Under the terms of the contract, Siemens will install, connect and commission the wind turbines, and perform maintenance for an initial period of five years.
Rene Umlauft, CEO of renewable energy division at Siemens Energy, said: “Offshore wind power is now finally picking up impetus in Germany, too. Riffgat will be one of the first commercial wind farms in German waters. Together with EWE and Enova, we’re bringing Germany a big step forward in establishing ecofriendly, sustainable power supply.”
Thomas Neuber, chief officer of procurement and production at EWE, said: “Signing of the contract for the supply of wind turbines is a key step toward implementation of the Riffgat offshore wind farm. With the erection of alpha ventus, Germany’s first offshore wind farm, EWE has paved the way for offshore power generation in Germany, and now we want to reap the benefits of our pioneering achievements with Riffgat.”
The Riffgat wind farm will be erected 15km northwest of the north Frisian island of Borkum. Initial civil works on the six sqkm site are scheduled to commence next year. The preliminary license for the Riffgat offshore wind farm has been issued. EWE and Enova have filed an application for a construction permit and operating license for Riffgat and are anticipating approvals in the second half of this year.
