RWE Innogy, Stadtwerke München (Munich City Utilities) and Siemens have entered into a joint venture to build the offshore wind farm Gwynt y Môr (Welsh for “wind in the sea”). RWE Innogy will hold a 60% stake in this joint venture, Stadtwerke München 30% and Siemens 10%. The total investment amounts to more than 2 billion euros, including the grid connection to the coast. The investment will be divided between the partners accordingly.

Gwynt y Môr is to be built with an installed capacity of 576 MW in Liverpool Bay, around 18 km (11 miles) off the North Wales coast. Work will start towards the end of 2011 to erect the first foundations for a total of 160 wind turbines. All permits for the wind farm covering an area of 79 sq km (30 sq miles) have already been obtained. Siemens will supply, install and maintain the wind turbines, and provide the connection to the grid.

In its first phase of expansion, the wind farm is planned to generate electricity as early as 2013. The project is expected to be completed in 2014. From then onwards, it is forecast to generate around 1950 GWh of electricity annually.

Visit www.siemens.com to learn more.