A new report is showing that the London Array is no longer set to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm. According to Business Green, Swedish utility company Vattenfall is collaborating with ScottishPower to create the East Anglia Offshore Wind (EAOW), a 1.2 gigawatt offshore wind farm that will generate enough power for more than 770,000 homes.
“We are delighted to have achieved this major milestone today, following three years of detailed planning and community consultation,†said Andy Paine, EAOW program director. “East Anglia ONE is a major project that could make a significant contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction targets, and is larger than any offshore wind farm currently in operation.â€
The companies have been granted permission to develop 7.2 gigawatts of offshore wind power off the coast, an area of about 6,000 square kilometers. The population density is pretty low, so in the event of a surplus of power, it would be transferred to Norfolk and Suffolk. Norfolk relies on tourism for a good portion of its economy, so there is concern from some that wind farms would spoil coastal views. Obtaining power from wind farms in neighboring areas is a great way to access clean energy without sacrificing aesthetics.
The construction phase of this will generate quite a few jobs, and it is expected that the facility will start producing energy in 2018. It’s pretty cool to see a little friendly competition in the renewable energy industry, isn’t it?
Image CC licensed by NHD-INFO: Offshore wind farm, UK
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