Innogy SE officially inaugurated the Galloper offshore wind farm in the UK today, 28 September.
The 353MW wind project comprises 56 Siemens Gamesa 6MW turbines spinning some 30km offshore Suffolk.
Swire Blue Ocean’s Pacific Orca was in charge of installing the turbines, with the first put in place at the site in May 2017 and the final in December the same year.
First power was generated in November 2017 with all 56 turbines generating renewable electricity from March 2018.
The wind farm’s O&M base will be built in Harwich and will home a team of around 60 people who will operate and maintain the project for its lifetime of more than 20 years. Early ground works will commence by the end of the year, with the construction expected to be completed in late 2019.
“I am extremely proud to inaugurate Galloper Offshore Wind Farm, the fifth offshore wind farm that innogy has constructed in the UK. Offshore wind is now a key industrial sector for the UK and offers particular opportunities to key regional hubs, such as East Anglia – the home of both Galloper’s construction base and its operation and maintenance facility,” said Hans Bünting , COO Renewables of innogy.
“With all our projects, we always strive to invest in local businesses and during its operating lifetime, almost 60 percent of the investment in Galloper is expected to go to UK companies. At innogy, we look forward to continuing to play an active role in the impressive UK offshore wind story.”
The Galloper offshore wind project is owned by innogy SE (25%), Siemens Financial Services (25%), Sumitomo Corporation (12.5%), ESB (12.5%) and a consortium managed by Green Investment Group and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (25%).
Innogy led the development and construction of the wind farm and its ongoing operation on behalf of the project partners.