Construction work will soon begin on Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farm.
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne , announced the project go-ahead in June 2010. He said: “This is the first of what I hope will be many, examples of how we can make the most of our island’s huge renewable energy potential. I want to make sure we grab all the opportunities the rapidly expanding renewables industry has to offer, and that wind power can come of age under this government.”
The first phase of the construction is the strengthening of the seabed through a process called ‘scour protection’. Only 70 out of 160 foundations will undergo this process.
The €2bn wind farm would be located approximately 13 to 15 km off the coast of North Wales. Once fully operational, Gwynt y Môr will be capable of generating up to 576MW of electricity, equal to the needs of almost 400,000 homes, and it will consist of 160 x 3.6MW turbines.
Enabling works were carried out at the substation and were completed in May 2010 by Ruthin-based civil engineers, Jones Bros. At the Siemens part of the site, building foundation works have been completed, while drainage works are now underway. At the National Grid part of the site, safety fencing has now been installed, while the construction of the substation buildings is well underway.
RWE is planning to complete Gwynt y Môr in June 2014.
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Offshore WIND staff, January 25, 2012; Image: rwe