The German Groups EWE and ENOVA have placed a major order with G&G Int. in Willebroek (Belgium), in partnership with IDESA in Gijón / Avilés (Spain), for the construction of foundation structures for Riffgat, a new offshore wind farm close to German Borkum. G&G Int. and Idesa will deliver 30 monopiles and transition pieces for offshore wind turbines between May and July 2012. It is the largest order that both companies have ever received and represents the pressure vessel manufacturers definite breakthrough into the renewable energy market.

The Riffgat project
By summer 2013 the German energy supplier EWE and project developer ENOVA plan to supply 100,000 families with green energy (108 Megawatts in total) produced by 30 offshore wind turbines close to Borkum located on the German-Dutch border. The total value of the Riffgat wind farm, which will occupy 6 km², amounts to 400 million EUR. The entire project will literally be anchored to the seabed by the foundation structures supplied by G&G Int. and IDESA.

G&G International
CEO Patrick van Melis: “Two years ago it was not straightforward for us – as specialists in the construction of pressure vessels for the oil, gas and (petro) chemical sector – to set our sights on these new activities. Nonetheless we made a clear strategic choice. All levels of G&G were involved in the process: we studied and worked the market intensively, from both the customer and supplier’s perspective, and we developed an increasingly keen understanding of design and production techniques. Reinforced by our reputation as a quality and reliable manufacturer of complex pressure vessels for leading multinationals this approach led to our first, smaller commissions for offshore wind energy, which immediately served as references. To date the large-scale Riffgat project is the apogee of our breakthrough into this market sector.”

IDESA
Director of Projects Rafael Garcia : “Long time pursuing Offshore Wind Farm opportunities took us to a deep knowledge about Client´s needs in this new exciting market. We have implemented all our resources to get into this market which, indeed, needs more a more well reputed and reliable suppliers. We are really proud of being the first Spanish Company getting an order for the Offshore Wind market foundations niche and we are sure that this will be the first of many others coming in the following months and years. IDESA commitment with Offshore Wind Farms market is based in a fair and open long-term relationship with End Users as well as EPC companies .”

CEO Daniel Couso: “EWE and ENOVA’s decision to work with our companies came about as the result of the substantial competitive advantage that G&G Int. and IDESA have built up on many levels. They discovered that G&G Int. and IDESA don’t just possess the skills and capacity to deliver the foundation structures by May 2012; they were also impressed by our sound international reputation and especially by the convincing way in which we are dedicated to the offshore wind market in general and their project in particular. In their words, “G&G Int. and IDESA identified the closest with our needs”. We pride ourselves on many assets thanks to the talent and professionalism of all our employees.”

G&G and IDESA secures Riffgat
The foundation structures (monopiles) consist of heavy steel constructions measuring 70 metres long and weighing 650 tonnes that are driven into the seabed at a depth of between 18 and 23 metres. They are built by Idesa. G&G International will manufacture 30 transition pieces to connect the foundation structures (the monopiles) to the towers. Each transition piece measures 30 metres in height and weighs 250 tonnes. They are complex constructions with several platforms and places for boat landings, electrical and mechanical equipment and access points to the towers. The constructions are sustainably designed and finished to provide at least 23 years of service in the extremely onerous and corrosive North Sea environment. They will be delivered to Vlissingen between May and July 2012 as complete units in highly spectacular shipments.