New Wave Media

The Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) in Cleveland, Ohio has appointed international engineering and operations support services contractor Offshore Design Engineering Limited (ODE), part of the DORIS Group located in the U.K., as the engineering representative for Icebreaker Wind, a 20.7 megawatt offshore wind project in Lake Erie, and the first freshwater offshore wind project in North America.

 

The appointment is the latest development in a three-year relationship between ODE and LEEDCo, the regional non-profit corporation that has proposed this six turbine wind demonstration project located 8-10 miles off the shore of Cleveland in Lake Erie. LEEDCo,, is partnering with Fred.Olsen Renewables USA, and has received over $10 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, with an additional $40 million in federal funding contingent on meeting future milestones.

 

Icebreaker Wind will provide the electricity needs for 7,000 homes. It is the first freshwater project of its kind in North America, the first to withstand significant foundation icing conditions (surface ice and keel ice loads on the structure) and the first to acquire a submerged lands lease option in the Great Lakes.

 

ODE brings a strong record in providing support and innovative solutions to a number of the international offshore wind developments. The Ormonde Offshore Wind Farm in U.K. waters, for which ODE worked between 2004 and 2012, is the first major U.K. development utilizing large turbines on jacket foundations and is recognized as one of the most innovative operational offshore wind farms in the world. 

 

ODE has supported LEEDCo with technical expertise, knowledge of offshore wind projects internationally and relevant information needed to support the demonstration project, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program to promote the installation of innovative offshore wind systems in the U.S.

 

The latest phase of work will involve ODE facilitating the certified verification agent (CVA) process for the project. This includes the completion of the basis of design, design methodology, independent loads analysis and support in other aspects of the project’s development by providing appropriate technical and commercial expertise. 

 

ODE managing director Peter Godfrey said, “We regard the Icebreaker project as a critical component in the development of the US offshore wind industry. We are pleased to have supported LEEDCo from the very early conceptual stages through to this latest level and beyond. Our vast experience in the offshore wind industry means that we are well placed to partner with LEEDCo all the way to project delivery and completion. This is an important project for the offshore wind industry and we are excited to be a part of it.”

 

LEEDCo president Dr. Lorry Wagner stated, “We are very excited to have a partner with the vast experience in the design, installation, commissioning and operations and maintenance of offshore wind farms of ODE. Bringing this expertise to the U.S. is critical to advancing the offshore wind industry here.” 

 

Daniel Woodman, ODE business development manager, North America – offshore wind energy said, “Although we are known for our support to this sector internationally, our work with LEEDCo really enhances our visibility and presence in North America, which is a key focus for us. We look forward to assisting LEEDCo bring the Icebreaker project to fruition.”