Today, DONG Energy acquired the Hornsea Zone and the project rights to Hornsea Project Two and Three, which have the potential of 3 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity.
This follows DONG Energy’s acquisition of Hornsea Project One, a 1,200 megawatt (MW) offshore wind project in the Round 3, which was announced in February 2015.
The Hornsea Zone projects form one of the world’s biggest offshore development zones. The acquired Hornsea Zone Projects Two and Three are expected to form an important part of DONG Energy’s post 2020 project pipeline, the company explained.
Samuel Leupold, Executive Vice President in DONG Energy said: “We have already invested around £6 billion in the UK, and the Hornsea Zone provides us with new exciting development opportunities, not least because of the sheer size of the project in terms of acreage as well as the high generation potential. This will help us in our committed efforts to reduce costs of electricity and maintaining our position as global leader in offshore wind beyond 2020.”
Leupold added: “Today’s announcement underlines our strong commitment to helping the UK deliver low carbon energy supplies while creating jobs and building a strong local supply chain.”
DONG Energy has acquired the Hornsea Zone from Mainstream Renewable Power and Siemens Financial Services. Following the takeover, DONG Energy will, as the sole owner, assume responsibility as lead developer of the whole Hornsea Zone.
The Hornsea Zone is located between 31 and 190 km off the Yorkshire coast and covers more than 4,000 square kilometres.
Image: DONG Enery