The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) granted Orsted contracts for difference (CFD) to develop two offshore wind projects, Hornsea 3 and Hornsea 4.
The CfDs consist of a 1,080 MW share of Hornsea 3 and 2,400 MW for Hornsea 4, secured at inflation-indexed strike prices of Great British Pound (GBP) 54.23 per megawatt-hour (MWh) and GBP 58.87 per MWh, respectively, based on 2012 prices.
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Rasmus Errboe, the deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer at Orsted, said, “We’re pleased with the outcome of allocation round 6, which is an important milestone for two of the world’s largest offshore wind farms.”
He added, “We look forward to delivering these landmark projects, which will supply renewable power at large scale to UK consumers and businesses and help the UK government achieve its target of quadrupling offshore wind capacity to 60 GW by 2030.”
With a capacity of 2,955 MW, Hornsea 3 is anticipated to be the largest offshore wind farm in the world and will provide clean energy to millions of homes in the UK.
Ørsted plans to make a final investment decision (FID) on Hornsea 4 within 18 months with an anticipated commissioning date of the end of 2030.
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Hornsea 3 and 4 together will bring the total capacity of Ørsted’s Hornsea zone to over 8 gigawatts (GW).
After the wind farm is commissioned, the Hornsea 3 two-way contracts for difference (Cfd) will be in effect for 15 years.
Inflation adjustments will be made to the striking prices between 2012 until the commencement of the CfD.
Following the CfD period, Hornsea 3 will sell electricity at market prices or enter new power purchase agreements.