Demand steps up for Siemens’ Hull wind turbines as deal signed with DONG Energy
A deal has been signed for Siemens to supply Hull-made turbines for a major wind farm off the west coast of England.
The German engineering giant was announced today as approved supplier for an extension to DONG Energy’s site at Walney near Cumbria.
It will be making about 100 turbines for the site and all will be shipped across from Alexandra Dock in east Hull.
The 7 megawatt (MW) generators will use 75m-long blades built in the city – each almost the length of a Boeing 747 jumbo jet.
“Our 7 MW turbine will leverage the energy output of Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm and contribute to lowering the cost of electricity and will act as a stepping stone to the UK supply chain.”
DONG Energy, which is using rival manufacturer MHI Vestas for the first phase of its extension and Siemens for the second, welcomed the partnership.
The deal is worth an undisclosed sum and construction could start in 2017.
Mats Vikholm, senior vice president for DONG Energy wind power, said: “We welcome Siemens’ plans to manufacture substantial parts for our UK projects at the new production facilities in Hull on the British east coast.
“Having manufacturers close to the markets where the supplies are needed is very important to us.
“This will contribute to driving down the cost of electricity as we’re reducing transport and logistics for these heavy components.”
These are not the first orders placed for Siemens’ Hull operation.
In January, it announced 67 turbines would be supplied for Dudgeon, off the Norfolk coast.