ROBIN RIGG

• Latitude: 54.7537
• Longitude: -3.71149
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Offshore Terminal in UK

Location: UK

ROBIN RIGG Offshore Wind Farm

Description: The Robin Rigg Offshore Wind Farm is a significant renewable energy project located in the Solway Firth, off the coast of Cumbria and Galloway in the United Kingdom. Named after the sandbank on which it is located, the Robin Rigg project was one of the early commercial offshore wind farms in the UK, playing a substantial role in the United Kingdom's push towards sustainable energy solutions.

Key Specifications:

1. Location:

   • Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 10 km off the coasts of Cumbria (England) and Galloway (Scotland).
   • Water Depth: Typically ranges between 5 and 18 meters.

2. Development and Operation:

   • Developers/Owners: E.ON Climate & Renewables (now a part of RWE).
   • Year Commissioned: Officially commissioned in April 2010.

3. Wind Turbines:

   • Number of Turbines: 60.
   • Turbine Model: Vestas V90-3.0 MW.
   • Turbine Capacity: 3 MW per turbine.
   • Total Installed Capacity: 180 MW.
   • Hub Height: Approximately 80 meters above mean sea level.
   • Rotor Diameter: 90 meters.

4. Electrical Infrastructure:

   • Onshore Substation: Located near Seaton, Cumbria.
   • Export Cable: Subsea cables connect the offshore turbines to the onshore substation.
   • Grid Connection: Feeds directly into the national grid, providing enough power to supply around 117,000 households annually.

5. Construction and Installation:

   • Foundation Type: Monopile foundations, driven into the seabed.
   • Installation Vessels: Utilized jack-up vessels and heavy lift ships for turbine installation.
   • Construction Timeline: Commenced in 2007, with full commissioning in 2010.

6. Operational Aspects:

   • Maintenance: Routine maintenance is essential, with technicians accessing turbines via vessels or helicopters.
   • Environmental Considerations: Measures taken to minimize environmental impact, including thorough environmental impact assessments and ongoing monitoring programs to protect local marine and bird life.

7. Economic and Environmental Impact:

   • Energy Production: Contributes significantly to local and national targets for renewable energy.
   • CO2 Savings: Helps reduce the carbon footprint by cutting down greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power generation.

Important Notes:

• Regulatory and Safety Compliance: Adheres to UK offshore safety regulations and international maritime laws.
• Community Engagement: The project has engaged local communities throughout its lifecycle to ensure transparency and address any concerns related to the wind farm's construction and operation.

Robin Rigg represents a vital component of the UK's renewable energy infrastructure, showcasing the potential of offshore wind to contribute to a more sustainable energy future.