Engineers have now installed 42 of the 108 turbines that will make up the overall project, which is located in the Irish Sea. The commissioning process is underway and power from four turbines is now being exported to the national grid.
Benj Sykes, UK country manager, DONG Energy’s wind business, said: “First power is a significant point to reach on a project, and it’s an ideal beginning to an exciting year for West Duddon Sands.”
“We’ve now installed more than one third of the turbines and commissioning of those in underway, and we’re on course to complete the project by the end of this year,” he added.
Two of the world’s most advanced installation vessels were used on the project, which begun two years ago. Offshore work is being carried out by the Pacific Orca and the Sea Installer. Working in tandem, the vessels have been used to install 108 foundations and turbine components.
DONG Energy says the terminal is the first purpose-built offshore wind installation and pre-assembly harbour in the UK and Ireland.
Once fully completed, the windfarm will be capable of generating up to 389 MW of electricity – enough to meet the annual electricity demands of around 300,000 homes.
