Vattenfall has completed the last of five local public events which invited people to find out more and share their views on the possibility of building an extension to the 300MW Thanet offshore wind farm off the Kent coast in south-east England.
Alongside these sessions, the public also has the opportunity to take part in an online survey and give feedback on plans for the extension.
“The feedback we received at the events is invaluable as we start to shape our plans, to make sure we understand the key local issues,” said Rahel Jones, Communication Renewables, stressing that the project still is at a very early stage.
Thanet offshore wind farm, situated about 12 kilometers off the most eastern part of Kent in the south-east of England, has been operational since 2010.
It comprises 100 Vestas V90 3MW turbines, and at the time of construction was the world’s largest offshore wind farm. An extension would offer a low-cost, feasible solution to delivering more clean energy in the UK, according to Vattenfall.
“Using the latest turbine technology and taller turbines, the extension could more than double Thanet’s energy generating capacity, by adding only 34 additional turbines,” said Jones.
If the project develops according to plan, Vattenfall will apply for a building permit during next year, 2018. If the application is accepted, construction could start in late 2020 to be completed by end of 2021.
“We think Thanet Extension could be an important contributor in bringing down the overall cost of energy for UK consumers, and provide additional benefits to the local economy and community. Work will be done to ensure existing supply chains established in relation to Vattenfall’s operational Kent cluster of offshore wind farms stay up to date and at the forefront of the industry,” said Helen Jameson, Project Director.