The final turbine has been installed at Triton Knoll offshore wind farm, heralding a major milestone in the development of the Gimsby-anchored project.
The 90th 9.5MW machine – the largest yet to grace the world-leading cluster – was lifted into place 32km off the Lincolnshire coast, with the huge project on track to complete turbine commissioning this year and complete the construction phase in 2022.
Developed by RWE, previously under the Innogy banner, the first Vestas turbine was installed in January, with first power the following month. Bosses have been impressed with the progress despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. June saw the mid-way point, underlining the acceleration.
Read more: Grimsby to help make offshore wind even greener with National Clean Maritime Demonstration Hub
Vestas has worked with DEME on Cadeler’s jack-up vessel Wind Osprey, sailing from Able Seaton Port in the North East, where pre-assembly and load out of blades, nacelles and tower sections was located.
Julian Garnsey, project director for RWE, said: “We are delighted to have completed the wind turbine installation at Triton Knoll as planned thanks to the hard work of the Triton Knoll team and our supply chain partners Vestas, DEME, Cadeler and Able UK who have been dedicated to delivering the project despite the challenges of Covid.
Able Seaton Port during turbine installation on Triton Knoll offshore wind farm. (Image: Able Group)“Achieving this milestone has confirmed our approach in placing Able Seaton Port at the heart of delivery for Triton Knoll.
“By investing in a UK port to establish wind turbine handling facilities, we improved the efficiency of the installation process and are leaving behind a legacy that will contribute to the success of future offshore wind projects in the North East.”
It was a first project for Able UK, and the port now includes a 140,000 sq m handling facility with specialist quayside, complete with roads and utilities infrastructure, accommodation and office units for those working on site. It is well placed for future developments, with further projects already lined up.
It comes as Able has this summer secured two major manufacturing interests in Able Marine Energy Park at North Killingholme, where Triton Knoll had originally looked. Consenting delays saw timescales fail to align.
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Triton Knoll will generate enough clean, renewable energy to meet the needs of up to 800,000 UK homes, and becomes the seventh operational wind farm in the Grimsby cluster, with purpose-built £3.4 million operations and maintenance base on Royal Dock.
A total of 70 people will be employed long-term, looking after the 857MW farm, which together with Orsted Hornsea Two – also in construction – will take Grimsby’s green contribution to virtually 5GW, with 757 turbines controlled from the port.
A clear pipeline to 10GW has been established, with further entries to the market in the latest round, notably Total Energies.
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