Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm: Specification and Technology

 

Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm: Specification and Technology

Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Overview

The Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm is a large wind farm located in the North Sea, 33 kilometers off the coast of Lincolnshire, England [Wikipedia]. It has a capacity of 857 megawatts (MW), which is enough to power nearly a million homes [source needed].

Here's a breakdown of the key details:

  • Type: Offshore wind farm [Wikipedia]
  • Location: North Sea, off the coast of Lincolnshire, England [Wikipedia]
  • Capacity: 857 MW [Wikipedia]
  • Owner: RWE (59%), J-Power (24%), Kansai Electric Power (16%) [RWE]
  • Operational Since: 2021 (expected) [Power Technology]

The project is relatively new and is expected to be fully operational in 2021. It is considered an important source of renewable energy for the UK.

The Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm is a major renewable energy project located off the coast of Lincolnshire, England, in the North Sea. 

Here's a table summarizing its key details The Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm

FeatureDetail
Capacity857 MW
Location33 kilometres (21 mi) off the coast of Lincolnshire
OwnershipRWE (59%), J-Power (24%), Kansai Electric Power (16%)
Developer & OperatorRWE
Construction StartJanuary 2020

Project Description

The Triton Knoll Wind Farm is an 857 megawatt (MW) offshore wind farm, representing a significant source of renewable energy for the UK. RWE, a German energy company, owns the project with a 59% stake, alongside partners J-Power (24%) and Kansai Electric Power (16%). RWE spearheaded the construction phase and is now responsible for the wind farm's operation and maintenance, coordinated from the Grimsby Hub facility located at Royal Docks.

Construction of the wind farm began onshore in Lincolnshire and offshore in the North Sea in January 2020. The project is situated roughly 20 miles off the coast of Lincolnshire and 28 miles from the coast of north Norfolk.


Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Historical Timeline

This timeline details the key milestones in the development of the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm.

Table:

Date/PeriodMilestoneDescription
2003Lease AwardedRWE Npower Renewables awarded the lease to develop the wind farm area.
July 2013Development Consent (Offshore)Planning consent granted for the offshore elements of the wind farm (up to 1200MW).
2014Project Scope ReducedRWE reduces the wind farm's scope to 900MW or lower for cost efficiency.
Early 2015Statkraft Joins OwnershipStatkraft becomes joint owner of the development project.
Sept 2016Development Consent (Onshore/Offshore Electrical Connection)Planning permission granted for onshore and offshore electrical connection assets.
Summer 2018 (Planned)Financial CloseProject financing expected to be finalized.
Jan 2020Construction BeginsConstruction activities for the wind farm commence.
Jan 2021First Turbine CompletedThe first wind turbine is assembled and completed.
Mar 1 2021First Power GenerationThe wind farm begins generating its first electricity.
Sept 17 2021Final Turbine InstalledThe last of the 90 wind turbines is installed.
Spring 2022 (Expected)Project CompletionThe entire wind farm project is expected to be fully operational.

Note: The "Financial Close" milestone might not have occurred exactly in summer 2018 as planned.


Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm: Specification and Technology

Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Specifications

Here's a table summarizing the key specifications of the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm:

SpecificationDetail
LocationLincolnshire coast, UK (offshore)
Project OwnersRWE (59%), J-Power (25%), Kansai Electric Power (16%)
Capacity900 Megawatts (MW)
TurbinesMHI Vestas VH 165 (though specific number not publicly available)
Turbine Rotor Diameter165 meters
Water DepthUp to 30 meters
ConstructionOnshore (Lincolnshire) and offshore
StatusFully commissioned 

Note: While the exact number of turbines is not publicly available, the capacity and rotor diameter specifications allow for an estimation.


Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Technology Uses

The Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm utilizes a combination of advanced technologies to generate clean electricity and operate efficiently. Here's a table outlining some of the key technologies involved:

TechnologyDescription
Wind Turbines (MHI Vestas VH 165)These high-capacity turbines convert wind energy into mechanical energy through the rotation of their blades. The VH 165 model boasts a large 165-meter rotor diameter, maximizing wind capture.
FoundationsThe turbines are secured to the seabed using specialized foundations. Depending on water depth and seabed conditions, different foundation types like monopiles or jackets might be used.
Inter-Array CablesUnderwater cables connect the individual wind turbines to a central offshore substation, allowing for the transmission of generated electricity.
Offshore SubstationThis offshore platform collects electricity from all the turbines within the wind farm and transforms it to a higher voltage suitable for long-distance transmission.
Export CablesHigh-voltage submarine cables carry the transformed electricity from the offshore substation to an onshore substation where it connects to the national grid.
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System)This computer-based system provides real-time monitoring and control of the entire wind farm operation, including turbine performance, weather conditions, and power generation.
Maintenance VesselsSpecialized service vessels are used for routine maintenance tasks on the turbines and other offshore infrastructure.

This table provides a glimpse into the various technologies that work together to ensure the successful operation of the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm.


Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm: Specification and Technology

Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm: Financial Support and Investment

Project Summary

The Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm is a £2 billion (US$2.6 billion) project located off the coast of Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. The project achieved financial close in 2 phases:

  • Offshore Transmission Project: Financial close achieved in December 2023 for a £600 million (US$755.53 million) project.
  • Wind Farm Project: Total investment estimated at £1.4 billion (US$1.8 billion).

Financial Sponsors and Investment

Financial PartnerInvestment (Est.)Project Role
Innogy (Main Sponsor)£1.2 billion (US$1.6 billion)Developer
J-PowerUndisclosedInvestor
Kansai Electric PowerUndisclosedInvestor

Loan Providers

Loan ProviderInvestment (Est.)
Total Loan£800 million (US$1 billion)
JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation)Up to £259 million (US$338 million)
MUFG Bank Ltd.Undisclosed
Societe GeneraleUndisclosed
Barclays Bank PLCUndisclosed
Aviva Life & Pensions UK LimitedUndisclosed
KfW IPEX-BankUndisclosed

Additional Investment

  • Triton Knoll Community Fund: £40,000 annually distributed to neighboring communities.

Note: The investment amounts for some financial partners and loan providers are not publicly disclosed.


Organizations Supporting the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm

Financial Sponsors

OrganizationRoleInvestment (Est.)
Innogy (now RWE)Main Sponsor (Developer)£1.2 billion (US$1.6 billion)

Loan Providers

OrganizationInvestment (Est.)
Total Loan Provider Group£800 million (US$1 billion)
  • JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation) | Up to £259 million (US$338 million) |
  • MUFG Bank Ltd. 
  • Societe Generale 
  • Barclays Bank PLC
  • Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited
  • KfW IPEX-Bank | Undisclosed (participation not confirmed) |

Additional 

  • Equitix (80% stake) and TEPCO PG (20% stake) | Financed the Offshore Transmission Project (£600 million) 
  • Triton Knoll Community Fund | Manages a £40,000 annual fund distributed to neighboring communities |

Note: The investment amounts for J-Power, Kansai Electric Power, and some loan providers are not publicly disclosed.


Table of International Organizations Supporting Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm

While the available information doesn't explicitly mention direct involvement from international organizations in the project, there are possibilities for some connections:

  • Loan Providers: Some of the listed loan providers (JBIC for instance) might be considered international organizations depending on the specific definition used. These institutions often operate across borders and support various infrastructure projects globally.
  • Environmental Organizations: International environmental organizations might have played a role in advocating for offshore wind development or influencing regulations that indirectly support the project.

Note:

  • The specific involvement of international organizations in this case would require further research into the project's background and permitting process.

Alternative Table Approach:

International organizations in general, here's a possible table:

International OrganizationArea of FocusPotential Role in Offshore Wind
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)Renewable energy development and implementationKnowledge sharing, policy recommendations, promoting offshore wind as a clean energy source.
World BankInfrastructure development and financingFinancing offshore wind projects in developing countries.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)Maritime safety and pollution preventionSetting regulations for offshore wind farm construction and operation to minimize impact on maritime activities.

This table provides examples of international organizations with a connection to offshore wind development, though their specific involvement with Triton Knoll might be indirect.


Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm: Contributions and Conclusion

The Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm is a significant project contributing to renewable energy generation in the UK. Here's a breakdown of its contributions:

Contributions

AreaDescription
Renewable EnergyGenerates clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions (capacity over 1 GW).
Local EconomyCreates jobs during construction and operation phases, and potentially benefits local businesses through contracts and supply chains.
Community SupportThe Triton Knoll Community Fund distributes £40,000 annually to neighboring communities for local initiatives.


The Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm is a successful project contributing to the UK's renewable energy goals, stimulating the local economy, and supporting neighboring communities. It serves as a model for future offshore wind developments worldwide.


Powering the Future: How Triton Knoll Contributes to UK Energy

The Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm, a massive project located off the coast of Lincolnshire, UK, stands as a significant pillar in the nation's energy landscape. With a capacity exceeding 1 GW, the wind farm makes substantial contributions to the UK's energy goals through several key areas, as summarized in the table below:

Contribution to UK EnergyDataDescription
Reduced Reliance on Fossil FuelsOver 1 GW clean electricity generationDecreases dependence on traditional fossil fuel power plants, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions by millions of tons annually.
Increased Renewable Energy ShareOver 1 GW clean energy capacity addedBoosts the UK's renewable energy portfolio, helping the country meet its ambitious clean energy targets and diversify its energy mix.
Enhanced Energy SecurityOver 1 GW reliable renewable energy sourceLessens vulnerability to fluctuations in global fossil fuel prices and supply, fostering a more secure energy future for the UK.

Capacity: Over 1 GW (1,000 MW)

Conclusion

The table clearly highlights the key areas where the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm makes a significant impact. While the exact reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is difficult to pinpoint due to various factors, the wind farm's substantial clean energy generation capacity undoubtedly contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for the UK. By generating clean energy and contributing to a more secure and sustainable energy future, the wind farm plays a critical role in the UK's transition towards a cleaner and more reliable energy grid.

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