UK: RWE Reduces Triton Knoll Capacity

RWE Innogy has revised plans for the proposed Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm project, which is being developed off the Lincolnshire Coast in the North Sea.

Work on the site design has resulted in RWE Innogy deciding to progress the development with a reduced capacity which ranges between 600 and 900 megawatts, rather than the maximum of 1200 megawatts. The new capacity would ensure enough energy to power the equivalent domestic needs of between 550,000 and 800,000 average UK households.

The revised site design would also ensure the efficiency and utilisation of the site is maximised. Project Manager Jacob Hain said: “The recent optimisation work is part of a project review to make the site more competitive and more economic in line with Government proposals to bring down the cost of offshore wind.”

More detailed design work on the onshore infrastructure has also taken place as part of the project review. This has resulted in significant reductions to the required onshore footprint of Triton Knoll. The new design reduces the footprint for the onshore substation by more than 50% and by 40% for the intermediate electrical compound.

Jacob Hain explained: “This is an important step forward for the development. Triton Knoll’s significant contribution of reducing the UK’s carbon emissions and tackling climate change, can now be achieved more efficiently whilst having less impact on the surrounding environment and communities.”

Work is still progressing on developing the proposed electrical infrastructure. Local communities will have the opportunity to take part in a formal consultation which will take place before any planning application is submitted.

Triton Knoll represents a multi-billion pound investment in clean green UK energy infrastructure. Although Triton Knoll is still in the development phase, over £18 million has already been invested in the UK as a result of this project with £1.75 million invested in the East Coast of England. It is anticipated that a substantial proportion of contracts associated with the construction of Triton Knoll would be awarded to UK companies.
[mappress]

Press release, January 6, 2013; Image: rwe