Vattenfall
About
A Swedish utility wholly owned by the Swedish state, with integrated positions in Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands and a presence in the UK, Denmark, Finland and Poland. It reports four segments, Customers & Solutions (which includes heat), Power Generation, Wind and Distribution, so wind is its own segment rather than a line inside a renewables division. That segment runs onshore and offshore wind farms across Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and the UK, beside a generation business built on hydro and nuclear power. In 2016 it sold its German lignite operations to the Czech energy company EPH and its financial partner, with the support of its owner, the Swedish state. Its articles of association, based on a 2010 decision of the Swedish Parliament, set the objective of a market rate of return from a commercial energy business.
Outlook
as of 2026-10Vattenfall entered the 2020s as one of Europe's most ambitious offshore wind developers, taking FID on Hollandse Kust Zuid (1.5 GW), then the world's largest subsidy-free project. In July 2023 it cancelled Norfolk Boreas (1.4 GW) citing 40% cost inflation, sold the whole 4.2 GW Norfolk Zone to RWE for GBP 963m by December 2023, and halved wind investment for 2024-2025. A selective recovery followed. Both halves of the 1.6 GW Nordlicht cluster in Germany have FID; Nordlicht I went into construction in July 2026 for operation in 2028, and Nordlicht II is to start construction in 2027. Zeevonk (2 GW, with CIP, the Netherlands) was phased into 1 GW by 2029 and 1 GW by 2032, with FID on phase 1 planned for Q4 2026. Swedish Kriegers Flak was paused. The April 2026 sale of its Muir Mhor floating stake in Scotland remained subject to regulatory approval in September, while the CEO says offshore wind and the UK remain core. In August 2026 it won Hesselo (at least 800 MW) and North Sea I Mid (at least 1,000 MW) in Denmark's CfD tender.
What they've said
26 statements 2020-06 – 2026-09
- Credit Agricole investor presentation
The presentation says winning both Danish CfD projects strengthens Vattenfall's Danish offshore position and allows increased synergies, with combined volumes strengthening procurement leverage. It gives strike prices of 68 EUR/MWh (North Sea Central) and 73 EUR/MWh (Hesselo) in real 2026 terms under 20-year CfDs indexed to the Danish net price index, and states that easing cost peaks and CfD-backed revenue de-risking create new opportunities for competitive players.
Hafrok summary source → - Corporate factbook, September 2026
The factbook says Vattenfall reduces project risk by securing revenues through corporate PPAs alongside CfDs, by developing equity partnerships to reduce capital intensity and share risk, and by sharing risk with suppliers. It states that historically Vattenfall has kept 50% ownership or more in its projects, but that it monitors the market closely.
Hafrok summary source → - Corporate factbook, September 2026
The factbook's project table reports Nordlicht I (980 MW) under construction since July 2026 and Nordlicht II (630 MW) to start construction in 2027, both 100% owned; Zeevonk phase 1 (1,000 MW, 50% with CIP) being prepared for FID in Q4 2026; and Muir Mhor (750 MW, 50%) to be sold to Fred. Olsen Seawind, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hafrok summary source → - Hesselo and North Sea I Mid award, Danish offshore wind tender
“Winning both projects reflects our continued ambition to grow our offshore wind portfolio and support the electrification of industry and society,”
David Flood, Head of Business Unit Offshore source → - Muir Mhor change of ownership agreed
“The decision reflects Vattenfall’s current portfolio priorities, as the company focuses on offshore wind developments such as Nordlicht I and II in Germany, and Zeevonk in the Netherlands.”
Vattenfall (company statement) source → - Q1 2026 results call
“offshore wind is still a core business of Vattenfall and will continue to be, so is the U.K. market. Muir Mhòr was a floating offshore wind, and we have all seen that the development is happening slightly later than what was anticipated earlier, simply because the entire build-out is now at a slightly slower pace than before.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Full-year report 2025
“In the German North Sea, the areas for offshore are limited. One wind farm casts a shadow over another. We are building the wind farms without state subsidies. For other North Sea tender sites, it didn't seem attractive to us. Had the federal government hedged price risks, the assessment might have been different.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Q4 2025 results call
“So I think that we have not said a specific number that we are prepared to commit to a certain technology. We do a continuous prioritisation on the projects based on their profitability and risk profile of them. And we actually think that all fossil-free energy sources are needed.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Nordlicht full FID confirmation
“Securing the irrevocable permit and reaching our full investment decision marks a defining moment for Nordlicht.”
Catrin Jung, Head of BU Offshore Wind source → - Capital Markets Day 2025
Vattenfall has decided on a 2026-2030 investment plan of SEK 165 billion net (SEK 239 billion gross). Growth investments total SEK 92 billion, with the largest share — SEK 59 billion, or 64 percent — planned for new wind power. The difference between gross and net reflects partnerships for offshore wind projects and assumptions about revenues from divesting onshore wind and solar projects developed for sale.
Hafrok summary source → - Nordlicht 1 FID announcement
“By accelerating Germany's energy transition and supporting industrial decarbonisation, it will provide clean, reliable energy while driving innovation and sustainability in the sector. We look forward to realising this important project in close collaboration with our supply chain partners.”
Helene Bistrom, Head of BA Wind source → - Swedish Kriegers Flak project pause
Vattenfall has decided to pause the development of the offshore wind power project Swedish Kriegers Flak until further notice, due to unviable investment prerequisites in Sweden. One of the main prerequisites for investing in the project is a reasonable connection point to the national grid offshore. Would the investment prerequisites improve and the permits are still valid, the project can be resumed.
Hafrok summary source → - IJmuiden Ver Beta (Zeevonk) tender award
“The Netherlands is taking yet another major step forward in the energy transition with IJmuiden Ver. Combining wind, solar and hydrogen, this project will create a state-of-the-art energy system and support further decarbonisation of industries and our society. We are extremely proud to have been awarded this permit and look forward to implementing our plans for this energy park together with CIP.”
Martijn Hagens, CEO Vattenfall Netherlands source → - BASF 49% stake sale in Nordlicht 1 and 2
“Offshore wind energy is an essential contributor to the energy transition in Europe and is expected to replace fossil fuels on a large scale. Partnerships play a crucial role in transforming European industries, while strengthening competitiveness. We are pleased to deepen our relationship with BASF for yet another important offshore wind project — and that way accelerate the journey to fossil freedom together.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Full-year report 2023
Vattenfall will invest EUR 1.58bn in new wind power capacity in 2024 and 2025, down from EUR 3.34bn in the previous two years — a 50 percent reduction. The energy market will remain turbulent and insecure for a while. Increased inflation and interest rates are impacting the company and suppliers, and bottlenecks caused by less global trading mean Europe needs to ramp up its own manufacturing.
Hafrok summary source → - Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone divestment to RWE
“The Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone is incredibly important for the energy transition and reaching net zero. Today's agreement with RWE is great news for the UK's energy security, ensuring the Zone's continued journey towards providing clean electricity for over 4 million homes. Both the UK and the offshore market remain attractive over the long term, and we will focus our offshore investments in projects which are appropriate to our current risk appetite while continuing to operate and grow our existing fleet of assets.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Capital Markets Day 2023
“Vattenfall continues to aim for NetZero in our full value chain by 2040, with our strategy firmly in place. We will focus on financial stability and prioritising profitable business opportunities.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Hollandse Kust Zuid inauguration
“Vattenfall wants to be a leader in the energy transition and offshore wind is essential for energy security and achieving net-zero.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Norfolk Boreas cancellation / H1 2023 interim report
“We have decided to stop the development of Norfolk Boreas in its current form and not take an investment decision now due to mentioned factors, which triggers the impairment. […] Higher inflation and capital costs are affecting the entire energy sector, but the geopolitical situation has made offshore wind and its supply chain particularly vulnerable.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Norfolk Boreas cancellation
“Simply put, the market framework in the UK is supposed to incentivise investment in renewables but it doesn't reflect the current market environment. If we take the Norfolk Boreas project, we locked in the revenue element with the CfD in the UK over a year ago when market conditions were completely different. What we see today with the new market conditions is that it simply doesn't make sense to continue this project.”
Helene Bistrom, Head of BA Wind source → - Norfolk Boreas cancellation
“We have seen cost increases in the supply of offshore wind of up to 40 percent for the entire market. Of course it hits projects that are in development especially. The UK does not currently have the investment environment needed to meet its offshore wind targets.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Reuters interview, Q1 2023 results
“We are continuing to develop the Norfolk cluster to see what the impact is. Only 12 GW of new capacity was sanctioned in 2022 versus the 30 GW Europe needs annually. Suppliers may pass inflation and higher interest rates onto projects.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Full-year report 2021
Wind power doubled its contribution to underlying operating profit, in part owing to new capacity from Kriegers Flak in Denmark. Renewable capacity now stands at 4.5 GW, an increase of 1.2 GW since 2017. Wind power accounts for 54 percent of Vattenfall's total investments.
Hafrok summary source → - Kriegers Flak inauguration
“With today's inauguration, we are taking one step closer towards our goal of enabling fossil-free living within one generation. Kriegers Flak stands as a strong contribution to the green transition, which is why we are proud that the wind farm is now ready to provide fossil-free power to Danish homes and industry.”
Anna Borg, CEO source → - Kriegers Flak inauguration
“Kriegers Flak has been a very successful project, which, despite being constructed amidst a global pandemic, is in operation ahead of schedule. It shows the commitment of society, our partners and Vattenfall to a carbon-neutral future. At the same time, it underlines our strategic ambition to accelerate fossil-free living with the power of renewables.”
Helene Bistrom, Head of BA Wind source → - Hollandse Kust Zuid 1-4 FID announcement
“The Hollandse Kust Zuid project underlines our commitment to supply the Netherlands and Europe with fossil free electricity. In addition, the investment decision shows that our determination to deliver on our goal to enable fossil free living within one generation remains firm despite the COVID19 pandemic.”
Magnus Hall, CEO source →
Portfolio
25 held + 4 exited · live stages first, exits lastCapacity is net of ownership stake: a 50% JV counts half. Gross exposure (full nameplate of every project held): 16.4 GW. Some stakes are undisclosed, so net GW is a floor.
| Project | Country | Stage | MW | Stake | Net MW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollandse Kust Zuid↓ farmed down | Netherlands | Operational | 1509 | 50.5% | 762 |
| Kriegers Flak | Denmark | Operational | 604 | 100% | 604 |
| Horns Rev 3 | Denmark | Operational | 407 | 100% | 407 |
| Vesterhav Nord & Syd↓ farmed down | Denmark | Operational | 344 | 92% | 317 |
| Thanet | United Kingdom | Operational | 300 | 100% | 300 |
| DanTysk↓ farmed down | Germany | Operational | 288 | 51% | 147 |
| Sandbank↓ farmed down | Germany | Operational | 288 | 51% | 147 |
| Lillgrund | Sweden | Operational | 110 | 100% | 110 |
| Horns Rev 1 | Denmark | Operational | 158 | 60% | 95 |
| Aberdeen EOWDC | United Kingdom | Operational | 93 | 100% | 93 |
| Kentish Flats | United Kingdom | Operational | 90 | 100% | 90 |
| Ormonde↓ farmed down | United Kingdom | Operational | 150 | 51% | 77 |
| Kentish Flats Extension | United Kingdom | Operational | 50 | 100% | 50 |
| alpha ventus↓ farmed down | Germany | Operational | 60 | 26.2% | 16 |
| Nordlicht 1 (N-7.2) | Germany | Under Construction | 980 | 100% | 980 |
| Vidar | Sweden | Advanced Development | 2000 | 85% | 1700 |
| Kattegat Syd | Sweden | Advanced Development | 1200 | 100% | 1200 |
| Poseidon | Sweden | Advanced Development | 1400 | 85% | 1190 |
| IJmuiden Ver Beta Phase 2 (Zeevonk) | Netherlands | Advanced Development | 1000 | — | — |
| Nordlicht 2 (N-6.6) | Germany | Advanced Development | 630 | 100% | 630 |
| IJmuiden Ver Beta Phase 1 (Zeevonk) | Netherlands | Advanced Development | 1000 | 50% | 500 |
| Korsnas | Finland | Early Development | 1300 | — | — |
| Nordsøen Midt | Denmark | Early Development | 1000 | 100% | 1000 |
| Hesselø | Denmark | Early Development | 800 | 100% | 800 |
| Swedish Kriegers Flak | Sweden | On Hold | 640 | 100% | 640 |
| Norfolk Vanguard East | United Kingdom | Divested 2023-12 | 1400 | 100% sold | — |
| Norfolk Vanguard West | United Kingdom | Divested 2023-12 | 1400 | 100% sold | — |
| Norfolk Boreas | United Kingdom | Divested 2023-12 | 1400 | 100% sold | — |
| Egmond aan Zee (OWEZ) | Netherlands | Divested 2021-03 | 108 | 50% sold | — |
Divested & farmed down
every recorded sale by this developer · newest first| Announced | Project / portfolio | Type | Stake sold | €m | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10 | alpha ventus | acquisition | 100% joint | — | Ocean Breeze Energy (Macquarie) |
| 2023-Q2 | Vesterhav Nord & Syd | farmdown | — | — | Local residents and holiday-home owners (Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality) |
| 2023-12 | Norfolk Vanguard East | acquisition | 100% | — | RWE |
| 2023-12 | Norfolk Vanguard West | acquisition | 100% | — | RWE |
| 2023-12 | Norfolk Boreas | acquisition | 100% | — | RWE |
| 2021-06 | Hollandse Kust Zuid | farmdown | 49.5% | 1,600 | BASF |
| 2021-03 | Egmond aan Zee (OWEZ) | acquisition | 50% | 13 | Shell |
| 2015-12 | Ormonde | farmdown | 49% | 325 | AMF (Swedish pension fund) |
| 2014-08 | Sandbank | farmdown | 49% | — | Stadtwerke München |
| 2010-07 | DanTysk | farmdown | 49% | — | Stadtwerke München |
Ownership history comes from the transaction database; the portfolio above is the current snapshot only. "Joint" stakes are the consortium total (per-seller split not disclosed) and are excluded from the stake-weighted GW figure.