ScottishPower has commenced development of the East Anglia Three offshore wind farm with the establishment of the project’s initial foundation.
The monopile measures 275 feet (83.89m) in height, has a diameter of 35 feet (10.6m), and weighs 1,800 tonnes, setting a new record in the offshore wind sector – becoming the largest ever installed from a jack-up vessel in Europe.
The monopile – produced by the joint venture Navantia Seanergies Windar Renovables (JVNW) – was positioned by the Seaway Ventus jack-up installation vessel.
ScottishPower Renewables CEO Charlie Jordan expressed that the installation “signifies an immense achievement in engineering, expertise, and considerable effort. We’re discussing an astonishing 1,800 tonnes of steel, safely lifted and meticulously positioned in the precise location within an area comparable to nearly 43,000 football fields. We’ve never constructed anything of this magnitude previously!”
The monopile is the first of 95 being produced for the 1.4GW wind farm – the largest in both the ScottishPower and Iberdrola portfolios. JVNW is creating 45 of the 95 foundations for the initiative, while the other 50 are being developed by Haizea.
Each of the 95 monopiles will range from 220 feet to 278 feet (67-85m) in length, weighing between 1,200 and 1,800 tonnes, and will support 95 Siemens Gamesa turbines of 14.7MW each.
The first of the 95 transition pieces – manufactured by Windar Renovables – has also been installed, with each measuring 65 feet (20m) in height, 26 feet (8m) in diameter, and weighing over 400 tonnes.
Seaway7 is responsible for installing all of the East Anglia Three monopiles and transition pieces.
To accomplish this, the Seaway Ventus jack-up vessel has been equipped with a specialized mission equipment spread that was designed, built, and installed in less than two years to fulfill the project timeline and performance specifications.
“East Anglia THREE will be the largest-ever wind farm within the entire Iberdrola group and the second largest globally when it becomes operational,” Jordan remarked.
“To visibly observe it beginning to take form in the North Sea is a significant milestone and certainly a source of pride. This project exemplifies how we’re producing more secure, green electricity for the UK; investing in the nation’s clean energy future; and creating jobs and opportunities for years to come.”
The installation of all 95 turbines is anticipated to be finalized by early 2026.
