A power station to convert energy from a massive offshore wind farm is to be built on Teesside.
The Wilton International site has been selected as the location for the onshore electricity converter station for the Sofia Wind Farm, which is under development at Dogger Bank in the North Sea by power firm RWE Renewables.
Cables from each turbine more than 100 miles offshore will connect to a converter station being hosted by Sembcorp Energy UK so that power produced offshore can be supplied to the National Grid.
The development is the latest boost for Teesside and the wider North East from the boom in offshore energy in the North Sea, which has brought jobs to a number of coastal areas.
Matthew Scrimshaw, Sembcorp Energy UK’s commercial director, said: “This is a massive infrastructure project and Sembcorp are delighted that Wilton International has been chosen for part of this major investment
“It’s one of the largest construction projects that Wilton International has seen in recent years and it’s very much in alignment with our commitment to decarbonise our industrial site.
“Two converter substations will be built on a 20-acre plot – the first for the Sofia Wind Farm, the second for the adjacent Dogger Bank C Offshore Wind Farm. Construction of the second converter station is expected to start next year.”
Converter stations for the electricity generated from the offshore wind turbines as they minimise the amount of power that occurs over the lengthy distance from the turbines to homes in the UK.
Sembcorp has started preparation work for the project, which has involved diverting water mains in the area and the construction of a new road.
Mr Scrimshaw said: “Teesside is rapidly becoming an important hub for the offshore renewables sector, thanks to our location and our experienced workforce, who are accustomed to servicing the oil and gas industry as well as undertaking other major engineering projects.
“Teesside’s ability to respond to major offshore renewables investment has been further cemented by the recent announcement from GE that they will be manufacturing offshore turbine blades at the Teesworks site.”
