Suppliers to the offshore wind industry in the UK’s North East can now register their interest in working with innogy on the largest project in its current development portfolio, the 1.2 gigawatt (GW) Sofia Offshore Wind Farm.
Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, sited 165 km off the UK coast on Dogger Bank in the North Sea, now has a dedicated digital portal for contractors and suppliers to register their capabilities and interest in working on the project.
Project Director David Few, leading the project through the upcoming Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction, said: “The team is committed to both delivering a winning bid for Sofia and maximising the supply chain benefits for the North East and wider UK”.
“To support this we have launched the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm portal for companies to register their interest in supply chain opportunities,” he said.
“Registering is the most effective way for suppliers to ensure their goods or services are considered for suitable procurement opportunities.
“The register will enable us and our Tier 1 contractors, once they are in place, to easily identify companies with the right skills and experience required to support the project at the right time”.
Contracts will be awarded throughout the development, construction and operational phases of the project however, the majority of key contracts will come into effect with the final investment decision, anticipated for 2020 assuming a successful outcome in the CfD auction. These contracts will be for a full range of works including onshore enabling and grid connection activities, turbine and balance of plant supply, offshore installation and commissioning, operations & maintenance and support services.
Formerly known as Dogger Bank Teesside B, Sofia is located on a site covering almost 600 square kilometres. It has an agreed connection point at an existing National Grid substation located in Lackenby, Teesside and was granted development consent in August 2015.