Wednesday night, politicians and other decision makers at the UN sustainability conference Rio+20 were presented with 100 sustainable projects. They are eco-friendly solutions which are already available today and which can contribute to the development of sustainability on a global level.
DONG Energy has two projects nominated: Walney Offshore Windfarms and Wind Power’s partnership model, and is therefore in the running to win the Sustania100 award, which is awarded to the best of the 100 initiatives.
Constructed in record time
Walney Offshore Windfarms, the world’s largest, has been nominated for promoting industrialisation because of its construction schedule of just five months and 13 days, which is almost a 50-per cent reduction compared to similar projects. It is the first time in the history of the wind energy industry that a project of this size has been constructed at this pace. At the same time, DONG Energy has succeeded in attracting external partners and getting them to invest in the wind farm even before construction was started which is also new to the industry.
”Walney Offshore Windfarms have set a new standard in the offshore industry for how fast projects of this size can be installed. It is a symbol of how good planning and efficient execution can set new standards for the industry and promote industrialisation,” says Morten Buchgreitz , acting CEO in DONG Energy Wind Power .
Unique partnership model
DONG Energy’s partnership model has been nominated for succeeding to attract Danish and international pension funds and private and industrial companies who are interested in injecting capital into the energy industry and into DONG Energy’ s offshore wind farms. According to Morten Buchgreitz the partnership model’s success is a clear proof of how the rest of the world recognises their competences and commitment to offshore wind power.
”DONG Energy’s partnership model is unique and quite decisive for the wind industry obtaining the necessary capital to achieve the political goals. Our experience and expertise in developing, constructing and operating offshore wind farms, and our ambitious strategy combined with our partnership model have proven very attractive to financial investors,” says Morten Buchgreitz .
The 100 sustainable projects will be announced at the UN sustainability conference Rio+20. Then a committee consisting of among others Arnold Schwarzenegger, Connie Hedegaard, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Dr. Pachauri will decide which of the 100 projects will win this year’s Sustainia100 award. The winner will be announced in Copenhagen this autumn.
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Offshore WIND staff, June 21, 2012; Image: DONG Energy