Masdar, a partner in the world’s largest offshore wind farm, London Array, has said the project was a testament to what could be achieved through smart policies and strong partnerships.

The Abu Dhabi-based company has a 20 per cent stake in the farm, the other stakeholders being Dong Energy (50 per cent) and E.ON (30 per cent).

Siemens supplied the mechanical and electrical equipment for the two offshore substations as well as the onshore substation on Cleve Hill

The inaugural ceremony, which took place in the first week of July at Turner Contemporary in Margate, Kent, was attended by UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

London Array, the 630 MW offshore wind farm located in the Outer Thames Estuary, had its 175th turbine bought online in March 2013.

Siemens supplied the 175 wind turbines and the grid connection for the scheme. Together with Dong Energy, Siemens will also be responsible for the service of the wind turbines through a long-term agreement.

London Array is located around 20 km off the coasts of Kent and Essex on a 100 km2 site.  Its 175 Siemens 3.6 MW turbines are expected to produce enough electricity to power over half a million UK homes each year.

HISTORIC EVENT
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and CEO of Masdar, said: “This inauguration is a  historic milestone for the United Kingdom and the development of renewable energy. Projects like London Array demonstrate the economic opportunity of large-scale renewable energy projects – from the direct investment they attract to the industries they strengthen.

“London Array also exemplifies what can be achieved through smart policies and strong partnerships. Masdar is a committed partner in addressing the world’s growing need for clean energy.” Dr Al Jaber said Masdar looked forward to extending its portfolio and finding ways to integrate renewable energy that delivers a lasting impact.

Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today’s fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future. Backed by the Mubadala Development Company, the strategic investment company of the government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the emirate’s long-term vision for the future of energy.

Masdar entered into the London Array scheme when it purchased 40 per cent of E.ON’s half share of the London Array scheme, giving it a 20 per cent stake in the project overall. The London Array investment is part of Masdar’s global alternative energy strategy which includes solar, wind and other renewable technologies.

Also attending the ceremony were Brent Cheshire, UK country chairman, Dong Energy, Dr Johannes Teyssen, chairman and CEO, E.ON Energy, and Peter Loscher, CEO, Siemens. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed was present.