The project was originally developed by Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Limited (GGOWL) which was a joint venture between Airtricity and Fluor. Airtricity was subsequently bought by Scottish and Southern Energy who have bought out Fluor's 50% stake for £40m which is expected to cost £1.3b. Fluor are now contracted to design, supply, installation and commissioning of the balance of the plant.[3] Scottish and Southern sold a 50% stake to RWE, the owners of Npower (UK), in November 2008 for £308m.[4]
The project was given the go-ahead in May 2008 and work started in June.[5] In July 2011 erection of the turbines was two thirds complete, with all the pile foundations installed.