RWE has given the final go-ahead to its flagship 1.4GW Sofia offshore windfarm, representing a total investment of £3 billion.
The company said onshore enabling works will begin this spring and offshore construction in 2023, with the project scheduled for completion in the final quarter of 2026.
The windfarm, located 195 kilometres off the North East coast on Dogger Bank in the North Sea, will comprise 100 of Siemens Gamesa’s new 14MW turbines, which will have 108-metre-long blades and a rotor diameter of 222 metres.
Sven Utermohlen, chief operating officer for RWE Renewables global offshore wind division, said: “Taking the financial investment decision for RWE’s largest ever offshore wind project is a great moment for the entire RWE Renewables team. Successfully developing a project of this size once again demonstrates our expertise and positive track-record for delivering cost-effective, innovative offshore wind energy around the globe.
“Sofia will break new ground for RWE, establishing our expertise for installing 14 megawatt turbines, the most advanced technology, further offshore. It will also provide invaluable experience that we can deploy on our new projects, especially at our two new adjacent sites on Dogger Bank, which we were recently awarded by the Crown Estate, and also our portfolio around the world.”
The Sofia offshore windfarm secured a strike price of £39.65/MWh (2012 prices) in the latest Contracts for Difference auction in September 2019.