E.ON has today received consent from the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the Rt Hon Ed Davey MP, for its Rampion Offshore Wind Farm development.
This decision means Rampion is set to become the first offshore wind farm off the south coast of England. Consent has been given for a wind farm of between 100 and 175 turbines to be installed around 13 to 20km off the Sussex coast.
Commenting on the decision, Michael Lewis, Chief Operating Officer, E.ON Renewables , said: “This is a key milestone for the project and we firmly believe Rampion will play an important role in helping to ensure future security of supply and make a significant contribution towards meeting the UK’s renewable energy targets.”
Chris Tomlinson, Development Manager for Rampion Wind Farm , added: “The wind farm will not only help generate jobs during both construction and operation, but also provide a boost to the port regeneration at Newhaven and the local economy.
“We’d like to take the opportunity to thank the Sussex community for the high level of interest they’ve shown in this project, including their responses to our consultations and to the Planning Inspectorate during the examination which has all helped shape the project which we have today.”
Huub den Rooijen, Head of Offshore Wind at The Crown Estate, manager of the UK seabed , said: “Today’s announcement for the Rampion wind farm is great news for the offshore wind industry and with nearly 12GW consented, including over 5GW in operation or under construction, this further reinforces why the UK remains one of the best places to invest in offshore wind globally.”
A final timetable for construction has not yet been agreed but is likely to begin within the next 12 months, with the first sections of the onshore cabling expected to commence spring in 2015.