The first of four transformers that will convert the green energy from the second largest offshore windfarm in the world has made its way to its new home in Suffolk.
The 323 tonne/463 MVA transformer – which is 9.6m long, 4.1m wide and 4.3m high – was transported under police escort from the port of Ipswich to ScottishPower Renewables’ onshore converter station site for the East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm at Bramford.
Manufactured by Siemens Energy in Germany, the transformer sailed from the port of Bremen before arriving in the UK where the abnormal load was conveyed to site by specialist transport company, Allelys, following a dedicated route agreed with local authorities and the police. Delivery of the remaining three transformers will take place on Sunday 30 June, Sunday 7 July and Sunday 14 July following the same detailed plan and route put in place by ScottishPower Renewables and its principal contractor, Siemens Energy.
Power produced by East Anglia 3’s 95 wind turbines in the southern North Sea will be brought onshore at Bawdsey on the east coast of England before travelling underground to Bramford.
East Anglia 3 Grid Execution manager, Niall Armstrong, said: “The delivery of the first transformer to Bramford is an important milestone not just for our onshore works to build the infrastructure needed to ensure the clean energy from our windfarm can get from power to plug, but for the East Anglia 3 project as whole. It was a real team effort to get this huge piece of kit safely on site.”
