DONG Energy and Bladt Industries have after an EU-tendering process signed a framework agreement on long-term cooperation on the manufacture of foundations for DONG Energy's future offshore wind farms in Northern Europe.

"The cooperation is the first of its kind in the offshore wind turbine industry and accentuates DONG Energy's unique position a market leader. DONG has built more offshore wind farms than any other. The agreement also shows how Denmark is benefiting from DONG Energy's green investments abroad," says Anders Eldrup, CEO of DONG Energy.

The agreement gives DONG Energy an option to buy up to 600 foundations from Bladt Industries. The foundations are expected to be produced at Bladts factory in Aalborg. The agreement also gives DONG Energy influence on the choice of steel suppliers.

As offshore wind turbines are being installed in ever deeper waters, there is a growing need for innovative approaches to foundation design and construction. Therefore, the partners will also cooperate on the design of foundations and look at ways of optimising the manufacture of foundations.

Bladt Industries as previously supplied foundations for DONG Energy's Horns Rev 2 offshore wind farm, is currently supplying foundations for the London Array offshore wind farm and, next year, will be supplying foundations for the Anholt offshore wind farm.

The information provided in this announcement does not change DONG Energy's previous financial guidance for the 2011 financial year or the announced expected investment level.