The wind turbine industry is developing so rapidly worldwide that the exact turbine model cannot be decided until after the consenting process. However, Humber Gateway's planning application is based on turbines between 3.6MW and 7MW. All the turbines will be of the same capacity.

The turbine models that are being considered for the Humber Gateway will begin generating electricity at wind speeds of 3 meters per second rising to the nominal power at 12-14 meters per second. The turbines will be designed to shut down at wind speeds greater than 25 meters per second.

Designing Humber Gateway Offshore Wind farm

The optimum turbine layout for Humber Gateway will be based on:

• the Crown Estate boundary;  
• mitigation map (incorporating all known statutory and stakeholder considerations);  
• optimum energy yield;  
• minimum array losses;
• geology and seabed obstructions;  
• water depth;
• operation, maintenance and construction considerations;
• electrical requirements (e.g. inter array cables).

Predicted wind speed

Wind speed is very important, as it will determine the energy produced from Humber Gateway.  

The wind speed at the site has been monitored using equipment on the existing Humber Light Float, managed by ABP Humber. This has been correlated with wind data at E.ON’s Out Newton onshore wind farm and other meteorological stations (e.g. Skegness North).The data collected indicates a good annual mean wind speed of 8.9 meter per second at 80m hub height. We intend to install a metereological mast in 2008.

The prevailing wind direction at the site is SSW through WNW and this has been taken into account in the spacing and layout of the turbines in order to maximise energy capture.

The diagram above shows the direction of the wind at E.ON's Out Newton onshore wind farm which is on the coast nearby.