RWE to Apply for Galloper CfD

German utility RWE Innogy is considering options to revive its Galloper offshore wind farm project that was scrapped in October after its project partner SSE decided to pull out.

RWE is aiming to bid for the government subsidy contract for difference (CfD) scheme after qualifying in December.

“We are eligible to bid and it is our intention to bid for a CfD,” said Richard Sandford, head of offshore wind at RWE.

Initially, the project was planned to be subsidized under the renewables obligation certificate (ROC) scheme. However, due to uncertainty over gaining the support, the German company halted the project.

Furthermore, Galloper is still eligible for ROC scheme, after Ofgem extended scheme’s grace period, which will be used as a backup in case of failing to win CfD.

“We are going to bid, we are going to bid a good price, and then we will have to see what happens. If we do not get a CfD then we will go down the ROC route,” Sandford added.

In addition, Sandford announced they will upgrade the initial 3.6 MW turbine model, thus reducing the total number of turbines in the project.

RWE will also look to reduce its stake in the project from 50% to 25% while SSE still aims to sell its entire 50 % portion.