FICG Consortium Bags EUR 150 Mln Contract from Van Oord

Avantha Group Company CG, along with the other consortium partners Fabricom and Iemants, has been selected by Van Oord, for the offshore wind project “Gemini” in the Netherlands.

As part of the scope CG, will design, deliver and install 2 high voltage (HV) offshore substations and 1 HV onshore substation. The volume of the order for the consortium is in excess of €150Mn. CG’s scope covers approx. 30% of the overall contract. The project is expected to start in the second quarter of 2014 and to be completed in 2016.

The Gemini project consists of 2 offshore wind farms i.e. Buitengaats (300MW) and ZeeEnergie (300MW) and is located 85 kms north of the island of Schiermonnikoog in the Dutch North Sea. The total 600MW of installed capacity will produce electricity for over 785,000 households which equals a reduction in emissions of 1,250,000 tons of CO2.

To achieve the desired development potential of this project, CG will design and engineer the overall electrical HV system, manufacture and supply all key equipment and connect the onshore substation to the 400 kV Tennet high voltage grid.

Furthermore, the Gemini project builds on CG’s successful track record. It is the 10th offshore grid connection project secured since 2008. CG’s connecting technology and products have been chosen for its high reliability, high performance and cost effectiveness. Over the past years CG has developed an innovative AC connection link for offshore wind farms. CG’s proven technology already used in other platforms on the North Sea (a.o.Belwind, Humber Gateway, Northwind) has minimal weight, hence lowers costs and is designed for optimal and minimal maintenance compared with traditional high voltage AC or DC solutions.

Avantha Group Company CG’s CEO and Managing Director Laurent Demortier said “The transaction is consistent with our renewable energy strategy. It provides yet another opportunity to utilize CG’s unique technology & expertise in wind offshore connection (HVAC) and to assist the Government and our clients in reducing carbon emissions and increasing the supply of green energy”.