21/10/2008
UK Is World Leader In Offshore Wind
The UK has overtaken Denmark to become the world's number one for wind farms built offshore, with 597MW fully constructed. The achievement has been made possible after building work finished at Centrica's Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farms near Skegness.
Offshore wind farms now have the potential to power the equivalent of around 300,000 UK homes. This follows the Prime Minister's announcement at the British Wind Energy Association's conference this morning that the UK now gets 3 gigawatts of electricity from wind power.
Mike O'Brien, Minister of State at the new Department of Energy and Climate Change made the announcement whilst visiting the wind farms off the coast of Skegness this morning.
Mike O'Brien said: "As the Prime Minister himself said this morning, we are now getting 3 gigawatts of our electricity capacity from wind power. That's enough to power more than 1.5 million homes. Offshore wind makes up 20% of that capacity and the wind farms I am visiting today are the ones that have made the UK the world's number one for offshore wind power, knocking Denmark off the top spot.
"Offshore wind is hugely important to help realise the Government's ambition to dramatically increase the amount of energy from renewable sources. Overtaking Denmark is just the start. There are already five more offshore wind farms under construction that will add a further 938 megawatts to our total by the end of next year. We are also assessing plans to increase the total by a massive 25 gigawatts in the future. That's enough electricity for every home in the country."
(JM)
Offshore wind farms now have the potential to power the equivalent of around 300,000 UK homes. This follows the Prime Minister's announcement at the British Wind Energy Association's conference this morning that the UK now gets 3 gigawatts of electricity from wind power.
Mike O'Brien, Minister of State at the new Department of Energy and Climate Change made the announcement whilst visiting the wind farms off the coast of Skegness this morning.
Mike O'Brien said: "As the Prime Minister himself said this morning, we are now getting 3 gigawatts of our electricity capacity from wind power. That's enough to power more than 1.5 million homes. Offshore wind makes up 20% of that capacity and the wind farms I am visiting today are the ones that have made the UK the world's number one for offshore wind power, knocking Denmark off the top spot.
"Offshore wind is hugely important to help realise the Government's ambition to dramatically increase the amount of energy from renewable sources. Overtaking Denmark is just the start. There are already five more offshore wind farms under construction that will add a further 938 megawatts to our total by the end of next year. We are also assessing plans to increase the total by a massive 25 gigawatts in the future. That's enough electricity for every home in the country."
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2009
Extra £1bn Pledged For Wind Farm Programme
Three UK-based banks start work today with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a programme to lend up to £1 billion to onshore wind farms over the next three years.
Extra £1bn Pledged For Wind Farm Programme
Three UK-based banks start work today with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a programme to lend up to £1 billion to onshore wind farms over the next three years.
18 December 2003
UK announces 'largest ever' green energy strategy
The largest ever expansion of renewable energy "anywhere in the world" has been announced today which aims to power more than one-in-six British households by 2010. The 15 new offshore wind farm sites will produce enough electricity for four million homes, the government said.
UK announces 'largest ever' green energy strategy
The largest ever expansion of renewable energy "anywhere in the world" has been announced today which aims to power more than one-in-six British households by 2010. The 15 new offshore wind farm sites will produce enough electricity for four million homes, the government said.
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.
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.
14 October 2008
Wind Farms Should Be Built Closer To Land, Study Urges
The UK Government must be allowed to build wind farms closer to the shore if project developers are to meet renewable energy targets, a new study has urged.
Wind Farms Should Be Built Closer To Land, Study Urges
The UK Government must be allowed to build wind farms closer to the shore if project developers are to meet renewable energy targets, a new study has urged.
16 July 2003
Offshore wind farms could threaten future of fishing industry
The livelihoods of hundreds of Britain's fishermen could be put at risk by the Government's plans to build offshore wind farms, it has been claimed.
Offshore wind farms could threaten future of fishing industry
The livelihoods of hundreds of Britain's fishermen could be put at risk by the Government's plans to build offshore wind farms, it has been claimed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.