Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm has selected Siemens Transmission and Distribution as the preferred supplier to engineer, procure, and construct both the onshore and offshore substations.
Once finalised, the contract will require construction of two offshore substation platforms and the onshore substation. Siemens will also design and deliver a 400kV electrical connection into the existing National Grid substation at Bicker Fen, to connect power from the wind farm into the national grid.
Siemens will deliver the contract out of its Manchester-base and the developer pointed out that the appointment is expected to drive significant engagement of UK supply chain.
It is anticipated that the offshore substation platforms could be fabricated within the UK, with Siemens looking to strengthen its UK supply chain links when sub-contracting elements of offshore fabrication and civil construction relating to onshore and offshore.
While under contract as preferred supplier at this stage, Triton Knoll said its team will now work with Siemens to help unlock opportunities for regional and national suppliers, as it gears up for the start of construction later in 2018.
Preparations for the start of Triton Knoll’s onshore work are well underway regionally, and a full programme of onshore survey works is being completed, while some key early works are being prepared to pave the way for construction later, the developer said.
Triton Knoll has been awarded a Contract for Difference (CfD) earlier this month at a strike price of GBP 74.75/MWh.
The 860MW wind farm will comprise 90 MHI Vestas V164-9.5 MW turbines. The project is now progressing towards a financial investment decision likely in 2018 with full onshore construction starting shortly after, and offshore construction starting in 2020.
First energy generation could be as early as mid-2021, with the project expected to begin commissioning in 2021.