Harnessing east coast wind

Siemens Power Generation (PG) has received a major order from Centrica for the erection of two offshore wind farms on the east coast of England.

Siemens will to supply 54 wind turbines with a combined maximum capacity of 180 megawatts (MW) for the Lynn and Inner Dowsing projects in Lincolnshire.

Siemens PG will also assume responsibility for operation and maintenance for an initial period of five years. The Siemens order is a major part of an overall investment of approximately €440m.

According to Siemens, the two projects will play an important role in Centrica’s portfolio. On completion by the end of 2008, Lynn and Inner Dowsing will be Britain’s largest offshore wind farm development. The turbines will then supply approximately 130,000 household customers served by British Gas and Scottish Gas with wind-based electricity.

Centrica already operates the 26MW onshore wind farm, Glens of Foudland near Huntly in