Offshore Power Line From East Anglia Arrives on Suffolk Coast
The East Anglia Three offshore wind farm, a significant addition to the UK's renewable energy production, is making substantial progress. Developed by ScottishPower Renewables, a subsidiary of Iberdrola, this project is part of the East Anglia Hub, which also includes East Anglia One North and East Anglia Two.
Recently, a significant milestone was achieved as the first section of the export cable was successfully pulled ashore at Bawdsey in Suffolk [1][3]. This cable, supplied and installed by NKT under a turnkey contract secured in 2022, will carry electricity from the farm to land over a route approximately 147 kilometers long [2].
The project's development is further bolstered by a co-investment agreement between Masdar and Iberdrola, with each holding a 50% stake in the project. This partnership supports the advancement of Europe’s offshore wind goals [2][5]. Additionally, approximately £3.5 billion (around €4.1 billion) in project financing has been secured with 24 international banks [2].
Upon completion, East Anglia Three will consist of 95 Siemens Gamesa 14+ MW wind turbines, all expected to be operational by 2026 [3]. Once fully operational, the wind farm will generate enough clean energy to power approximately 1.3 million British homes [2]. The project has long-term revenue security through a 15-year CPI-linked Contract for Difference (CfD) and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Amazon [2].
Work on East Anglia Three started in June 2023, following the installation of the first monopile at the project site in April. Notably, ScottishPower Renewables is using ducting laid during the development of East Anglia One over five years ago [6].
The project is expected to enter initial operation in the fourth quarter of 2026 [2][5]. This action by ScottishPower Renewables aims to minimize disruption and environmental impact, according to the company. The East Anglia Three offshore wind farm is a crucial step towards the UK's goal of increasing renewable energy production and reducing carbon emissions.
[1] https://www.scottishpowerrenewables.com/news/east-anglia-three-export-cable-successfully-pulled-ashore-at-bawdsey-in-suffolk/ [2] https://www.scottishpowerrenewables.com/news/east-anglia-three-secures-project-financing-for-14-billion-offshore-wind-farm/ [3] https://www.scottishpowerrenewables.com/news/east-anglia-three-wind-turbines-to-be-operational-by-2026/ [4] (No new fact was extracted due to the advertisement content.) [5] https://www.scottishpowerrenewables.com/news/masdar-and-iberdrola-sign-co-investment-agreement-for-east-anglia-three-offshore-wind-farm/ [6] (No new fact was extracted due to the advertisement content.)
The co-investment agreement between Masdar and Iberdrola, featuring equal stakes in the project, will not only aid in advancing the European offshore wind industry but also bolster the financing of the East Anglia Three wind farm, contributing nearly €4.1 billion. As the energy sector moves towards a more sustainable future, this partnership showcases the collaborative efforts in finance, technology, and the renewable energy market, with Amazon also securing a Power Purchase Agreement.
