Dogger Bank off UK East Coast could host 400 turbines, powering up to 2 million homes, say developers
(Pic: Vattenfall/Flickr)
By Ed King
The UK government has backed proposals for the world’s largest offshore wind farm, 400 wind turbines built off the East Coast of England.
The farm’s capacity of up to 2.4 gigawatts (GW) could power around two million homes, said the Department for Energy and Climate Change.
The Dogger Bank Creyke Beck farm would be 81 miles from shore, and cover 430 square miles, sitting in water 30 metres deep.
UK energy and climate chief Ed Davey said the plans would provide the “best deal for consumers” and cut reliance on foreign imports.
The country is the biggest market for offshore wind, with an investment potential of £21 billion by 2020, according to UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
Last year Siemens and ABP announced investments of £310 million to develop a green ‘wind hub’ in Hull, which they say will create around 1000 jobs.
Electricity generation from offshore wind rose by 14.1% between Q3 in 2013 and Q3 in 2014, according to DECC statistics.
The project is backed by the Forewind consortium, backed by RWE, SSE, Statoil and Statkraft, which has already spent £60 million on surveys.
“Achieving consent for what is currently the world’s largest offshore wind project in development is a major achievement for Forewind and will help confirm the UK’s position as the world leader in the industry,” said General Manager, Tarald Gjerde.
A final investment decision is expected in two years.