Belgium: Construction Work Starts on Final Phase of Thornton Bank Offshore Wind Farm

Following the successful commissioning of the second phase of the C-Power offshore wind farm (Thornton Bank Offshore Wind Farm) in late 2012, EDF Energies Nouvelles is announcing the start of construction work on the third phase of the project with 110.7 MW in capacity. Built in Belgium by the partners in the C-Power consortium, the wind farm will have installed capacity totalling 325.2 MW.

Located some 30 km off the coast of Zeebrugge on Thorntonbank, the C-Power offshore wind farm, which already has 215 MW in service, is beginning construction work on its third phase, which will add 110.7 MW in capacity. The installation of the final 18 wind turbines, each with a unit capacity of 6.15 MW and supplied by REpower, is due to be completed by the summer of 2013. The C-Power offshore wind farm will then reach its target installed capacity of 325.2 MW.

An initial pilot phase of 30 MW comprising six turbines has been in service since June 2009, while a second tranche of 30 turbines with 184.5 MW in total capacity, was commissioned in late December 2012.

EDF Energies Nouvelles holds a 9.1% interest in the facility alongside its partners in the Belgian C-Power consortium, which is developing the project.

“It is a great satisfaction for us to be participating in this ambitious project, which is now entering its final stages. Taking part in the project has enabled us to acquire expertise and significant experience in the development and construction of offshore wind farms and EDF Energies Nouvelles can draw on this to see its various future projects in France and the United Kingdom through to fruition”, commented Antoine Cahuzac, Chief Executive Officer of EDF Energies Nouvelles. 

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Press release, March 5, 2013; Image: C-Power N.V., Tom D’Haenens