RWE has confirmed a turbine supply agreement with Vestas for its 1.4-gigawatt Vanguard West offshore wind project off the east coast of England.
Under the contract, Vestas will supply 92 of its V236-15MW turbines and will also handle delivery and commissioning for the array, which secured a Contracts for Difference in last month’s Allocation Round 7.
RWE said it is targeting a final investment decision for Vanguard West this summer and aims to bring the project online in 2029. The development is 50% owned by KKR.
The agreement follows preferred supplier and exclusivity deals signed in December 2023 covering RWE’s wider 4.2GW Norfolk Wind Zone, which also includes the 1.4GW Vanguard East and 1.4GW Norfolk Boreas projects.
RWE Offshore Wind chief executive Sven Utermöhlen said the turbine order marks another step forward for the scheme. “Following RWE’s success in AR7 and our joint partnering with KKR, this turbine supply agreement marks a further important step towards delivering the Vanguard West project,” he said.
“Given RWE’s significant offshore experience, we are delighted to be partnering with Vestas, who have extensive expertise in turbine manufacture and delivery,” Utermöhlen added.
Vestas President Northern & Central Europe and Global Offshore Nils de Baar said the project reflects growing momentum in the sector. “The momentum behind offshore wind in Europe is building with the UK government stepping up its commitment in AR7 and projects like Norfolk Vanguard West moving forward,” he said.
“This combination of industry partnership and government commitment sends a powerful signal about the UK’s determination to drive forward its renewable energy ambitions. We are delighted to collaborate with RWE on the Norfolk Vanguard West project. The project strengthens the UK’s long-term energy security goals and helps the consumer with lower energy prices,” de Baar added.
