Tendring District Council and the Marine Management Organisation have given the go-ahead for the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base for Galloper offshore wind farm to be built in Harwich.
The base will be home to a team of around 60 people who will operate and maintain the 353MW wind farm for its expected operational lifetime of more than 20 years.
“This is great news, not just for Galloper Offshore Wind Farm but also Harwich, Tendring and the wider East coast as it secures long-term jobs and a significant investment for the area,” Sean Chenery , Galloper O&M Manager, said.
“We have had a tremendous amount of support from both individuals and organisations including Tendring District Council, The Haven Gateway Partnership, local Members of Parliament and our councillors, not to mention nearby businesses who attended our supply chain events. With our O&M base secured, we can now look forward to becoming a fully established member of the community.”
Galloper team has been operating and maintaining the wind farm from temporary facilities in Harwich International Port since the start of its operational phase. First power was generated in November 2017 with all 56 wind turbines generating renewable electricity from March of this year.
“I’m also delighted that the firms supporting the build of the facility are UK based, with two out of three being from the East coast. These deals are significant contracts worth more than £10 million, so the work represents a valuable boost for the local economy,” Chenery said.
The Galloper O&M base will comprise a control room to monitor and control all wind farm activity; a purpose-built pontoon for project vessels; plus warehousing and office facilities including a gym.
Early ground works are planned to commence by the end of the year. Construction of the base and pontoon is expected to be completed in late in 2019 with the construction works likely to create around 120 local jobs.
Galloper offshore wind farm lies approximately 30km of the coast of Suffolk. The project is owned by innogy SE, Macquarie Capital, Siemens Financial Services, Sumitomo Corporation, ESB and a consortium managed by Green Investment Group and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets.
innogy SE has led the development and construction of Gallopera and its ongoing operation on behalf of the project partners.