SMart Wind will develop projects in the Hornsea zone, comprising 4735 km off the UK’s Yorkshire coast.

To develop the wind farms in the Hornsea zone off the north-eastern coast of England, the Siemens-equity company Siemens Project Ventures GmbH and Mainstream Renewable Power established the project-development company SMart Wind Ltd, in which each partner holds a 50% stake.

Siemens Energy Sector companies are expected to supply wind turbines and offshore substations. As part of the wider consortium, Hochtief Construction AG is planned to be responsible for constructing other parts of the offshore wind farms.

The first project is expected to be ready for construction by 2014.

Key facts on the zone – Hornsea (Zone 4):

• The Hornsea zone will provide enough electricity to meet 4% of all electricity demand in the UK;
• The UK goal for renewable electricity generation is approximately 30%. Hornsea’s offshore wind generation will account for approximately 12% of that target;
• The total zone area is 4735 km²;
• The offshore wind zone lies between 34 km and 190 km off the Yorkshire coast;
• Water depths across the offshore wind zone are predominantly 30-40 m, with maximum depths to 70.