New offshore wind farm in Irish Sea

One of the largest offshore wind farms in the world will be developed in the Irish Sea under partnership between DONG Energy and ScottishPower Renewables.

The West of Duddon Sands offshore wind farm will cost about $2.59 billion, which includes the cost to construct the offshore transmission assets. These assets are expected to be sold to an offshore transmission operator, selected by Ofgem, when the wind farm goes into operation. The costs of the transmission assets will then be returned.

When operational, the West of Duddon Sands will provide enough energy for the annual equivalent consumption of about 300,000 British households. It will consist of 108 Siemens 3.6MW turbines and have a total capacity of 389MW. It is expected to be commissioned in 2014.

According to DONG Energy CEO Anders Eldrup, West of Duddon Sands will be the company’s ninth wind offshore wind farm in the U.K.

The Irish Sea is today one of U.K.’s most important wind power hubs. The West of Duddon Sands wind farm will be adjoining DONG Energy’s Walney 1 and 2 wind farms. These two wind farms will be commissioned in 2011 and have a total capacity of 367 MW.

In February 2011, DONG Energy and Belfast Harbor signed a letter of intent under which Belfast Harbour will establish a new tailor-made installation harbor. The agreement will now be finalized and DONG Energy will lease this facility.

JUne 20, 2011