RWE Innogy has selected the Port of Lowestoft as the base for the construction of its 336MW Galloper offshore wind farm.
The deal has been announced which it said “signifies a multi-million pound investment into the local economy” in terms of lease and port payments and the preparation of the facility ahead of it becoming the project’s offshore construction base.
Around 40 personnel will work from the OGN Group facility onsite over the two year construction period of the Round 2.5 project.
Galloper project director Toby Edmonds said: “The new base, with its excellent quay, office and laydown facilities will be a thriving hub of activity during the Galloper wind farm construction period.”
“Our team, which will include both existing and locally sourced personnel, will be located in the area until at least March 2018 and with that, we expect lots of positive spin-off benefits for local businesses.”
Associated British Ports director Andrew Harston added: “ABP’s Port of Lowestoft already supports around 1200 jobs and contributes around £80million to the economy. This positive development by RWE Innogy which utilises the extensive OGN facility to provide a ‘ready to go’ support base for Galloper underpins the port’s role as a key driver of both the local and regional economy, with the potential to make a significant contribution to the prosperity of the town.”
OGN Group chief executive Dave Edwards said the deal was “great news”, adding: “We are delighted to be support during the construction of the prestigious wind farm off our coast. From OGN’s base we look forward to working with the Galloper team in achieving a successful project.”
RWE made a final investment decision in October with the UK Green Investment Bank, Siemens Financial Services and Macquarie Capital each becoming 25% joint equity partners alongside the utility.
The Galloper team will mobilise onsite in March 2016 before moving onto the construction phase of the project in June 2016.
RWE said a final decision on the operations and maintenance base is expected to be made “in the coming months.”
Image: RWE’s Gwynt y Mor offshore wind farm (RWE Innogy)
