The UK Government has granted 'round three' rights in nine UK coastal zones for the biggest expansion of wind energy ever seen in the world.
The move, which will allow for construction of up to 6,400 wind turbines, promises to substantially strengthen the long term energy and climate security of the UK.
The new turbines will have the capacity to generate up to 32GW of clean electricity, which is enough to supply electricity to nearly all the homes in the UK.
The impending investment in UK offshore wind could be worth around £75bn and support up to 70,000 jobs by 2020.
The next generation of offshore wind farms that will be developed under the new licenses will require larger and more efficient turbines, capable of generating 5MW of power.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown described the Government’s wind energy policies as world leading and would provide a substantial new platform for investment in UK industry.
“The offshore wind industry is at the heart of the UK economy’s shift to low carbon,” Brown said. “The Government will work with developers and The Crown Estate to support the growing offshore wind industry and help remove barriers to rapid development.”
Tim Brown
