Siemens Gamesa's 14-MW turbines to power 2.6-GW US offshore wind park

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA (BME:SGRE) has received a conditional order to supply SG 14-222 direct-drive (DD) turbines for the 2,640-MW Dominion Energy Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project in US waters.

The manufacturer said in a press release on Tuesday that the exact number of turbines to be used for the project is still not known and depends on the final project site conditions. The supply deal is subject to certain conditions, among which are taking a final investment decision (FID) and securing all required approvals as part of the permitting process.

The SG 14-222 machine, Siemens Gamesa’s latest offshore turbine variant, has a 222-metre rotor and a capacity of up to 15 MW, with over 25% higher annual energy production as compared to the SG 11.0-200 DD model. The wind turbine maker said it will explore options to produce the turbine blades on the East Coast in a facility that will be custom-built to make SG 14-222 components. Decisions on sourcing and supply chain for the US market will be made within the next year.

Siemens Gamesa was selected as the preferred turbine supplier for the offshore wind project at the start of January.

To be located off the coast of Virginia, CVOW is the largest scheme of its kind in the country to date. Upon completion by 2026, it is expected to generate enough electricity to meet the demand of 650,000 homes, while offsetting 3.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.

Siemens Gamesa has already agreed to deliver two 6-MW units of its SWT-6.0-154 turbines for the 12-MW pilot CVOW facility that will be installed within a research lease area in proximity to the 2,640-MW complex.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!