Frimley, 2013-Aug-01
Over 350 people have been involved in the construction of Lincs offshore wind farm and the project has brought many benefits to the local economy and community.
The last of the wind farm’s 75 Siemens wind turbines was connected to the National Grid on Wednesday 24th July, bringing the 270MW project up to full strength for the first time. Lincs is now capable of producing enough clean electricity for over 200,000 homes – equivalent to around two thirds of the homes in Lincolnshire.
In addition to the supply, installation and commissioning of the turbines, Siemens has also designed and installed the grid connections, and will provide long term operations and maintenance services from the shared service operation in Grimsby.
Speaking at the opening event, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to open the Lincs wind farm – a major contribution to ensuring the UK can continue to build on our competitive edge in renewable energy, as well as the UK economy and with the potential to power thousands of homes with clean energy and boost the local economy by bringing jobs to the region.
“The race is now on to lead the world in clean, green energy and Yorkshire and the Humber has a clear natural advantage with enviable wind resources and a world-beating research base – I am absolutely committed that we strengthen our position which is why our offshore wind industrial strategy aims to grow UK supply chain manufacturing so that more of the work and jobs can be done here.”
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey, was also
present at the ceremony together with local political and business and community
representatives and the three partner companies.
Construction of the wind farm started in 2010 with first power achieved in August 2012 and the last turbine lifted into place on Sunday 31st March this year. Over 350 people have been involved in its construction and the project has brought many benefits to the local economy and community.
Dr. Walter Bischoff from Siemens Financial Services said:
“Today’s opening of the Lincs Wind Farm is a significant event for the region as well as for the three JV partners who have worked together to bring the project to fruition. The wind farm has brought many jobs to the region already and will continue to do so. Siemens is delighted to be playing its part in the development of renewables in the region.”
The Lincs wind farm is located 8 kilometres (5 miles) off the coast of Skegness and has been built out of Siemens operation at Esbjerg in Denmark with commissioning managed from the Centrica base in Grimsby and Sutton Bridge near King’s Lynn.
The base includes the Siemens service team and will function as a shared resource for the Lincs, Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farms. Combined, the three wind farms are capable of producing enough power for over 330,000 homes.
Siemens Director for Siemens Service Renewables, Richard Luijendijik said:
“Today’s opening demonstrates well the vibrancy and attractiveness of the
renewables industry, especially to the next generation of employees, who want to play their part in a new and pioneering green industry.”
The base will provide long-term, employment for around 90 people, the majority of which are local to the region. Siemens will also have 19 apprentices working across the two wind farms.
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Siemens plc
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 170 years ago and now employs around 13,520 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £3.2 billion*. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure & cities and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
* Data includes intercompany revenue. Data may not be comparable with revenue reported in annual or interim reports.
