Keppel bags contract for German offshore wind farm

This self-erecting floating platform will be deployed at the Global Tech I Wind Farm that is being built and operated by Wetfeet Offshore. Utilising the patent-pending solution of AREVA Offshore Platform, the MOAB will host the transformers and high voltage switchgears to collect and convert wind power electricity generated by the wind turbines for delivery to Germany’s national power grid.

It is also equipped with critical control systems to serve as a backup power supply for the wind farm in case of emergencies. This innovative and customised solution combines the well-proven and state-of-the-art technologies from the oil & gas and electro-technical businesses.

Mr Harold Linssen, Managing Director of Keppel Verolme in The Netherlands, said, “We are very pleased to participate in the prestigious Global Tech I wind farm. This latest contract marks Keppel’s successful entry into the offshore wind energy business, and affirms Wetfeet Offshore’s confidence in our ability with AREVA to deliver the best solution for the job.

“Germany aims to raise its percentage of electricity generated from renewable energy sources to at least 20% by 2020 and 50% by 2050. A major element in achieving this target is to further develop the capacity of its offshore wind power sector.”

The Global Tech I wind farm will be located about 110km northwest of Cuxhaven (Germany) in the German Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea consisting of 80 5-Megawatt (MW) class wind turbines. When fully operational in 2013, this wind farm will be capable to generate some 1.4 billion kilowatthours (kWh) of electrical energy annually, supplying one million people with clean energy. It is also expected to help cut some 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

MOAB will provide permanent accommodation for up to 32 personnel operating the wind farm. By serving both energy transmission and wind farm maintenance functions, MOAB helps to enhance the operational reliability and efficiency of Global Tech I, contributing overall to a greener environment.

Keppel Verolme will carry out the detailed engineering and construction work on this new platform designed by Overdick GmbH & Co, while AREVA designs, fabricates and installs the transformers and other high voltage equipment. The vessel is targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2011.

“Our parent company, Keppel Offshore & Marine’s core competencies in technology and project execution allow us to respond swiftly with innovative and cost-effective solutions to meet the offshore industry’s demand for new products and services.

“Given our proximity to the European and North Sea markets, and synergy with 20 global yards, Keppel Verolme is in a strategic position to add value to the emerging offshore wind industry. The MOAB project will certainly benefit from as it augments our strong track record and expertise in delivering a variety of advanced offshore rigs and vessels on time, within budget and without incidents,” Mr Linssen added.

The above contract is not expected to have material impact on the net tangible assets or earnings per share of Keppel Corporation Limited for the current financial year.

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