Preparatory work for the project has started onshore, while offshore work, including turbine installation, is due to commence in 2017.
The company will initially install five turbines featuring a combined 41.5MW in capacity. The project has permission for a maximum total generating capacity of about 100MW.
MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has been selected to manufacture and install the wind turbines.
VBMS will install 66Kv cable technology for the project, while the foundations will be designed and built by Royal BAM Group.
Power produced at the wind farm will be supplied to an electricity substation at Blyth, to be constructed by Balfour Beatty, for transmission to the National Grid.
EDF Energy Renewables CEO said: "As a company, we already have a strong presence in the North East, in low carbon electricity generation and serving customers including our first offshore wind farm at Teesside so we’re pleased to be able to add another project to our portfolio in the region.
"We are delighted that the gravity based foundations will be made in Newcastle. The Port of Blyth will be used for operations and maintenance and the blades for the turbines will be made on the Isle of Wight."
Image: EDF Energy Renewables, starts construction of Blyth offshore wind farm off the coast at Northumberland. Photo: Courtesy of xedos4/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
