RWE Innogy says that it could start construction of the 330 MW Nordsee 1 offshore wind farm in early 2014 if issues surrounding the connection of wind farm developments to the grid can be resolved.
The German energy company has received the permit required for the construction of Nordsee 1 but has yet to make a final investment decision on the project. The development would involve the construction of 54 wind turbines in a 34 square km area located some 40 km north of the island of Juist. RWE also has the development rights for a further 670 MW of capacity in the Nordsee concession area.
“The final investment decision requires planning clarity for grid connection and assumption of liability risks,” said Dr. Hans Bünting, CFO of RWE Innogy. “The working group established by the federal government to accelerate the offshore grid connections has come up with good and pragmatic proposals. “These proposals should now be translated quickly into legislation so that the development of offshore wind power can continue quickly in Germany.”
RWE says that the tendering process for the key components for Nordsee 1 is still underway. The project is the second largest offshore wind project to be realised by RWE in German waters. The development of 1000 MW of capacity across the entire Nordsee concession area will cost around €3 billion, says the company.
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