Aker Solutions, in partnership with Siemens Energy, has officially received the full notice to proceed from RWE for the Norfolk Vanguard West and East offshore wind farms. These projects represent the first phase of RWE's Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, which also includes the Norfolk Boreas developments.
Once completed, the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power over four million homes, marking a significant step in the region's energy transition.
Aker Solutions had previously received a limited notice to proceed in November 2023, but the full notice to proceed now confirms the commencement of the next stage of the project. The company described this milestone as crucial to its ambition of contributing to the global energy transition.
Sturla Magnus, Executive Vice President for Aker Solutions' new build segment, expressed the company's commitment to renewable energy, stating: “We are proud to be a key partner in this important energy project, which represents a significant source of renewable energy and a major step in Europe's energy transformation.
The consortium, consisting of Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy, is responsible for different aspects of the project. Aker Solutions will handle the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the high voltage direct current (HVDC) offshore platforms, while Siemens Energy will manage the onshore station and high voltage equipment for the offshore substations.
Additionally, a joint venture between Aker Solutions and Drydocks World will deliver the two HVDC platforms. The fabrication of the platform topsides will take place at Drydocks World in Dubai, while the substructures will be fabricated at Aker Solutions' yard in Verdal, Norway.
Fabrication for the Norfolk Vanguard West platform began in April 2024, with the Norfolk Vanguard East platform expected to begin fabrication in the second quarter of 2025. The platforms are slated for delivery and installation in 2027 and 2028, with final preparations to be made at Aker Solutions' Stord yard before offshore installation.
