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DONG Energy to build new
multi million pound operations facility in Merseyside
DONG Energy, the global leader in
offshore wind, will build a new operations and maintenance (O&M) facility in
Kings Wharf, Seacombe to serve its 2 offshore wind farms in the area.
The facility will consist of a new office and warehouse building on a disused
site. It will serve the existing Burbo Bank offshore wind farm and the new Burbo
Bank Extension offshore wind farm, currently under construction.
Up to 75 jobs will be created during the construction of the facility, while
around 45 people will be permanently employed at the site once it is
operational.
As part of the development, DONG Energy has committed to carry out work on the
river promenade adjacent to the site which will improve the public amenity. This
scheme has been developed through close cooperation with Wirral Council.
The announcement comes during the International Festival for Business 2016 in
Liverpool, of which DONG Energy is an official supporter.
Brent Cheshire, DONG Energy's UK Country
Chairman, said:- "I am delighted to announce that we are building this
fantastic new facility in Merseyside to serve our offshore wind farms in the
area. DONG Energy is committed to investing in the UK and we are very proud to
be playing an important role in the redevelopment of this part of Kings Wharf.
The site offers excellent offshore access and flexibility, which is exactly what
we need to efficiently operate and maintain our wind farms. It is great to
confirm this significant investment during the International Festival for
Business as well. The festival is really highlighting all the positive activity
currently happening in the North West."
Cllr Phil Davies, Leader of Wirral Council, said:- "This is another step
towards establishing Wirral and the wider City region as a leading player in the
renewable energy sector, and we look forward to further close partnership work
with DONG Energy. The development will not only create jobs and bring new skills
and expertise to the area in line with our Wirral Plan 2020 pledges; it
regenerates a site in an important docklands location."
Vessels are expected to be operated from the Seacombe Mersey Ferries terminal.
Discussions are progressing with Merseytravel with a view to entering into a
long term agreement for shared use of the terminal to facilitate daily vessel
access.
Frank Rogers, Interim Chief Executive of Merseytravel, said:- "We are
continuing our positive conversations with DONG Energy over the potential to
share facilities. We would welcome such arrangements as not only does it help
reduce the cost of the Mersey Ferries to the public purse; 1 of the key aims of
our 20 year Mersey Ferries strategy, it also supports a new employer for the
region and the benefits that will bring."
The whole facility will comprise an area of approximately 1,800 square metres.
Enabling works for the site are currently underway and the main contractor is
expected to commence construction later in 2016 with completion scheduled for
mid 2017. Burbo Bank has been operational since 2007 and has a total
capacity of 90 megawatts (MW). The finished development will produce 258 MW,
generating enough electricity to power approximately 230,000 homes.
Burbo Bank Extension is currently under
construction and is expected to be fully operational in 2017. |
