The first power from the Walney 2 Offshore Windfarm was generated on Thursday 1 November 2011 as turbine F14 was put into operation, and its first power was supplied to the national grid via the Stanah 132kV onshore substation near Blackpool.
Since then, a total of ten turbines have been put into operation, and the next string with a further eight turbines is nearly ready for energisation.
Each turbine will be able to cover the power consumption of more than 3,100 UK households, and when built, the Walney Offshore Windfarm will cover the consumption of more than 320,000 UK households without any CO2 emission or any other emissions.
Series of test procedures
After the commissioning, the turbines will undergo a series of standard test procedures prior to being handed over to the Walney Operation and Maintenance team in Barrow. The tests include an operating test to demonstrate the turbines’ ability to operate autonomously without any faults.
46 array cables have been installed, and five array cables remain to be laid between the wind turbines in the farm.
The last of the two mattresses securing the connection from the mainland to the Isle of Man has successfully been placed by Stemat 82 for the crossing of the BT cable.
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Offshore WIND staff, November 22, 2011; Image: dongenergy