Metoc is to monitor installation of Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm infrastructure

(22/05/2009)

On completion, the Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm off the East coast of the UK will have a total capacity of around 500MW, with all turbines mounted on steel monopiles and transition pieces, in water depths between 24 and 34 metres. The development of Greater Gabbard, excluding the connection to the electricity grid, is expected to require investment of around £1.3billion.

Metoc is to monitor and report on the installation of wind farm infrastructure for Airtricity - the renewable energy development division of SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) - which is developing the £1.3billion Greater Gabbard wind farm in a joint venture with RWE npower renewables.

Greater Gabbard is the world's largest offshore wind farm in construction and involves the installation of 140 Siemens 3.6MW wind turbines and associated cabling by eight 'state of the art' installation vessels. On each of the vessels, Metoc will provide the Client Representation on behalf of Airtricity, monitoring and reporting to ensure the project requirements are fulfilled.

Metoc's Head of Marine Planning and Operations, Eric Briar, said: “We are very happy to have been awarded this contract and our marine team is looking forward to working closely with Airtricity on this prestigious project. We believe it is an important role, ensuring the client requirements are maintained to the highest standard.”

Onshore work on the construction of the wind farm is now under way, and offshore work is on track to begin in June this year. Greater Gabbard is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2011.

Related categories:  Eco-friendly Power generation   Wind power