UK supply chain boosted by innogy’s selection of Siemens Gamesa 14MW turbines for Sofia Offshore Wind Farm

innogy’s decision to select Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy for the supply of 100 wind turbines for the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm is a welcome boost for the UK supply chain, according to NOF and Energi Coast, North East of England’s Offshore Wind Cluster.

innogy has selected Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy’s new SG 14-222 DD turbines for the 1.4-gigawatt offshore wind farm off the coast of North East England near Teesside, after the two organisations signed a preferred supplier agreement.

Sofia will be the first European offshore wind farm to install the turbine, which will be market-ready to meet the installation programme at the development located 195km from the North East of England coast on Dogger Bank.

Siemens Gamesa is set to supply 100 of is 14MW turbine, which is 25 percent more powerful than its next largest model.  The agreement includes the manufacture, installation and commissioning of 100 262-metre-tall turbines.

The project will support Siemens Gamesa’s continued engagement with its established UK supply chain, creating opportunities for clusters of British companies, including those in North East England close to the development.

James Ritchie, Chair of Energi Coast, North East England’s offshore wind cluster, said: “It is positive to see the principles of the Sector Deal and the commitment to UK content being upheld by innogy and Siemens Gamesa, in what will be a far-reaching project in terms of opportunities for UK suppliers.

“North East England’s cluster in particular is well-placed, both in terms of geography and capabilities, to support the construction and subsequent operations and maintenance of Sofia and we wholeheartedly welcome this new agreement.”

Joanne Leng MBE, Deputy Chair of Energi Coast, said: “The Sofia Offshore Wind Farm Project is so important to North East England, it will bring economic growth, new jobs with long term careers and attract further investment into a key offshore wind region of the UK. Energi Coast will work hard alongside innogy to ensure maximum UK and regional content for the project.”

George Rafferty, Chief Executive of NOF, the business development specialists for the energy sector, “Hard on the heels of other recent announcements on offshore wind, this will provide a major boost to the UK supply chain, which stands ready to support Siemens Gamesa and innogy with a range of skills, products and services for the landmark Sofia Offshore Wind Farm.

“It is also a strong indication of the industry’s support of the Sector Deal, which should send a clear message to the UK supply chain that developers and contractors are keen to engage and work with innovative companies that can add value and increase efficiencies on projects like Sofia.”

Sofia Project Director David Few said, “This announcement is a significant and exciting milestone for the project and we will work closely with Siemens Gamesa to ensure UK suppliers are well placed to participate in relevant contracts, this will include ‘meet the buyer’ events in 2021. More details will be posted on Sofia’s website and publicised closer to the time.”

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