UK offshore renewables powerhouse another significant step closer

BWEA has warmly welcomed today’s consent for a new offshore wind farm by Secretary of State Alistair Darling. The project – Greater Gabbard – is the third consent to be awarded in the UK’s second phase of development offshore, following December’s consents for London Array and Thanet.

The 500 megawatts (MW) at Greater Gabbard brings the UK’s consented offshore portfolio to 2,484 MW, with an additional 303 MW already operating and 294 MW under construction.

Together these represent 3,081 MW of potential capacity – equivalent to over 2.5% of UK electricity supplies and a vital contribution to securing sustainable energy for the future.

BWEA Chief Executive Maria McCaffery MBE said:

“BWEA is delighted by the next consent in the second phase of the UK’s world-leading offshore programme. The significance of this decision, aside from the notable benefits to the UK in terms of clean carbon free generation, is the continuing clear signal from the UK to the rest of the world that this country is open for business for offshore wind and we look forward to more consents in the near future.”

The UK is at the forefront of the global offshore wind industry, with potentially 8,700 MW of projects at various stages of development, and is set to overtake Denmark as the world leader in installed offshore wind generating capability in 2008.

Alison Hill, Head of Communications BWEA, 020 7689 1966, 07956 859 749