Innogy has acquired Statkraft’s 50% stake in the 860MW Triton Knoll offshore wind farm, making it the project’s sole owner. But Innogy chief operating officer Hans Bünting said it may not stay that way, commenting, “With full control over Triton Knoll, we will now develop the project further to final investment decision at our own discretion. In due course, we will also review all options regarding the ownership structure of Triton Knoll to maximise value for our company and our shareholders.”

The wind farm, 35km off the Lincolnshire coast, is fully consented and wind a contract for difference at this year’s auction in September at a price of £74.4/MWh. A final investment decision is expected in mid 2018. Innogy said the £2 billion cost of building the wind farm had increased to £2.2 billion at current exchange rates.

Some contractors are already announced: MHI Vestas Offshore Wind will provide up to 90  9.5 MW turbines (V164). A joint venture of Sif Netherlands  and Smulders Projects Belgium will provide monopile foundations,  which will be installed with two offshore substations, by MPI Offshore. Onshore and offshore substations will  be supplied by Siemens Transmission and Distribution, who will also install the onshore substation. A consortium of NKT and VBMS will supply the offshore cables.

Offshore construction is expected to start in 2020 and commissioning is expected in 2021.