Canadian provincial governments, and prominent business leaders from both territories.

Developing Resilient Supply Chains and Infrastructure for Clean Energy

A significant portion of the roundtable was dedicated to the necessity of building reliable supply chains for clean energy. Leaders agreed that secure logistics and sourcing are fundamental to meeting the rising global demand for renewable energy technologies. The dialogue covered the modernization of electricity grid infrastructure and ensuring consistent access to critical energy components. By establishing stable regulatory and economic conditions, the participants aim to encourage increased private sector investment in large-scale energy projects.

The Role of LNG Trade in European Energy Security

Canada’s capacity to bolster European energy security through liquefied natural gas exports was another focal point of the meeting. As the European Union continues to diversify its energy procurement to ensure stability, Canadian resources are viewed as a dependable option for future requirements. To move from policy to practice, the event featured a business-to-business workshop. This session allowed Canadian project developers to interface directly with potential European buyers, specifically designed to foster new commercial partnerships and streamline future energytrade.

Strategic Outcomes and Future Summit Planning

The roundtable built upon the framework established during previous EU-Canada Summit, acknowledging that geopolitical uncertainties and supply disruptions necessitate closer ties between trusted allies.

Jørgensen described the EU-Canada Energy Partnership as a strategic relationship that assists both parties in responding to the dynamic global energy market. Hodgson reaffirmed Canada’s dedication to being a trustable energy supplier, noting that the collaboration between governments and the private sector creates actionable opportunities. He also said Canada will work together with the European Union to support secure, long-term and sustainable energy cooperation.

These discussions are set to inform the agenda for the upcoming EU-Canada Summit, scheduled for 29th and 30th October 2026 in Canada, where officials expect to finalize further collaborative policies for greater collaboration efforts.