Northland Power Inc. has successfully installed the final turbine of the Gemini offshore wind project. The 600-MW wind farm is now one major step closer to completion.
This milestone marks the end of the turbine installation program that commenced in February 2016. Completed by installation vessels, Aeolus and Pacific Osprey, the 150 Siemens’ 4.0-MW turbines were installed in an area of the North Sea where wind speeds are among the highest and most constant in the world.
A total of 150 Siemens’ 4.0-MW turbines were installed at the 600-MW Gemini offshore wind project. The wind farm is located in an area of the North Sea where wind speeds are among the highest and most constant in the world.
With installation complete, all turbines will now be connected and thoroughly tested. This process is anticipated to take several months, and the wind farm is expected to become fully operational mid-2017. Throughout this period the turbines will produce power and continue to earn pre-completion revenues.
“Today’s announcement represents another momentous achievement on this project,” noted John Brace, CEO of Northland Power. “Congratulations to the project team on their great work. It is meaningful to all of us at Northland to see all 150 wind turbines standing, and to know that Gemini is one step closer to helping the Netherlands transition to a more sustainable future.”
Once operational, Gemini is expected to generate enough clean and renewable energy to meet the needs of 1.5 million people in the Netherlands, and reduce the country’s CO2 emissions by 1.25 million tons per year. The wind farm will play an important role in achieving the Netherlands’ and European Union’s sustainable energy goals.
“The installation of the 150th and last turbine in the wind park is a magnificent achievement,” Matthias Haag says, CEO of Gemini. “This milestone follows installation of the foundations, the offshore high voltage stations and 210 kilometers of export cables. We are proud of everyone that contributed to the safe and successful construction of Gemini.”
Gemini is located 85 kilometers from the coast of Groningen and is one of the largest wind farms in the world, in size as well as production. The project is owned by Northland Power (60%), Siemens Financial Services (20%), Van Oord (10%), and N.V. HVC (10%).
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