Dong Energy has appointed MHI Vestas Offshore Wind as preferred supplier for phase 1 of the Walney Extension offshore wind farm.
Dong Energy has decided to split the Walney Extension offshore wind development project into phase 1 and 2, each with a capacity of 330MW. According to Danish energy company, the joint venture is to supply V164-8.0 MW wind turbines for 330 MW project that will utilise blades produced at its UK factory on the Isle of Wight.
Samuel Leupold, Executive Vice President for DONG Energy Wind Power, said: “The performance of the V164-8.0MW wind turbine has been a decisive factor in our decision to choose it for phase 1 of the Walney Extension development project.”
“A competitive market for all components is essential to the industry in order to lower the cost of offshore wind power. I appreciate MHI Vestas Offshore Wind’s efforts in establishing production close to the site by manufacturing the blades for the Walney Extension project in its UK factory on the Isle of Wight. I’m looking forward to continuing the cooperation with MHI Vestas Offshore Wind and the other members of our supply chain to find further reductions to the cost of electricity.”
Dong Energy and MHI Vestas Offshore Wind already have an agreement for the supply of the V164-8.0MW turbine to the Burbo Bank Extension offshore wind farm.
Walney Extension has already been awarded a contract for difference under the EMR FID-enabling regime and, in November 2014, the project was granted consent by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
The Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm has a maximum capacity of 660MW and is located approximately 19 kilometres off the English east coast, next to the 367.2MW Walney Offshore Wind Farm. Based on the formal permits and timetable for the Walney Extension offshore wind farm, offshore construction of the wind farm could potentially start in 2016. However, DONG Energy has not taken a final investment decision to build the offshore wind farm.
Image: MHI Vestas