The C-Power consortium, of which RWE Innogy is a shareholder, has reached an investment decision concerning the construction of the second and third expansion phases at the Thornton Bank offshore wind farm, located off the Belgian coast. RWE Innogy holds 26.73% of the C-Power consortium, which is responsible for constructing the offshore wind farm some 30 kilometers off the coast near Ostend.
The expansion phases will mean additional output totaling 295 MW, which will be connected to the grid during two construction periods in 2012 and 2013. Once complete, the project is expected to produce 325 MW. The initial phase of Thornton Bank has been operating with an output of 30 MW since June 2009.
During the two expansion phases, 48 6.15 MW REpower Systems wind turbines will be installed. The turbines are to be constructed in water ranging between 12 meters and 25 meters in depth on steel framework foundations known as jackets. In addition to the turbines, an offshore substation will be constructed, as well as a second 150 kV subsea cable, for transporting the electricity generated to land.
Seven European commercial banks and the European Investment Bank, as well as the German and Danish Export Credit Agencies, are providing approximately 900 million euros in financing and venture capital. Total investment amounts to approximately 1.3 billion euros.
RWE's subsidiary Essent will purchase the power generated from Thornton Bank's second extension phase.
SOURCE: RWE Innogy
