Vattenfall’s Kentish Flats Extension has received a development consent order from the Energy Secretary. The consent means that Vattenfall can step up its engagement with the local and UK supply chains as it develops a forward programme for installation and operation.
The up to 17 turbine extension (KFE) will deliver up to 51MW of installed capacity and extends the currently operating 30 turbine, 90MW Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm. Depending on the number of turbines deployed it could cost more than £150 million to install the extension.
An additional 51MW will generate enough renewable electricity to meet the equivalent demand of 35,000 UK households (combined with the currently operating scheme this would be 96,000 in total). KFE is expected to start generating renewable power in late 2015 or early 2016.
Goran Loman, Vattenfall’s Project Manager for KFE, said: “We welcome the Secretary of State’s timely decision. Kentish Flats Extension will make a major contribution to generation from Vattenfall’s large fleet of offshore wind capacity in UK waters and help the delivery of UK climate change and renewable energy obligations.”
“The decision is good news for businesses in and around Whitstable and Herne Bay. We have already engaged with well over 100 local companies and we hope that many of them will win business from the £150 million plus investment.”
Last month Vattenfall said that it was working with the local airport, Manston International, to address challenges posed by the wind farm to radar operations at the airport. Therefore to enable a successful outcome, Vattenfall has revised its programme, and assuming a successful Final Investment Decision by Vattenfall, construction of the wind farm extension will commence in 2015.
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Press release, February 19, 2013; Image: Vattenfall