Vattenfall, the Swedish energy firm, said today it has started development of Norfolk’s largest offshore wind farm.
Recently the wind farm developer agreed with The Crown Estate to take forward Norfolk Vanguard into the planning process with a target capacity of 1.8GW, 47km off the coast. This would generate enough power to meet the annual needs of more than 1.3 million UK households delivering a significant boost to future home grown, low cost, low carbon energy generation.
Recently the UK Government has said it sees the offshore wind sector making an increasing contribution to the UK generation mix with capacity doubling to 20GW by 2030, as costs reduce. Late last year, Vattenfall said it was targeting a tripling of wind power capacity to 7GW across northern Europe by 2025 as it moves to a more sustainable energy business.
Ruari Lean, Vattenfall’s Project Manager for Norfolk Vanguard, said: “Vattenfall wants to work with Norfolk to capture the benefits of offshore wind. There is an opportunity for Norfolk business and securing Norfolk jobs. There is also an opportunity to make a telling impact in the UK’s contribution to tackling climate change.”
Andy Paine, Vattenfall’s Project Director for Norfolk Vanguard and head of UK offshore wind, said: “As the industry grows costs will fall; that’s why offshore wind has a great future in the UK. An industry is emerging in Norfolk and we are convinced that the region is well placed to secure an even bigger role in the sector.”
Vattenfall has also agreed with The Crown Estate to develop Norfolk Boreas, also with a target capacity of 1.8GW. The development of Norfolk Boreas will start in 2017.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said: “We welcome the exciting news that Vattenfall have started the development of Norfolk’s largest offshore wind farm. The Norfolk Vanguard project will provide further opportunities and jobs for our region and Norfolk Chamber looks forward to working closely with Vattenfall to achieve their objectives.”
You can find out more about Norfolk Vanguard here
