Statoil and Statkraft are starting the construction of Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm off the coast of Norfolk in UK.
The project aims for full production in late 2017.
On completion, Dudgeon will supply energy to around 410,000 homes in the UK. The Dudgeon development will move to a new phase with the construction of onshore cables and onshore substation. Offshore construction will start in 2016.
The total investment in Dudgeon project is estimated to be £1.5 billion. The Dudgeon owners are preparing for a partnership structure also. Statkraft’s 30 per cent share of the investment amounts to £450 million.
Olav Hetland, senior vice president, Offshore Wind, Statkraft’s said, “With this decision of investment a significant step is taken forward regarding Statkraft’s growth in the field of UK offshore wind industry. The Dudgeon project is a profitable investment delivering clean, affordable power providing a platform for Statkraft’s future offshore wind industry.”
The combination of Statoil’s offshore expertness with Statkraft’s experience of handling renewable energy projects will generate value oriented result. More than 70 local jobs will be created directly in the operational phase and during construction as well as for the supply chain.
This agreement will bring about a steady stream of investment in renewable electricity. Investment in offshore wind is profitable attracting millions of pounds, supporting green jobs and strengthening the energy supply using natural resources. Already an investment of £34 billion is done in renewable electricity with the potential to create 37,000 jobs in the UK since 2010.
Statoil is the operator for the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Project and will lead the production, operations and first electricity to grid during first half of 2017.
Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm will be constructed with 67 wind turbines each with a capacity of 6 MW totalling 402 MW installed generation capacity.