Norfolk offshore wind zone: Vattenfall announces Siemens Energy-Aker Solutions consortium as preferred bidder for grid connection infrastructure
Vattenfall AB has announced a consortium consisting of Siemens Energy Limited, Siemens Energy Global GmbH and Aker Solutions as the preferred bidder to develop grid connection infrastructure for its Norfolk offshore wind zone.
Consisting of the Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas Offshore Wind Farms, the total of 3.6GW installed capacity will be the one of the largest offshore zones in the world when it is completed.
The grid connection infrastructure will use High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology. HVDC is the most efficient way of transporting large volumes of electricity over long distances to join onshore networks.
Bidders were evaluated on criteria including experience, health and safety, environmental sustainability and quality management. The announcement also provides certainty for local supply chains to begin engaging to discuss sub-contracting opportunities.
Aker Solutions has an existing operations base in Great Yarmouth, and offices in Reading, and Aberdeen. Siemens Energy Limited has offices in Manchester and an operations centre in Newcastle.
Catrin Jung, Head of Business Unit Offshore at Vattenfall, said:
“We’re extremely confident both in our choice of preferred bidder and in our decision to use innovative HVDC technology.
“Siemens Energy-Aker Solutions excelled during the feasibility and concept stage, bringing strong technical capabilities to the process.”
Rob Anderson, Vattenfall Project Director for Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas said:
“Vattenfall’s Norfolk developments will use cutting-edge technology. These types of projects are always a partnership, and we’re very happy with the expertise which will oversee the HVDC converter infrastructure.
“In addition, this appointment will give the local supply chain the opportunity to begin engaging to explore the huge opportunities on offer at what will be one of the largest offshore zones in the world.”
Beatrix Natter, Executive Vice President Transmission at Siemens Energy, said:
“We are delighted to have been selected as preferred bidder for this project, which will be vital to achieving net zero in the UK. We hope to be successful at the end as we have a consistent track record globally of successfully delivering innovative HVDC projects with our proven technology, as well as to a high environmental and safety standard.”
Kjetel Digre, CEO of Aker Solutions, said:
“We are proud that Vattenfall, as a leading renewable energy company, has selected our consortium as the preferred contractor for this development. This illustrates that we have a competitive offer as the basis for Aker Solutions’ strategy to enable our customers to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.”
About Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas
|
First power expected |
Mid-late 2020s |
|
Installed capacity |
3.6GW |
|
Homes powered equivalent per annum |
3.9 million* |
|
Amount of C02 saved |
6 million tonnes per year* |
|
Equivalent cars removed |
3.2 million |
|
Geographical scale of offshore site area |
1307km² |
|
Distance of the nearest turbine from the shore |
47km |
|
Landfall location |
Happisburgh, Norfolk |
|
Length of cabling onshore |
60km |
|
Number of turbines |
Between 180 and 312 |
|
Height of turbines to tip |
Up to 350 metres |
|
Individual turbine capacity |
Confirmed when a turbine supplier is selected |
| Jobs created | Approximately 150 once operational. Onshore construction more than 400 during peak. |
|
Comparison to other large infrastructure |
Hinkley Point C will be up to 2.4GW and Sizewell B is 1.198GW |
*Source: https://www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplained
See also
New deal signed for offshore wind innovators to continue driving forward solutions in real-world conditions
Vattenfall and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult have signed a three-year extension on their testing and demonstration collaboration at Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm.
Equivalent of 5000 homes served by Vattenfall’s Bristol Heat Network
As part of Bristol City Leap, Vattenfall Heat UK is now serving the equivalent of 5000 homes with heating and hot water via the Bristol Heat Network.
Vattenfall and RWE conclude sale of Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone
Vattenfall has today completed the sale of the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone to RWE. The agreed purchase price corresponds to an enterprise value of £963 million.