United Kingdom, 2007-Mar-06
Siemens Power Generation is to build two offshore wind farms in the UK for British Gas's parent company, Centrica. Siemens will supply 54 wind turbines with a combined maximum capacity of 180 megawatts (MW) for the Lynn and Inner Dowsing projects off the coast of Lincolnshire.
On completion by the end of 2008, Lynn and Inner Dowsing will be Britain's largest offshore wind farm development. Last month, Siemens Transmission and Distribution also announced it will supply the grid connection for the two wind farms.
"Last year we doubled our turnover and our declared objective is still to make our wind power business grow faster than the market," said Andreas Nauen, CEO of Siemens Power Generation's wind business.
"Securing the two projects in Britain will bring us a good step forward in this respect. We can thus also further expand our leading position in the growth market sector of offshore wind farms."
Siemens will assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the wind farms for an initial period of five years. The Siemens order is a major part of an overall investment of approximately €440 million.
The new wind farms will play an important role in Centrica's portfolio. The turbines will supply approximately 130,000 household customers served by British Gas and Scottish Gas with environment-friendly wind-based electricity. Centrica already operates the 26 MW onshore wind farm Glens of Foudland near Huntly in Scotland, which was supplied by Siemens Wind Power.
Siemens Wind Power already has two ongoing offshore projects - Lillgrund in Sweden and Burbo Banks in Liverpool Bay. Both projects are scheduled for commissioning in late 2007.
About Siemens in the UK:
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 164 years ago. The company employs 20,314 people in the UK, including about 6,500 in the manufacturing sector. Last year’s revenues were £3.5 billion, including exports of £580 million, and it spent almost £75 million on research and development. As a leading global engineering company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, including the shortage of natural resources, increasing environmental care, and a growing demand for healthcare, mobility and security. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Bracknell, Berkshire. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
About Siemens Power Generation
The Power Generation Group (PG) of Siemens AG is one of the premier companies in the international power generation sector. In fiscal 2006 (which ended September 30), Siemens PG posted sales amounting to more than EUR10 billion and received new orders totaling EUR12.5 billion. Group profit amounted to EUR782 million. On September 30, 2006, PG had a work force of approximately 36,400 worldwide.