Dong

The array cables, which connect each of the wind turbines to the main export cable, will be supplied by JDR from its base in Hartlepool.

DeepOcean will be responsible for installation, while Tekmar Energy will supply the cable protection systems.

The production of the array cables is underway and installation is antcipated to commence later in 2016. The entire array cable system is due to be completed by the middle of 2017.

Dong said this is the first time it is using UK suppliers for the entire provision, installation and protection of array cables at one of its offshore wind farms.

The Race Bank wind farm will feature 91 turbines of 6MW, with Siemens Wind Power being the preferred supplier.

Located around 16.8 miles off Blakeney Point on the North Norfolk coast, the wind farm covers an area of about 75km².

The Race Bank project, which will span about 29 square miles, is expected to start operations by 2018. It will deliver enough energy for more than 500,000 homes per year.

Dong Energy acquired the Race Bank offshore wind farm from Centrica in December 2013. It will be developed and operated under the UK government Renewable Obligation Scheme.

The wind farm is expected to save more than 830,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.


Image: The 580MW Race Bank offshore wind farm will deliver enough energy for over 500,000 homes in the UK. Photo: courtesy of DONG Energy.