As of 20 March 2012, all array cables connecting the 51 turbines in Walney 2 to the offshore substation have been terminated, and the fibres have been tested.
Of these, 41 array cables have been energised, and 34 turbines in Walney 2 have had first power and are in operation.
Still, all periods with reasonable weather are used to bring the remaining turbines in operation, and statistically we are entering a period with calmer wind conditions which will enable a larger number of visits to the turbines.
The Walney Offshore Windfarms project is located approximately 15km west of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. The project consists of Walney 1 and Walney 2 each with 51 – 3.6MW turbines, giving a total capacity of the Walney project of 367.2MW. The rotor diameter of the turbines is 107m for Walney 1 and 120m for Walney 2, with a maximum height of 150m from blade tip to sea level. The total area of the development is some 73km2.
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Offshore WIND staff, March 21, 2012; Image: dongenergy