The first wind turbines have been installed at the 500 megawatt (MW) Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm.
The wind turbines have been erected on top of the foundations recently installed at the wind farm site, located approximately 25 kilometres off the coast of Suffolk.
69 turbine foundations, out of a total of 140, are in place and the remainder will be constructed over the coming months, closely followed by the installation of the wind turbines.
The components for the wind turbines have been arriving at Harwich by sea and their installation is expected to continue through to the end of the project, depending on weather and sea conditions.
To construct a turbine, a barge is loaded with the components and manoeuvres alongside the foundation. It lowers its legs to the sea bed and raises itself hydraulically. Using the onboard cranes the turbine tower is lifted into place followed by the nacelle (the 'box' which sits on top of the tower containing the generator), the hub (the cone-shaped piece on the front of the turbine) and the three blades.
The 3.6MW wind turbines are being supplied by Siemens and installed by Fluor.
Project Manager Vince Read from RWE npower renewables said: "The installation of the first wind turbines represents a significant step in the construction of Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm. We remain on course to complete the wind farm in 2012, and when fully operational, the project will generate enough green electricity each year to meet the average needs of approximately 530,000 homes 1."
Director of Offshore Jim Smith from SSE said: "Once complete, the wind farm will make an important contribution towards achieving government targets for renewable energy generation. With The Crown Estate’s announcement last week of an extension to the Greater Gabbard site, to be known as the Galloper Wind Farm, we’re making good progress."
1 Based on site specific met mast data indicating a load factor of at least 40%, and based on household consumption of 3,300kWh a year.
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