RWE and SSE Renewables have joined forces to develop an extension adjacent to the operational 504MW Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm, located more than 20 kilometres off the UK coast in the southern North Sea.
SSE Renewables and RWE Renewables have established an equal joint venture company and signed an Agreement for Lease with The Crown Estate securing an option to develop an extension project on the site covering a total of 150 km2. The project has been named North Falls Offshore Wind Farm, after the North Falls sandbank located at the southern tip of the proposed site of the wind farm.
During the coming three years, work will include engineering design, stakeholder consultation and community engagement before the Development Consent Order application is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. The joint venture company will comprise staff from both organisations and will be led by newly appointed Project Manager Martin Whyte. The North Falls Offshore Wind Farm will comprise a number of wind turbines on fixed foundations, plus dedicated offshore and onshore electrical infrastructure. The newly-signed lease agreement is for an additional capacity of up to 504MW. The final capacity of the project will be determined during the development and consenting process. The Development Consent Order application is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in 2023.