Siemens to build UK offshore wind farms

German firm Siemens has won a contract to provide 54 wind turbines for two new British offshore wind farms, the company said today.

The turbines for the Lynn and Inner Dowsing projects in Lincolnshire will produce a combined maximum capacity of 180 megawatts of power, Siemens said in a statement.

The turbines were ordered by British Gas’ parent company, Centrica.

Siemens Power Generation will assume responsibility for operation and maintenance for an initial five years.

The Siemens order is a major part of an overall investment of some €426m in the wind farms, Siemens said without breaking down the details of the deal.

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.