Germany’s first offshore wind farm joins power grid

Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen will launch the wind farm’s service with the press of a button – setting 12 turbines in motion.

The “Alpha Ventus” wind park – some 45 kilometres from the East Frisian island of Borkum – will provide power to about 50,000 households.

It will be operated by energy companies Eon, Vattenfall and EWE.

Despite the fact that it will provide renewable energy, the project has been heavily criticised by environmentalists. They are particularly concerned about migratory birds who could be harmed by the turbines.