RWE, a global leader in offshore wind energy, has revealed the first turbine blades for its Sofia Offshore Wind Farm at Siemens Gamesa’s Hull factory. RWE will use the turbine blades for the construction of the 1.4-gigawatt (GW) project that will provide renewable electricity to 1.2 million UK homes.
The 108-meter blades are part of the 100 x 14 megawatt (MW) turbines. Tom Glover, RWE UK Country Chair, emphasized the importance of offshore wind to local communities like Hull, highlighting the job creation potential within the renewable energy supply chain.
Darren Davidson, Vice President Siemens Energy UK&I, noted the company’s Hull facility’s growth, which employs over 1,300 workers, contributing to the UK’s renewable energy transition. Siemens Gamesa will produce, install, and commission all 100 turbines for the project.
Located 195km off the northeast coast of England, on Dogger Bank in the North Sea, Sofia offshore wind farm is set to be fully operational by 2026. The project also marks an environmental breakthrough with the inclusion of recyclable blades on 44 of the turbines.
RWE said its operations for Sofia offshore wind farm will be managed from its Grimsby Hub, supporting further developments in the Dogger Bank region with potential for an additional 3 GW of wind power.