Vattenfall will use 140 of Siemens Gamesa’s new SG DD-193 11MW offshore wind turbines for the Hollandse Kust South 1 to 4 projects off the Netherlands, the two companies said at the WindEurope Offshore industry event in Copenhagen.
The zero-subsidy projects, totalling more than 1.5GW, are also Vattenfall’s largest development for wind at sea to date.
“By deploying one of the largest and most efficient turbines ever for the first subsidy-free offshore wind farm to date, Vattenfall is underlining its position as a leader in the offshore wind industry,” said Gunnar Groebler, senior vice president and head of the wind business area at Vattenfall.
The order is still conditional on a final investment decision to be taken after a final approval by Dutch authorities that is necessary due to the switch to the 11MW model.
Siemens Gamesa already was the preferred supplier for the projects, but Vattenfall previously had announced to use 76 of the OEM's 10MW offshore wind turbine model at Hollandse Kust South 1&2, and said it would use another 76 of the machines at Hollandse Kust 3&4 if it wins the tender, which it has in July.
Vattenfall had won the tender for Hollandse Kust South 1&2 in 2018.
The switch to the larger turbine model will reduce installation, operations and maintenance costs, and thereby contribute to further lower the project's levelised cost of energy (LCOE).
“The newest version of our largest offshore Direct Drive machine is now setting the benchmark for turbines in subsidy-free offshore wind power projects,” Siemens Gamesa offshore wind chief executive Andreas Nauen said.
Vattenfall plans to install the Hollandse Kust South projects in 2022, and expects them to be fully operational in 2023.
Recharge was earlier this week first to reveal the launch of the 11MW souped-up turbine.
