Dogger Bank Wind Farms, which is developing what will be the world’s largest offshore windfarm when built, has unveiled GE Renewable Energy as its preferred turbine supplier
Under the new deal, GE Renewable Energy will supply Dogger Bank with its next generation of offshore technology, the 12-MW Haliade-X turbine, bringing the world’s most powerful wind turbine to the world’s largest windfarm. The turbine supplier said the final number of turbines to be installed at Dogger Bank will be confirmed in due course.
Dogger Bank Wind Farms is a 50:50 joint venture between Equinor and SSE Renewables. The overall windfarm comprises three 1.2-GW projects in the North Sea, approximately 130 km from the UK coast. The projects were successful in the latest contracts for difference (CfDs) allocation round, the UK Government’s auction for renewable power.
SSE Renewables will lead the development and construction phases of Dogger Bank and Equinor will lead on operations once completed.
SSE Renewables director of capital projects Paul Cooley said, “The joint Equinor and SSE Renewables project team on Dogger Bank is excited to work with GE Renewable Energy to introduce the next generation of offshore wind turbine to the UK, and to be the first European windfarm to install and operate these innovative turbines.
“Dogger Bank will now be home to the largest offshore wind turbines in the world and to this pioneering low carbon technology, which will play a central role in helping the UK become carbon neutral by 2050.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farms project director Bjørn Ivar Bergemo said, “Our success in the CfD auction was due in large part to the relationships we have built with our supply chain, which enabled the lowest ever strike prices. The Haliade-X represents a step change in turbine technology, and we look forward to working with GE Renewable Energy to maximise innovation and supply chain benefits for the UK.”
GE Renewable Energy president and chief executive John Lavelle said, “We are very excited to announce this agreement as it gives us the opportunity to bring the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbine to the world’s largest offshore wind market.
“We have an important role to play in the UK’s offshore wind ambitions and in delivering further carbon emission reductions. Our Haliade-X technology is helping our customers to make offshore wind a more competitive source of clean and renewable energy by reducing the levelised cost of energy.”
The Dogger Bank projects will now progress towards a financial investment decision by the end of 2020, after which there will be confirmation of GE Renewable Energy as turbine supplier.
Onshore construction is expected to commence in early 2020, and first energy generation is expected in 2023. Dogger Bank Wind Farms is currently preparing to commence onshore works, alongside plans to hold events for local residents and the potential supply chain.
GE is soon to start testing the Haliade-X in Rotterdam.
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