GE Vernova, Seatrium Win Contract to Build TenneT’s 2.2 GW BalWin5 Offshore Grid Link

GE Vernova and Seatrium announced that their consortium has secured a major contract from TenneT to develop BalWin5, a 2.2-GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) offshore grid connection that will transmit power from North Sea wind farms to Germany’s onshore network. Once operational, the link is expected to supply renewable electricity equivalent to the needs of approximately 2.75 million households, supporting Germany’s long-term decarbonization and energy-security goals.

This project marks the fourth award to the consortium under TenneT’s five-year Framework Cooperation Agreement signed in 2023, and the first tied to Germany’s 2-GW-class offshore grid projects. BalWin5 expands the use of high-capacity HVDC systems designed to accelerate large-scale wind integration into the national grid.

Scope of work
GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems business will deliver the full HVDC system, including both the offshore and onshore converter stations, along with control and protection technologies that stabilize long-distance power transmission. The HVDC link is engineered to minimize losses and support high-capacity delivery from offshore production sites to the mainland.

Seatrium will design, construct, transport, and install the offshore converter platform. Fabrication will primarily occur at the company’s facilities in Singapore and Batam, with project execution beginning on January 1, 2026.

Supporting Germany’s offshore wind expansion
BalWin5 strengthens TenneT’s program to scale up offshore transmission capacity. Unlike conventional 900-MW links, the BalWin series uses systems capable of transporting over 2 GW each. BalWin5 includes additional technical headroom to reach 2.2 GW, enabling greater capture of high-wind periods without additional infrastructure.

The overall system comprises:

Industry statements
“BalWin5 reflects the scale and ambition of Germany’s energy transition,” said Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems business. “Our HVDC technology is designed to deliver efficiency, affordability, and long-term reliability.”

Samuel Wong, Executive Vice President of Seatrium Energy (Fixed Platforms), added: “Building on the experience gained from our first three platforms for TenneT, we will deliver this project safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.”

BalWin5 is part of TenneT’s large-scale offshore grid program, which applies standardized 2-GW HVDC systems to reduce cost per megawatt, shorten delivery timelines, and expand renewable power transmission capacity. The project plays a key role in Germany’s broader strategy to accelerate offshore wind deployment and strengthen grid resilience.

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