Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind secures large turbine deal with Siemens

Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Ltd. (GGOWL), a partnership between Airtricity and Fluor, has signed a reservation agreement to secure wind turbines from Siemens for the construction of its Greater Gabbard Offshore wind farm off the British coast. The agreement, the largest ever to have been reached for offshore wind turbines, involves 140 Siemens 3.6 megawatts (MW) turbines for delivery in 2009 and 2010.

Earlier this year GGOWL announced that it had received planning permission for the construction of the offshore wind farm which will be located 25km off the coast of Suffolk in the Outer Thames Estuary. The planned wind farm will produce electricity with a maximum capacity of 500 megawatts (MW). The wind turbines will be sited around the Inner Gabbard and The Galloper sandbanks. It will be the first UK offshore wind farm to be built outside territorial waters and will provide green electricity for more than 415,000 homes. Construction of the project will commence mid 2009 with completion expected by the end of 2010.

Andreas Nauen, CEO of Siemens Wind Power said, "Siemens is delighted to have signed this reservation agreement with Airtricity and Fluor for such a prestigious project and this marks yet another milestone in the offshore business for Siemens as the clear market leader in the offshore wind turbine market."

Commenting on the deal, Eddie O`Connor, Airtricity CEO said, "The signing of the reservation agreement for offshore wind turbines with Siemens underlines just how serious Airtricity and Fluor are about delivering a real, sustainable and renewable energy alternative. There is a global shortage of wind turbines and ever increasing competition to secure their supply. In this context, to have landed this agreement, is a major coup for Airtricity and Fluor. It also reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering renewable energy in the UK and across the globe."

Fluor`s Managing Director, Patrick Flaherty said, "Fluor has being doing business with Siemens in multiple markets and for many years. We are delighted to extend this relationship to the wind power market. Securing turbine supply is a critical milestone that provides confidence to all stakeholders as to the viability of the project. We will continue to work with Airtricity to advance the project to financial close in early 2008 and look forward to moving into the construction phase in support of the UK Government`s renewable energy commitments."