UK officially open world’s largest offshore wind farm

The UK has officially opened the world’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of Cumbria.

The £1 billion Walney farm project, marking the start of the UK’s £33 billion push to enhance its sea-generated power, will be able to supply up to 320,000 households with renewable power each year.

“Offshore wind can make a real contribution to our renewable energy target,” said new Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, at an inauguration ceremony in the North West town of Barrow-in-Furness. “The government wants this country to be a leader in the renewables sector. It is great news for our economy in terms of jobs that we create and exports.”

By 2020, Britain aims to boost its offshore wind capacity to 18,000 megawatts to meet the nation’s rising energy demands, and to ensure it that it reaches not only its own goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 34 percent but the emission guidelines set by the European Union. To do this the UK government estimates that £110 billion of investment is needed in the upgrade and build of clean energy projects. The UK currently has an offshore wind capacity of 1,500 megawatts.

Walney farm, located nine miles out in the Irish Sea, is part of a joint venture between Danish utility company Dong Energy, SSE, OPW, and a PGGM and Ampere Equity Fund consortium.

“This investment in clean energy is aligned with the criteria in the investment policy for our clients and investors and further cements our focus on expanding renewable energy as asset class,” commented OPW Director, Dennis van Alphen.

To execute the two phases of the project, Dong Energy installed a total of 102 3.6 megawatt turbines, 51 in each phase. With the completion of the second phase, completed over a 5 and a half month period, and its link to the energy grid, Walney farm becomes the largest offshore wind farm on the planet.

 

Images: Climate Action Stock Photos