Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm Opens for Business

Statoil, Masdar and Statkraft officially opened the 402MW Dudgeon offshore wind farm in Great Yarmouth, UK, on Wednesday, 22 November.

All 67 turbines at the Dudgeon offshore wind farm are now delivering electricity to the UK grid, providing renewable energy to around 410,000 homes, Statoil, the operator of the wind farm, said.

“Reducing costs by more than 15%, or GBP 250 million, at Dudgeon and completing the construction phase without any serious incidents is a great achievement by all three partners,” said Statoil’s Executive Vice President for Technology, Projects and Drilling, Margareth Øvrum.

Dudgeon is located 40 kilometers off the coast of Norfolk in England. As operator of both the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farms, located in the same area, Statoil said that its priority is to improve efficiency further and increase collaboration between projects.

Statoil and Masdar each hold a 35% share in the Dudgeon wind farm, with the remaining 30% being owned by Statkraft.

This summer, Statktraft commenced the formal divestment processes for its share in the wind farm, with the aim to complete the transaction early next year.

“The way that the Dudgeon project has been delivered embodies the strengths and culture of the companies involved, Statoil, Masdar and Statkraft.  It has required significant technical innovation, has been delivered through an excellent relationship with local stakeholders and suppliers and has stimulated local jobs and economic growth for the East Anglia region. And the project itself has been delivered on time, below budget, and most importantly with an excellent safety record,” said Statkraft’s President and CEO Christian Rynning-Tønnesen.