SSE Maintains that Greater Gabbard Offshore Windfarm Remains on Track

---

Researched by Industrial Info Resources Europe (Galway, Ireland)--The U.K's ambitious drive to be the largest offshore wind energy nation in Europe has hit another stumbling block this week as the Greater Gabbard windfarm faces further issues involving turbine foundations.

Owner Scottish and Southern Energy (PINK:SSEZY) (SSE) (Perth, Scotland) has revealed that the foundations for 52 of the 122 installed turbines are defective. In July 2009, flaws in the lower foundations (monopiles) of first 52 turbines were identified and corrected. SSE claims that subsequent tests, which have been carried out both by the SSE engineering team and independent experts, have found that the upper foundations (transition pieces) for the 52 turbines are also defective and will need to be repaired.

Construction of the 500-megawatt (MW) Greater Gabbard windfarm began in 2009 and the first turbines started to generate electricity in January 2011. To date, 83 turbines have been connected to the grid. Construction of the 140-turbine windfarm has continued, and the last of the turbines are scheduled to be commissioned by the end of 2012. SSE maintains that the project is still on track and will be completed as scheduled. The monopiles and transition pieces for all 140 turbines have been installed, and all but 18 turbines are in place.

SSE is currently preparing a planning application for a 504-MW extension to Greater Gabbard, known as the Galloper Windfarm. If permitted, construction of Galloper will begin in 2015, and the first turbines will be commissioned in 2016.

In related news, neighbouring offshore windfarm London Array II has had to stop work on a planned 370-MW expansion after the discovery of a large population of rare birds. For additional information, see October 18, 2011 news article - Birds Threaten Largest Offshore Windfarm.

View Plant Profile - 1063164
View Project Report - 300039907 78000307

Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, and eight offices outside of North America, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities.