Hornsea One offshore wind farm
North Sea, off the Yorkshire coast, UK · 2017–2020 (fully operational 2020) · £4.5 billion (2019 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchDecision to use 7MW turbines to maximize power output from fewer units, simplifying logistics compared to more numerous smaller turbines. - The project demonstrated the feasibility of developing large-scale offshore wind farms far from shore, pushing the boundaries of offshore wind technology and logistics.
Key engineering challenges
Sheer scale and distance from shore (120 km), requiring innovative solutions for installation and maintenance. - Deep coastal seabeds and complex ocean terrain. - Logistics of transporting and installing massive components far offshore. - Developing robust foundation designs (monopiles) for challenging seabed conditions.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Ørsted
- Lead contractor
- N/A (multiple contractors)
- Lead designers
- N/A
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 1.2 GW (1200 MW) capacity; 174 Siemens Gamesa 7 MW turbines
- Disciplines
- civil; structural; mechanical; electrical; marine; geotechnical
- Standards & frameworks
- N/A
Sources: Ørsted: https://orsted.co.uk/energy-solutions/offshore-wind/our-wind-farms/hornsea1 - Power Technology: https://www.power-technology.com/projects/hornsea-project-one-north-sea/ - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornsea_Wind_Farm