The London Array Offshore Wind Farm is now generating its first power was announced by DONG Energy, E.ON, and Masdar. The 630MW scheme which is located in the Thames Estuary will produce sufficient power to supply over 470,000 UK homes with electricity, when fully functional and will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm. 151 out of the scheduled 175 turbines have been installed so far, with construction expected to be completed by the end of the year.
With its 630 MW, the London Array project will be the first of the next generation of larger offshore wind farms and they were pleased to have reached first power, said Benj Sykes, DONG Energy Wind UK Country Manager. An important element in their continuous efforts to bring down costs of energy of offshore wind was being able to efficiently develop large offshore wind farms and harvest the scale advantages in both construction and operation
Approximately 20kms (12½ miles) off the coasts of Kent and Essex the London Array is being built. The wind farm is being set up on a 245kms (152 miles) location and will be built in two phases. With a combined capacity of 630MW, the first phase contains 175 turbines. Bringing the total to 870MW second phase will add enough capacity, if it is approved.
E.ON UK chief executive officer Dr. Tony Cocker believes that it is not only a very important milestone for the London Array development but also a major landmark for the global renewables sector. They firmly believe that electricity from renewable sources has a vital part to play in helping them to deliver energy in a way that is sustainable, affordable and secure. That is why they were aiming to reduce the costs of offshore wind by 40% by 2015.
The London Array offshore wind project is a landmark achievement for Masdar, its partners and the United Kingdom, adds Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Masdar CEO. They were proud to be making a significant contribution to the UK’s renewable energy portfolio and targets. The London Array growth is a model of the true prospective and commercial feasibility of renewable energy. It is also a model of the collaboration and action required to implement large-scale clean energy projects in an effort to sustainable meet our growing energy demands
Source: Smart Meters
© Jake Eriksson for Renewable Power News, 2012. | Permalink | No comment
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