DONG Energy has signed a lease for construction base facilities at the Cammell Laird site in Birkenhead to serve as the focal point for the construction of the 288 MW Burbo Bank Extension offshore wind farm.
It is expected that the site will employ up to 50 people, with the UK supply chain further boosted by contracts for production of key components. This will include turbine blades manufactured on the Isle of Wight, production of foundation transition pieces in Teesside, and onshore substation work being carried out by UK companies Balfour Beatty and Jones Brothers.
DONG Energy is leasing the construction facility from Cammell Laird, who in turn leased the 6.5 acres site from Peel Land and Property. The process of staffing the site will begin immediately, in preparation for the beginning of offshore construction for the wind farm due in the summer. Onshore construction got underway last year.
“This is another step forward for both Burbo Bank Extension and UK offshore wind. The facilities in Cammell Laird are of the highest quality, and having been used for similar purposes before, will allow us to efficiently handle the construction of the wind farm as we move towards offshore work. We are pleased to be located in Birkenhead and look forward to working within the community,” Claus Bøjle Møller, Burbo Bank Extension Project Director, said.
The construction base will initially service the installation of offshore elements of the Burbo Bank Extension project.
The wind farm will be located in in Liverpool Bay, 7km from the shore. Once completed, the wind farm will generate enough electricity to power 230,000 UK homes.
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