GE Renewable Energy has confirmed contracts for the supply of 13MW Haliade-X offshore wind turbines for the first two phases of SSE and Equinor’s Dogger Bank development off the east coast of England.
Under the terms of the deal, GE will supply 190 machines to the 1.2MW each Dogger Bank A and B offshore wind farms.
GE said the contracts are subject to Dogger Bank A and B reaching financial close, which is expected late this year.
Installation of the turbines will be the first time ever a 13MW Haliade-X is installed in the world, the company said.
GE Renewable Energy will establish its marshalling harbour activities at Able Seaton Port in Hartlepool as part of the agreement.
The port will serve as the base for turbine service equipment, installation and commissioning activities for Dogger Bank A and B.
GE said this will lead to the creation of 120 skilled jobs at the port during construction.
Turbine installation is expected to start in 2023 at Dogger Bank A.
The contracts also include a five-year service and warranty agreement supporting operational jobs in the maintenance of the wind farm.
The service agreement will account for about 120 out of the total 200 long-term jobs, previously announced, which will be based out of the Port of Tyne where the wind farm’s new operations and maintenance base will be located.
GE’s service team will be co-located with the Dogger Bank O&M team at Port of Tyne.
This brings the total number of jobs in the North East associated with the development and operation of Dogger Bank to 320 so far, GE said.
Recruitment is expected to begin in early 2021, and job roles will be advertised closer to the time by GE and by Dogger Bank via the Dogger Bank website and social media channels.
Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said: “I am thrilled to see so many green jobs on the way to the North East of England thanks to our world-leading offshore wind industry.
“Projects like Dogger Bank are absolutely crucial to building back greener from the coronavirus pandemic – creating jobs, growing the economy and tackling climate change. I look forward to watching its progress in the months and years ahead.”
SSE Renewables is leading the construction of the wind farm and Equinor will operate the 3.6GW project during its lifetime of at least 25-years.
Dogger Bank project director at SSE Renewables Steve Wilson said: “Signing the contract with GE Renewable Energy is not just great news for Dogger Bank and GE, but for the wider offshore wind industry, marking the first time a 13MW turbine will be installed in the world.
“In addition to this, today’s announcement will bring huge economic benefits to the North East of England, where 120 skilled jobs will be created during construction of the wind farm, along with 120 skilled jobs during the maintenance phase.
“These turbines are a true testament of how hard the offshore wind industry is working to continually innovate and drive down costs and we look forward to working with GE Renewable Energy to help us deliver the largest offshore wind farm in the world.”
Able UK’s executive chairman Peter Stephenson said: “We have enjoyed a long and constructive relationship with GE Renewable Energy culminating in today’s announcement – it’s a massive vote of confidence for the company and the UK.
Our sustained investment at Able Seaton Port means we can provide a bespoke and tailor-made solution for Dogger Bank.
“We are delighted that 120 skilled jobs will be based here at the Port, in this exciting and growing industry.
GE said its 12MW prototype unit which has been generating power in Rotterdam since November 2019 will start operating at 13MW in the coming months as part of its ongoing testing and certification process.
The uprated 13MW Haliade-X will continue to feature 107-metre long blades and a 220-metre rotor.
GE Renewable Energy offshore wind president and chief executive John Lavelle said: “We are delighted to take the next step in developing the most advanced proven technology in the market.
“At GE, innovation is in our DNA, and that is why we continue to innovate, enhance and develop the Haliade-X platform to meet market demands to deliver offshore wind as a competitive and affordable source of renewable energy.
“In signing these orders with Dogger Bank, our Haliade-X technology will now have an important role to play in the UK’s offshore wind ambitions (40GW by 2030) and greenhouse emission reduction to net-zero by 2050.”
Dogger Bank vice president at Equinor Halfdan Brustad said: “We want Dogger Bank to be a flagship project that leads the way in both digitalisation and innovative technology, so it is a great honour to confirm that this project will be the first in the world to use these powerful turbines.
“The sheer scale of Dogger Bank brings huge opportunities to the UK. As well as being home to the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the North East will benefit from hundreds of jobs and local supply chain opportunities.
“We look forward to working with our partners and suppliers to build up a skilled team in the area, to operate and maintain these turbines for the lifetime of the wind farm, from our new base which will be constructed at the Port of Tyne.”
GE Renewable Energy was named as preferred supplier to the project in October last year.