GE Renewable Energy has awarded a contract to Bakker Magnetics for the supply of magnetic modules to be used in the turbines for the 3600MW Dogger Bank offshore wind farm in the North Sea.
Netherlands-based Bakker Magnetics is starting the production and assembly of the magnetic modules which will power the 12MW Haliade-X turbines used in the wind project.
To expand production Bakker has secured €3.9m in funding via finance specialist Caple from BNP Paribas Asset Management.
The magnetic modules are collared between the blades of the turbines and the casing and create a magnetic field which on movement generates electricity.
The principle is identical to that of a bicycle dynamo but on a far larger scale. The large size makes assembly hazardous because of the strong magnetic forces involved.
Bakker Magnetics CEO Geert-Jan Bakker said: “The main challenge for Bakker Magnetics lies in the assembly of the modules. Each module contains 147 magnets in different shapes and forms and north and south polarities.
“It is a substantial and challenging project for us but it is also an international recognition that we have been involved in the realisation of the largest offshore wind park in the world.”
GE’s Haliade-X turbines will be used for all three phases of Dogger Bank, which is situated off the north eastern coast of England on the Dogger Bank which will be operational in the course of 2023.
Caple managing partner Michiel Slinkert said: “This type of financing requires a bespoke solution and cannot be provided by the main clearing banks.
“As an alternative financing specialist we were able, together with our corporate finance partner De Beemt Corporate Finance, to tailor an attractive financing structure.
“Jointly we managed to create significant added value to the funding. We are proud to have been able to contribute to this important sustainable energy project with a large impact.”
GE Renewable Energy chose Bakker Magnetics because of Bakker’s “renowned expertise in specialist magnets and magnet assembly”.
The Haliade-X is a direct drive wind turbine with blades measuring 107 metres with a 600 tonne turbine assembly positioned at a height of approximately 135 metres.
The advantage of direct drive turbines is low operating noise in combination with low maintenance requirements.