23 September 2010

World's Largest Wind Farm Officially Opens

The world's largest offshore wind farm in Thanet, Kent, has been officially opened today.

Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, who built the wind farm, launched a new 100 turbine 300 MW offshore wind farm off the south east coast of England which produces enough energy to power more than 200,000 homes.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne, who attended the launch, said: "We are in a unique position to become a world leader in this industry. We are an island nation and I firmly believe we should be harnessing our wind, wave and tidal resources to the maximum.

"I know that there is still more to do to bring forward the large sums of investment we want to see in low-carbon energy in the UK, and we as a Government are committed to playing our part."

CEO and President of Vattenfall, Øystein Løseth, said: "With Thanet Offshore Wind Farm, Vattenfall has taken a major step towards doubling its generation from wind power until 2011 and we continue to lead the way in offshore wind development. Wind power will be a corner-stone of delivering both profitability and sustainability for Vattenfall in the years to come.

"This project would not have been possible without the British Government’s active support and its commitment to renewable energy."

However, environmental groups are calling on ministers to spend more in low-carbon energy in the UK saying that it would create new jobs and boost low-carbon technology.

The construction of the 300 MW Thanet Offshore Wind Farm has taken just over two years and the wind farm is expected to operate for at least 25 years.

(CD/KMcA)