The world’s biggest operational offshore wind farm, Walney Extension off the coast of Cumbria, is officially opened this week. With a capacity of 659 megawatts (MW), its 87 turbines  generate enough power to meet the electricity needs of nearly 600,000 homes.

The project, owned by Ørsted and its partners PKA and PFA, uses the latest innovative technology from two of the world’s leading offshore wind turbine manufacturers, with 40 MHI Vestas 8MW turbines and 47 Siemens Gamesa 7MW turbines. The blades were manufactured in Hull and on the Isle of Wight. The project developers have worked with key suppliers from across the UK, including more than 50 local suppliers in the north west of England during the construction phase.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Hugh McNeal said: 
“As this project shows, UK supply chain companies up and down the country are reaping the economic benefits of multi-billion pound investments in offshore wind. The industry is working with Government to reach a Sector Deal which will see offshore wind generating one-third of the UK’s electricity by 2030, as well as boosting the innovative UK companies which are supplying offshore wind projects at home and exporting products and expertise around the world”.  

Source: RenewableUK     l     KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: RenewableUK