What exactly happened at the Ibbenbueren power plant site?

A controlled implosion removed the retired coal plant’s 275-meter chimney on February 22. The Ibbenbueren power plant demolition clears the site for an Amprion converter station that will route offshore wind into North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a visible step in Germany’s shift from coal power to grid infrastructure for renewables.

What is an Amprion converter station and why is it crucial?

A converter station transforms electricity between alternating and direct current for efficient long-distance transmission. At Ibbenbueren, the Amprion converter station will link offshore wind NRW to local demand centers, helping stabilize the grid, cut losses, and deliver cleaner power to households and industry once operational.

When will the new infrastructure start delivering power in NRW?

According to project plans, the converter station is targeted to be operational by 2031. The Ibbenbueren power plant demolition is the first site step, followed by ground works, equipment installation, energization, and testing. Timelines can vary with permitting, supply chains, and construction progress, so milestone updates matter.

How can investors find opportunities from this project?

Look for companies exposed to HVDC converters, high-voltage cables, transformers, switchgear, and EPC services. Track tender announcements, preferred supplier lists, and factory capacity expansions. The Ibbenbueren power plant demolition signals growing German grid investment, which can support multi-year backlogs, service contracts, and aftermarket revenues.

Global Market Insights

February 22: Ibbenbueren Coal Plant Chimney Demolished for Wind Grid

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

The Ibbenbueren power plant demolition on February 22 removed a 275-meter chimney to free space for an Amprion converter station that will route offshore wind NRW into North Rhine-Westphalia by 2031. The project is expected to supply roughly 1–2 million people, supporting industry and homes. For investors, this marks a clear signal of German grid investment accelerating, with multi-year demand for transmission equipment and EPC services. We explain what changed on-site, why it matters for NRW, and how to identify opportunities and risks in this buildout.