The developers of the 252MW DeBu offshore wind project are considering adding two more demonstration wind turbines to test the suction bucket foundation technology at the site in the German North Sea.
The two extra wind turbines would add another 17MW in capacity, Northland Power, soon to be the new owner of the project, said.
In March 2017, Northland Power signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the Deutsche Bucht offshore wind project from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Highland Group Holdings.
Completion of Northland’s acquisition of Deutsche Bucht or DeBu is subject to achieving certain conditions which is anticipated to be completed shortly, the Canadian energy company said.
Financial close and the commencement of construction are expected to follow with full commercial operations expected by the end of 2019.
Development of the project is progressing well and all key construction contracts have been signed, Northland said.
The total estimated project cost is approximately EUR 1.3 billion. Northland expects to invest approximately CAD 400 million (EUR 268 million) of corporate funds, sourced from cash on hand and corporate liquidity.
The final investment decision for the two demonstration turbines is subject to achieving certain development milestones.
If built, they will bring the total project cost to approximately EUR 1.4 billion. Northland’s investment would increase to approximately CAD 425 million, funded by cash and corporate debt, with the balance of incremental costs funded by additional project debt.
DeBu is located 95 kilometres northwest of the island of Borkum in the German Exclusive Economic Zone and will feature MHI Vestas 8.4MW wind turbines.