Wind farm bid

DONG Energy, E.ON and Fred Olsen Renewables have formed a consortium to bid for exclusive rights as part of The Crown Estate’s Round Three Offshore Wind Farm programme.

The Crown Estate’s third round is designed to deliver zonal contract management for offshore wind farms in an effort to help the UK reach its renewable energy goals by 2020.

Dave Rogers, regional director for renewables at E.ON, said: ‘In Round Three we'll see wind farms being built further offshore and in much more challenging environments than ever before. That's why we have, as a consortium, brought together companies with the financial ability and the experience of working on major on and offshore wind projects, as well as working in difficult offshore conditions in the oil and gas industry, to make this a success.’

The consortium members have been involved in over 60 per cent of the existing operational offshore wind farms globally and are currently building five offshore wind farms with a total capacity of 800MW.

Niels Bergh-Hansen, executive vice-president of DONG Energy, said: ‘Round Three represents a challenge to both developers and the wider industry. Nothing on this scale has been done before. Significant investments in the supply chain will be required and new and innovative solutions will need to be found.

‘The consortium partners have proven track records of offshore wind project delivery and are taking an active part in related renewable activities that give evidence the consortium can meet these challenges.’

All three companies have worked together on renewable and offshore wind projects since the 1990s and have existing contracts extending beyond 2020. A successful bid in Round Three will give the companies an opportunity to expand operations in the UK.