Construction phase of North Sea Global Tech I wind farm completed
The construction phase of Global Tech I wind farm, which is located 100km off the coast in the German North Sea, has been completed with the erection of all 80 AREVA turbines.
The construction phase of Global Tech I wind farm, which is located 100km off the coast in the German North Sea, has been completed with the erection of all 80 AREVA turbines.
The offshore wind power station has 80 turbines of the 5MW class (AREVA Wind M5000-116) and a transformer station.
The wind farm is spread over an area of 41km².
The 5MW M5000-116 turbines were manufactured at Areva's Bremerhaven and Stade locations in northern Germany.
Areva claimed that its offshore know-how in loading, transport and installation of wind turbines contributed to the successful erection of the 400MW wind farm.
The firm's project team erected 58 rotor stars.
The turbines will be commissioned once the grid connection is available.
Currently, only the cable work needs to be finalised at the wind farm.
Meanwhile, an underwater robot is checking if 120km of internal cables are laid properly and at the right depth in their seabed trenches.
"Once operational, the wind farm can supply electricity to around 445,000 households."
AREVA Wind CEO Arnaud Bellanger said: "This success marks another milestone for AREVA. The group's installed base now reaches 630MW for offshore wind.
"This solid base founded on a proven technology, along with the creation of our joint-venture announced with GAMESA further consolidates AREVA's position as a key player on the European offshore wind market."
The construction of the wind farm started in early 2010.
Global Tech I Offshore Wind technical managing director Arjen Schampers said: "We are proud of our team, our suppliers and installation contractors. We have worked day and night in all winds and weathers and proven we can construct with precision a 400MW wind farm at sea in water 40m deep."
Once operational, the wind farm can supply electricity to around 445,000 households.
Transmission grid operator TenneT expects to connect Global Tech I in early September to BorWin beta, the TenneT offshore converter station as the turbines need energy for their own consumption.
The electrical connection will enable the commissioning of the turbines.
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