Project Overview

Hornsea One is the world’s largest offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Yorkshire, England. Developed by Ørsted, the project represents a significant step toward sustainable energy and is a key component of the UK’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and expand renewable energy sources.

Location

• Coordinates: 53.5565° N, 0.0922° W
• Distance from Shore: Approximately 120 km from the coast of Yorkshire, in the North Sea.

Project Details

• Type: Offshore Wind Farm
• Capacity: 1.2 GW
• Turbines: 174 Siemens Gamesa SG 8.0-167 DD turbines
• Rotor Diameter: 167 meters
• Height: 190 meters from sea level to tip of the blade
• Area: Covers approximately 407 km²

Timeline

• Planning Approval: Received in 2014
• Construction Start Date: January 2017
• First Power Generation: December 2018
• Official Opening: September 2019

Key Companies Involved

• Developer: Ørsted
  • Ørsted Official Website
• Turbine Manufacturer: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
  • Siemens Gamesa Official Website
• Installation Vessel Provider: GeoSea (part of DEME Group)
  • GeoSea Official Website
• Grid Connection: National Grid
  • National Grid Official Website

Products Employed

1. Wind Turbines: Siemens Gamesa SG 8.0-167 DD
   • Equipped with direct-drive technology for improved efficiency.
   • Designed to operate in high-wind environments.
2. Substations: The project included two offshore substations to transform the voltage generated by the turbines before it is transmitted to the mainland.
3. Cabling: High-voltage AC cables, which connect the turbines to the substations and subsequently to the onshore grid.

Financials

• Total Investment: Approximately £4.5 billion
• Funding: Financed through a combination of equity and debt, including support from various banks and investment funds focused on renewable energy.

Environmental Impact

• The project significantly contributes to the UK’s renewable energy capacity, powering over 1 million homes annually.
• Aimed at reducing carbon emissions by approximately 2 million tons per year.

Challenges Faced

• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather during the construction phase posed challenges for installation schedules.
• Technical Complexity: The scale of the project required advanced logistical planning and coordination between multiple stakeholders.

Community Engagement

Ørsted engaged with local communities throughout the project lifecycle. Efforts included:

• Information sessions to keep the public informed about the project’s progress and benefits.
• Initiatives to support local businesses and job creation during the construction phase.

Future Outlook

Hornsea One is just the first phase of the Hornsea project, with plans for Hornsea Two, which aims to add an additional 1.4 GW of capacity, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in offshore wind energy.

Sponsors

Sponsors

Sponsors

Conclusion

Hornsea One represents a landmark achievement in the renewable energy sector, demonstrating the potential of offshore wind as a viable solution for large-scale energy needs. The project’s successful completion not only enhances the UK’s energy security but also sets a precedent for future renewable projects worldwide.

References

• Hornsea One Project Page
• Siemens Gamesa Turbine Details
• UK Government Renewable Energy Strategy

This case study encapsulates the essential details of Hornsea One, highlighting its significance in the renewable energy landscape.