Statoil and Statkraft, the two Norwegian companies behind the Dudgeon offshore wind farm, have made a final investment decision regarding the £1.5billion East Anglia development.
Based off the coast of north Norfolk, the wind farm is set to start generating electricity in 2017 at a maximum capacity of 402MW, which should generate enough electricity to power approximately 410,000 homes.
Dudgeon is the first out of eight UK renewable electricity projects that signed an investment contract to announce start of construction.
“We are very satisfied to have reached a positive decision for Dudgeon,” said Halfdan Brustad, chairman of the Dudgeon board.
“This strengthens and confirms Statoil’s strategic ambition of gradual and profitable growth as an industrial offshore wind player. Dudgeon represents a strong partnership with broad experience and expertise within the energy sector and offshore wind.
“We believe this project could further strengthen our position in the UK, benefiting from the positive and constructive dialogue already established with UK authorities, local communities and suppliers.
“Building on the Sheringham Shoal experience, we now look forward to a progressive dialogue with key stakeholders such as the Norfolk public community, the local supply chain and the authorities”.