Two Thirds Of Sofia Wind Turbines Installed
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
Seventy wind turbines have been installed at RWE’s Sofia offshore wind farm in the UK, according to a Notice to Mariners recently issued by the project team.
These two paragraphs give more details of the installation process.
The first of the project’s 100 Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 DD wind turbines was installed in March 2025, and the work reached the halfway mark in September last year. The vessel deployed for the work is Cadeler’s Wind Peak, which is carrying components for six turbines per trip, operating from the port of Hull.
IWS service operation vessel (SOV) IWS Seawalker is supporting the wind turbine installation work.
Note.
- Sofia is being installed by German Company ; RWE.
- Sofa will use 14 MW Siemens Gamesa wind turbines, some of which have recyclable blades.
- The installation process is being carried out nearly 200 kilometers out to sea on the Dogger Bank.
The power will be connected to the grid at Lackenby substation, which is near the Wilton chemical works, which can certainly you the electricity.
Does Wilton Chemical Works Have A Power Station?
I asked GoogleAI, the question in the title of this section and received this reply.
Yes, the Wilton International industrial site (formerly associated with ICI chemical works) has multiple power stations and significant on-site energy generation, operated primarily by Sembcorp Utilities UK. The site features a biomass power station (Wilton 10), a further biomass unit (Wilton 11), and an energy-from-waste plant, supplying electricity and steam to chemical and industrial businesses on-site.
Note.
- Wilton 10 opened as a biomass power station in 2002.
- Wilton 11 opened as a biomass power station in 2016.
I seem to remember, that one of these power stations was there on my visits to Wilton for ICI in the 1970s.
Key details regarding power generation at Wilton:
Biomass & Waste-to-Energy:
The site transitioned from coal-fired units to renewable biomass and waste-to-energy, utilizing wood and other byproducts for power and heat generation.
Sembcorp Utilities:
Sembcorp operates the site’s energy infrastructure, which includes five different generation assets and a private wire network.
Capacity: The site hosts significant generation capacity, including a 52MW biomass unit and a 35MW unit.
Future Projects: The site is involved in developments for net-zero emissions, including the Whitetail Clean Energy project, which is planned as the UK’s first Net Zero emissions power plant with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
The site serves as a “plug and play” industrial location offering on-site, cost-effective energy.
Conclusion
This would appear to be a sensible small power system providing 1400 GW of wind power, backed up if needed be by the two biomass units, which total 87 MW.
Note, that ICI were storing gases under the site for many years, so I suspect, that Carbon Capture and Storage, might work well at this location.
I can see other places, where a wind farm, is combined with energy from waste for backup.
Are Wind Farms Being Backed Up By Energy From Waste Units In The UK?
I asked GoogleAI, the question in the title of this section and received this reply.
Yes, but only in a limited, complementary capacity, rather than as a direct, large-scale substitute for wind power.
Energy from Waste (EfW) units—commonly known as incinerators—are increasing in the UK, but their role in the grid is different from how we “back up” wind.
Here is a breakdown of how it works:
1. The Role of EfW (Baseload, not Backup)
Baseload Generation: EfW plants run 24/7 to burn waste. They provide a steady, consistent, predictable “baseload” of electricity (about 2–3% of UK supply).
Intermittency: Because they run constantly, they cannot ramp up and down quickly when the wind stops blowing. Therefore, they are not a “flexible” backup in the same way gas power plants are.
Partial Renewable: Around 50% of the energy produced by EfW is considered renewable (organic waste), helping the UK hit green targets.
2. What Actually Backs Up Wind?
When wind farms stop producing power during low-wind periods (often called “dunkelflaute”), the UK relies on other sources:
Natural Gas Plants: These are the primary, flexible backup that can ramp up instantly to fill gaps in renewable production.
Interconnectors: Imported electricity from other countries (e.g., Norway, France).
Battery Storage: Growing, but still small-scale compared to total demand.
3. How EfW Helps the Grid
EfW does assist the grid by providing system inertia and consistent, low-carbon, on-demand energy, reducing the need for more fossil fuels to be burnt at certain times. They are particularly useful for providing power when the grid is congested, but they do not specifically act as a “spare tire” for wind farms.
4. Future Trends
The government is looking to attach Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to EfW units, which would make them a low-carbon, dependable, and sustainable part of the energy mix by the 2030s.
In summary: EfW plays a part in supporting a greener grid, but it is not a direct substitute for the flexibility required to back up intermittent wind power.
5. Hydrogen Power
This is a section, that artificial intelligence has unsurprisingly left out, as no country has yet built the hydrogen storage and the power stations to generate the electricity, when it is needed.
But Note.
- SSE are building a big hydrogen store in Yorkshire at Aldbrough.
- Centrica are converting the Rough gas storage to a hydrogen store.
- SSE are building a 910 MW hydrogen-powered power station at Keadby.
- SSE are building a 1200 MW hydrogen-powered power station at Ferrybridge.
I suspect if you were building a chemical plant and Wilton fitted your budget, you would take a look.
Trump Revokes Landmark Ruling That Greenhouse Gases Endanger Public Health
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
US President Donald Trump has reversed a key Obama-era scientific ruling that underpins all federal actions on curbing planet-warming gases.
These three paragraphs add more details to the story.
The so-called 2009 “endangerment finding” concluded that a range of greenhouse gases were a threat to public health. It’s become the legal bedrock of federal efforts to rein in emissions, especially in vehicles.
The White House called the reversal the “largest deregulation in American history”, saying it would make cars cheaper, bringing down costs for automakers by $2,400 per vehicle.
Environmental groups say the move is by far the most significant rollback on climate change yet attempted and are set to challenge it in the courts.
By invoking scientifically incorrect leglislation like this Trump is going to make things a lot worse.
Lets hope his proposed legislation goes the way of his stop to the building of the five wind farms, that I wrote about in All Five Halted US Offshore Wind Farms Resume Construction.
National Grid, TenneT Germany Launch GriffinLink, A First Of A Find Project To Maximise Offshore Wind
The title of this post is the sane as that of this press release from National Grid.
These three bullet points serve as sub headings.
-
National Grid and TenneT Germany announce our cooperation on GriffinLink, a planned GB-Germany multi-purpose interconnector (MPI).
-
GriffinLink would support energy security, accelerate the connection of offshore wind and mark a coordinated approach on supply chains and infrastructure.
-
Announced at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg, the project could maximise shared offshore wind resources in the most efficient way.
These two paragraphs add more detail.
National Grid will partner with TenneT Germany to develop GriffinLink, a new multi-purpose interconnector (MPI) project, which could connect British and German offshore wind to both countries. It marks a step towards a more integrated, flexible, and efficient energy system for both Great Britain and Germany which delivers secure, affordable energy for consumers.
GriffinLink could make an important contribution to security of supply and market integration in northwestern Europe. Cross-border hybrid energy systems such as GriffinLink make it possible to feed cleaner electricity into the grid where it can be generated and transport it exactly where it is needed.
Note this integrated approach means.
- Better utilisation of the grids and is a more efficient use of renewable energy across national borders;
- Lowering the costs involved, and the supply chain materials required and;
- A reduced impact on coastal communities and the environment.
As a ‘multi-purpose’ interconnector connecting wind in two countries, GriffinLink would be the first project of its kind in Europe and a milestone for cross-border energy security and stability.
It will also connect the UK’s offshore wind power to someone someone who needs it and will pay good money for it.
I asked Google AI, “How much energy we will be exporting to Europe in 2030” and received this reply.
By 2030, the UK is expected to be exporting significant amounts of electricity to Germany, largely enabled by the NeuConnect interconnector, which is set to become operational around 2028 and will have a capacity of 1.4 GW. While precise, definitive figures for 2030 are subject to market conditions, key data suggests:
NeuConnect Capacity: The 725km subsea link between Kent (UK) and Wilhelmshaven (Germany) will allow 1.4 GW of electricity to flow in either direction.
Net Export Position: The UK is positioned to become a net exporter of electricity to Europe by the 2030s, fueled by a massive expansion in offshore wind capacity, aiming for up to 50GW by 2030.
Grid Interconnection: By 2030, the UK’s total interconnection capacity to Europe is planned to increase to 18GW, up from 8GW.
Hydrogen Focus: In addition to electricity, the UK is exploring the potential to export up to 35 TWh of hydrogen to Germany by 2030.
That will do nicely!
Are Hitachi’s Tri-Mode Trains Exceeding Expectations?
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this answer.
Yes, Hitachi’s tri-mode (battery-hybrid) trains are exceeding expectations, particularly following successful trials in the UK in late 2024. Trials of the battery-equipped Class 802/2 demonstrated superior performance to initial forecasts, leading to a £300 million order for a new fleet to be delivered in 2028.
Key findings from trials and operational expectations:
Performance Exceeded: The trial, conducted with TransPennine Express and Angel Trains, showed fuel cost savings of 35%–50%, surpassing initial predictions of up to 30%.
Operational Capability: The battery technology enabled trains to reach speeds greater than 75 mph and provided enough range for zero-emission, silent running in and out of stations, significantly reducing noise and improving air quality.
Energy Efficiency: The battery matched the weight of a diesel engine, meaning no extra track degradation.
Future Impact: The success of the trial led to an order from Arriva Group for a new fleet for Grand Central services, which will increase seating capacity by 20% and are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
These trains, designed to run on electric, battery, or diesel power, are part of a push to modernize rail services, with the technology allowing for the gradual elimination of diesel-only operation on certain routes.
That is certainly good performance and Hitachi received a £300 million order, which I wrote about in Arriva Group Invests In New Battery Hybrid Train Fleet In Boost To UK Rail Industry
But I don’t think it’s all down to Hitachi, as Hitachi linked up with Sunderland-based Hyperdrive Innovation, who are JCB’s battery supplier. Hyperdrive were taken over by Turntide Technologies in 2021.
In Batteries Ordered For Grand Central Inter-City Trains, I said this.
Hitachi Rail has selected Turntide Technologies to supply lithium iron phosphate batteries for use on electric-diesel-battery hybrid inter-city trainsets it is to build for Arriva’s open access operator Grand Central.
I am coming to the conclusion, that Turntide Technologies use and/or make some very special batteries.
I asked Google AI, “Which make of battery cells does Turntide use?” and received this reply.
Based on recent announcements (2023–2025), Turntide Technologies utilizes advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells for its next-generation battery systems, particularly for its partnership with Hitachi Rail.
Key details regarding Turntide’s battery cell usage include:
Chemistry Shift:
While previously associated with Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) in some applications, Turntide has focused its recent rail projects with Hitachi on LFP technology to enhance safety and allow for more compact, powerful, and lighter battery packs.
Application:
These LFP batteries are used in high-performance, rugged, and space-limited environments, such as Hitachi’s UK battery-operated trains.
Modular Design:
Turntide’s Gen 5 battery systems are designed to be flexible for various applications including construction, agriculture, and mining, using modular, high-energy-density cells.
Previous Technology:
Previously, Turntide (which acquired Hyperdrive Innovation) used Lithium-ion NMC cells for its battery packs.
The search results do not explicitly identify a specific, named manufacturer (e.g., CATL, LG, Samsung) for the cells, but focus on the LFP chemistry utilized by Turntide.
I am also coming to the conclusion, that they took over Hyperdrive Innovation to get control of these compact, powerful, and lighter battery packs.
Cummins To Cease New Electrolyser Activity Amid Worsening Market
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Renewables Now.
These are the first three paragraphs.
Cummins Inc has decided to stop new commercial activity in the electrolysers space following a strategic review of the segment launched last year, citing deteriorating market conditions and weakening customer demand.
The decision is linked to USD 458 million (EUR 388.4m) of charges for the full-year 2025 related to the electrolyser business within the company’s zero-emission technologies arm, Accelera, of which USD 415 million were non-cash charges.
The company noted that it will continue to fulfil existing customer commitments before winding down new commercial activity in the segment.
Although, I am in favour of using hydrogen as a fuel, I recognise, that traditional electrolysis is not the most efficient process.
These methods are more efficient.
HiiROC
- HiiROC use a process, that they call Thermal Plasma Electrolysis to split any hydrocarbon gas into hydrogen and carbon black.
- HiiROC originated in the University of Hull.
- Typical gases that can be used are chemical plant off-gas, biomethane and methane.
- I like the ability to use chemical plant off-gas, as some of this is particularly nasty and HiiROC may offer safe disposal.
But the big advantage is that the HiiROC process is five times more energy efficient than traditional electrolysis.
The carbon black is no useless by-product, but has several valuable uses in its own right, which are detailed in its Wikipedia entry.
These two paragraphs from Wikipedia, give a summary of the more common uses of carbon black.
The most common use (70%) of carbon black is as a reinforcing phase in automobile tires. Carbon black also helps conduct heat away from the tread and belt area of the tire, reducing thermal damage and increasing tire life. Its low cost makes it a common addition to cathodes and anodes and is considered a safe replacement to lithium metal in lithium-ion batteries. About 20% of world production goes into belts, hoses, and other non-tire rubber goods. The remaining 10% use of carbon black comes from pigment in inks, coatings, and plastics, as well as being used as a conductive additive in lithium-ion batteries.
Carbon black is added to polypropylene because it absorbs ultraviolet radiation, which otherwise causes the material to degrade. Carbon black particles are also employed in some radar absorbent materials, in photocopier and laser printer toner, and in other inks and paints. The high tinting strength and stability of carbon black has also provided use in coloring of resins and films. Carbon black has been used in various applications for electronics. A good conductor of electricity, carbon black is used as a filler mixed in plastics, elastomer, films, adhesives, and paints. It is used as an antistatic additive agent in automobile fuel caps and pipes.
It can also be used as a soil improver in agriculture.
HiiROC would appear to be five times more energy efficient than traditional electrolysis.
I would also rate the range of their investors as a particular strength.
Google AI lists these companies as investors.
HiiROC, a UK-based developer of plasma torch technology for “turquoise” hydrogen production, is backed by a consortium of industrial and strategic investors. Key investors include Centrica, Melrose Industries, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, HydrogenOne Capital, CEMEX Ventures, Wintershall Dea, and VNG.
Note.
- CEMEX must be going to decarbonise cement making.
- Melrose describe themselves as an industry-leading aerospace technology provider.
- Will we be seeing hydrogen cars from Korean manufacturers?
- Wintershall Dea is Europe’s leading independent gas and oil company.
HiiROC has an impressive list of investors.
Bloom Energy
I wrote about Bloom Energy’s process in Westinghouse And Bloom Energy To Team Up For Pink Hydrogen.
This method also looks promising.
- Westinghouse Electric Company is an American builder of nuclear power stations.
- Bloom Energy Corporation make a solid-oxide electrolyser.
- Pink hydrogen is green hydrogen produced using nuclear power.
It uses electrolysis at a higher temperature, which speeds it up.
Desert Bloom
This is an Australian process, that I wrote about in 10GW Green Hydrogen Project Aims To Electrolyze Water Drawn From Desert Air.
Conclusion
You can understand, why Cummins are getting jumpy!
But you have to remember that when I worked in a hydrogen plant in the 1960s, the hydrogen was an unwanted by-product and it was mixed with coal gas and sent down the power station to raise steam, so that it could be used to do something useful.
All Five Halted US Offshore Wind Farms Resume Construction
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
All five US offshore wind farms under construction that received stop-work orders from the US government have been cleared to continue building, with Ørsted’s Sunrise Wind project the fifth project to be granted a preliminary injunction as part of a lawsuit challenging the order issued by the Director of the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on 22 December 2025.
I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall of the Oval Office in the White House, as what words could the dumbest United States President of my lifetime possibly use to put any positive spin on such an overwhelming five-round defeat, where he was screwed, glued and tattooed to borrow an expression from Brian, who was one of my favourite accountants.
This table summarises the five wind farms.
- Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind-Commercial – 2600 MW – Operation in 2027.
- Empire Wind 1 – 816 MW – Operation in 2026.
- Revolution Wind – 704 MW – Operation in 2026.
- Sunrise Wind – 924 MW – Operation in 2027.
- Vineyard Wind 1 – 804 MW – Operation in late 2026.
The five farms total nearly 6 GW.
This is what Google AI says about the usefulness of 6 GW to power typical United States houses.
6 gigawatts (GW) of power can supply approximately 5 million US homes, based on recent large-scale energy capacity deals. Depending on energy efficiency and regional usage, this capacity typically translates to around 750,000 homes per 1 GW, meaning 6 GW can cover a range of roughly 4.5 million to 5 million households.
I doubt Trump will give up gracefully.
Centrica Energy And Seneca Resources Company Sign First-of-Its-Kind Long-Term MiQ Methane Emissions Certificates Agreement
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Centrica.
This is the sub-heading.
Centrica Energy and Seneca Resources Company are proud to announce a groundbreaking agreement, marking the first long-term deal of its kind to support independently verified methane emissions from an MiQ-certified US natural gas producer, helping to underpin reductions over time. This ten-year agreement underscores the commitment of Centrica and Seneca to support global efforts to reduce methane emissions.
This first paragraph added more detail.
Centrica Energy sources and delivers gas and LNG globally, including LNG shipped from the US to international markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Centrica will procure 250,000 MMBtu per day of MiQ-certified gas certificates over the next ten years, a strategic move that positions Centrica at the forefront of methane reduction initiatives, aligns with emerging regulatory requirements, and reinforces leadership in sustainable energy practices.
MiQ is new to me, so here is what the press release says about MiQ.
MiQ is a global leader in methane emissions certification and data. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to lower emissions gas by providing a credible and transparent certification system that drives regulatory compliance, incentivizes continuous improvement, and ensures methane accountability in the oil and gas sector throughout the entire supply chain.
It appears to me that MiQ-certified low-emissions gas is almost like an equivalent of FairTrade coffee.
If the UK buys its gas as MiQ-certified low-emissions gas, it could claim, that it has cut its gas emissions.
Google AI On Low-Emission Natural Gas
I asked its view and received this answer.
Low-emission natural gas refers to methane-based energy with significantly reduced greenhouse gas, methane leakage, and particulate emissions, often achieved through enhanced extraction, certification, or blending with cleaner gases. It offers up to 40% less (CO2) than coal and 20-30% less than oil, serving as a critical transition fuel to support renewable energy.
low-emission natural gas would seem to be a sensible way to go.
Offshore Wind Farms Owned By CIP, JERA Nex BP Enter Lease With Crown Estate
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
The 1.5 GW Mona offshore wind farm, owned by JERA Nex BP, and the 480 MW Morecambe, owned by Copehnagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), have entered into lease with the Crown Estate.
It looks like the 1.5 GW Mona and the 480 MW Morecambe wind farms, which were both given development consent in 2025, will be going ahead, but the 1.5 GW Morgan wind farm is to be discontinued, despite having development consent.
Mona and Morecambe would appear to be planned to be commissioned around 2030.
So if all goes well, that would appear to be 2 GW in the oven.
In CIP’s UK Offshore Wind Project Granted Development Consent, there is a comprehensive map of all the wind farms in Morecambe Bay.
‘Mobilising EUR 1 Trillion in Investments’ | North Sea Countries, Industry, TSOs to Ink Offshore Wind Pact
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
Government officials from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and the UK are set to sign a declaration confirming the ambition to build 300 GW of offshore wind in the North Seas by 2050, and an investment pact with the offshore wind industry and transmission system operators (TSOs) that is said to mobilise EUR 1 trillion in economic activity.
These three paragraphs add a lot of powerful detail.
Under the Offshore Wind Investment Pact for the North Seas, to be signed today (26 January) at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg, governments of the nine North Sea countries will commit to building 15 GW of offshore wind per year from 2031 to 2040.
The heads of state and energy ministers will also vow to de-risk offshore wind investments through a commitment to provide two-sided Contracts for Difference (CfDs) as the standard for offshore wind auction design. The pact also commits governments to remove any regulatory obstacles to power purchase agreements (PPAs), according to WindEurope, which will sign the pact on behalf of the industry.
On the industry’s side, the commitment is to drive down the costs of offshore wind by 30 per cent towards 2040, mobilise EUR 1 trillion of economic activity for Europe, create 91,000 additional jobs and invest EUR 9.5 billion in manufacturing, port infrastructure and vessels.
These two paragraphs say something about cost reductions.
The cost reduction of offshore wind is planned to be achieved through scale effects, lower costs of capital and further industrialisation supported by clarity and visibility on the project pipeline.
The transmission system operators (TSOs) will identify cost-effective cooperation projects in the North Sea, including 20 GW of promising cross-border projects by 2027 for deployment in the 2030s.
I hope there is a project management system, that can step into this frenzy, just as Artemis did in the 1970s with North Sea Oil and Gas.
The BBC has reported the story under a title of UK To Join Major Wind Farm Project With Nine European Countries.
this is the sub-title.
The UK is set to back a vast new fleet of offshore wind projects in the North Sea alongside nine other European countries including Norway, Germany and the Netherlands.
These six paragraphs add more detail.
The government says the deal will strengthen energy security by offering an escape from what it calls the “fossil fuel rollercoaster”.
For the first time, some of the new wind farms will be linked to multiple countries through undersea cables known as interconnectors, which supporters say should lower prices across the region.
But it could prove controversial as wind farm operators would be able to shop around between countries to sell power to the highest bidder – potentially driving up electricity prices when supply is tight.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will sign a declaration on Monday at a meeting on the future of the North Sea in the German city of Hamburg, committing to complete the scheme by 2050.
Jane Cooper, deputy CEO of industry body RenewableUK, said the deal would “drive down costs for billpayers” as well as increasing “the energy security of the UK and the whole of the North Sea region significantly”.
But Claire Countinho, shadow energy secretary, warned “we cannot escape the fact that the rush to build wind farms at breakneck speed is pushing up everybody’s energy bills.”
Claire Coutinho, as an outsider at present and a member of a party out of Government had to say something negative, but her negotiations when she was UK Energy Minister with her German opposite number, which I wrote about in UK And Germany Boost Offshore Renewables Ties, seem very much a precursor to today’s agreement.
‘Drone Boats Will Be The New Normal’
The title of this post is the same as this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
A remotely operated boat will survey an area hundreds of miles offshore – while being controlled from an inland airport.
These two paragraphs add more details to the story.
The Orsted Examiner is being launched this week from Grimsby by the renewable energy company, which is currently building the Hornsea 3 windfarm in the North Sea.
The vessel contains enough fuel to be at sea for several months, and an internet connection means it can be remotely controlled from anywhere.
Note.
- This would appear to be an elegant way to improve both productivity and safety.
- In RWE Opens ‘Grimsby Hub’ For Offshore Wind Operations And Maintenance, I indicated that RWE will have a Grimsby hub.
- Will the two companies have similar drone boats?
I certainly agree with the title of the post.
The Anonymous Widower 