Isra-Mart srl:First foundation laid for London Array

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Isra-Mart srl news:

The vision of a 1GW offshore wind farm powering 750,000 homes in the south east took a step closer to reality today when the first turbine foundation was installed in the Thames Estuary.

The 268 tonne monopile and 28 metre transition piece comprise the first of 177 foundations which will support the UK's flagship London Array wind farm.

The first phase of the project, which is due to be completed in 2012, will cover 90km2 and result in 177 turbines delivering a combined capacity of 630MW.

A second phase, still to be approved, could take the London Array past the 1GW capacity mark.

Two vessels, the Seaworker and the MPI Adventure, will start installation of two substations and 175 turbines during the summer.

The project is jointly owned by DONG Energy with a 50 per cent stake, E.ON with a 30 per cent holding, and Masdar with the remaining 20 per cent stake.

"This is a significant milestone for London Array, off the shore and into the water," said Anders Eldrup, chief executive of DONG Energy. "Soon we'll be seeing the turbines going up and the wind farm starting to generate low carbon electricity."