Wind Energy

Awarded wind power contract for Dogger Bank

The Dogger Bank zone is located off the east coast of Yorkshire between 125 and 195 kilometres offshore. It extends over approximately 8,660 km2 with its outer limit aligned to UK continental shelf limit as defined by the UK Hydrographic Office. The water depth ranges from 18-63 metres.

As the licence holder, Forewind will now begin to carry out the extensive surveys, assessments and planning required for the consent process. The Dogger Bank zone is large and a possible wind power development has to be carried out stepwise with several projects. The consortium’s commitment is to secure all the necessary consents for the construction and development of Dogger Bank, up to the point of investment decisions, which is anticipated from 2014.

Forewind has agreed with The Crown Estate a target installed capacity of 9 GW, though the zone has a wind energy potential for approximately 13 GW, which equates to around 10 per cent of total UK electricity requirements.

The consortium combines international offshore project delivery and renewables generation experience with UK utility and wind power expertise.

Forewind General Manager Frank-Are Steinbakk said: "The partners in the consortium are very satisfied with the announcement of Forewind as the successful bidder for Dogger Bank. This is an exciting project that is important for all the partners’ ambitions within offshore wind. There are many technical and logistical challenges to be addressed so Forewind will need to both draw fully on the experience of each of the partners and also look for innovative suppliers and contractors to help us ensure we address all the issues and achieve consent."

Statkraft CEO and President Bård Mikkelsen said: “The marine wind power effort is in line with Statkraft’s strategy to supply the world with more clean energy. A large share of the growth in renewable energy in the coming years is expected to come from wind power. At Doggerbank we can apply the lessons learned from our onshore wind farms. In addition, we are building new competence in the development of offshore wind power”.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Our island has one of the best wind energy resources in Europe and today’s news shows we’re creating the right conditions for the energy industry to invest in harnessing it. This is one of the strongest signals yet that the UK is locked irreversibly into a low carbon, energy secure prosperous future.”

Both Statoil and Statkraft are involved in the development of the 315 MW Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm in UK.

www.statkraft.com