The 50/50 joint venture between Denmark-based Vestas Wind Systems and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries plans to deliver between 78 and 121 of the V164-8MW turbines for the project.
The number of turbines will however depend on the final approval of the project. It will depend on whether the project will be of 970MW capacity or 630MW with mitigation option.
The wind farm, which is being developed jointly by EDF and Eneco, will be located off the Dorset and Hampshire coast and to the west of the Isle of Wight.
Navitus Bay said the selection of MHI Vestas marks the first major step in the procurement process for the wind farm.
MHI Vestas will now begin discussions to pick a potential operation and maintenance base from a shortlist of Poole, Portland and Yarmouth.
MHI Vestas Offshore Wind CEO Jens Tommerup said: "We look forward to working together with Navitus Bay Ltd. in order to negotiate the project through the necessary milestones needed to realise the project as a firm and unconditional order.
"If the project translates into a firm and unconditional order, the 80m blades are planned to be produced locally at our manufacturing facility on the Isle of Wight, providing jobs in the region close to the project," said Jens Tommerup.
UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change is expected to make a final decision on the project in September this year.
Image: MHI Vestas plans to deliver between 78 and 121 of the V164-8MW turbines for the Navitus project. Photo: courtesy of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S.
