200 offshore wind turbines set to go full sail

10/31/2001 4:52 AM EST

RAMBØLL has won the contract for one of the first really major
international offshore wind turbine projects

In a joint venture with the Irish company Fehily Timoney Gifford,
RAMBØLL has won the first phase in the establishment of the Arklow Bank
Wind Park in the Irish Republic. The project developers, Sure Partners
(wholly owned subsidiary of eirtricity, Ireland's largest green
utility), expect to receive permission to install 200 offshore windmills
along the banks. Ramboll is undertaking the first phase with assistance
from Tripod Consult Aps and SEAS A.m.b.A. The total site will cover 2 x
25km2 and is situated off the south-east coast of the Irish Republic.
The first phase has a budget in excess of DKK 500m and will extend to
the end of 2002. Initially, 15-25 offshore wind turbines will be built,
and the wind park will be one of the largest in Europe.

"The wind park at Arklow Bank will be the first to be constructed in
this depth of water and represents a breakthrough in the harnessing of
alternative energy. As a consequence of the Kyoto Agreement we'll be
seeing many offshore wind parks in the future, and, at RAMBØLL, we've
assumed personal responsibility for ensuring that Denmark plays an
active role in this area," says Søren Juel Petersen, head of department
at RAMBØLL.

RAMBØLL won the project in competition against 5 other international
consultants and will undertake the concept design, tendering,
contracting and supervision of the wind park's construction. To kick
off, RAMBØLL has helped to carry out an environmental impact assessment,
or EIA. An EIA ensures that all recognised environmental impacts
relating to the construction and operation of the wind park are made
known, and that all necessary measures for protecting the environment
are taken.

The wind park will be developed in multiple phases. When fully developed
it will generate 500 MW. This corresponds to the current electricity
consumption of 350,000 single-family homes, or over 10% of Ireland's
requirements. RAMBØLL has assisted in the establishment of a wind park
at Utgrunden near Øland (Sweden) and is currently participating in a
project involving 11 offshore wind parks to be located around the south
of Sweden; here RAMBØLL is in the process of carrying out geophysical
surveys.

"Wind parks hold great potential for Denmark, whether on land or in deep
water. Our expertise in the area opens up excellent export
opportunities," says Søren Juel Petersen.

For further information:
Søren Juel Petersen, Head of department, +45 4598 6811
Bettina Cronquist, Communicationsconsultant, +45 4598 6212

Since 1945 RAMBØLL, has taken part in shaping developments in society.
Today, RAMBØLL is a leading Danish knowledge enterprise with 2000
employees and activities all around the world. An unshakeable focus on
people - employees, clients and our surroundings - characterises our
business, and in providing solutions it is always foremost in our minds
to create good living and working conditions and an environmentally
sustainable development.
On the basis of our clients' actual problems we translate our knowledge
and experience into viable solutions within transportation,
telecommunication, building, industry, environment, energy, oil & gas,
IT and management. Our staff is composed of, among others, engineers,
economists, biologists, geologists and humanists. This broad
specialisation gives us the possibility to offer concepts that integrate
many disciplines and the entire project cycle from the initial studies
to implementation and later evaluation and maintenance.

The RAMBØLL Group is 100% owned by a foundation. Besides the parent
company RAMBØLL the following companies are members of the Group: PLS
RAMBØLL Management, RAMBØLL Informatik, RAMBØLL NYVIG and LT-RAMBØLL
(India). www.ramboll.com