The East Anglia One offshore wind farm that is
expected to support almost 2,900 jobs and bring over £520 million of
investment into the UK’s economy has today been given consent from the
government to go ahead.
This is an important milestone for what could be one of
the largest wind farms in the world. Once built, it would be worth £10
million a year to the East Anglian economy and generate enough electricity to
power approximately 820,000 homes.
Based off the coast of Suffolk, East Anglia One offshore
wind farm could support around 1,800 local jobs and pump over £500
million into the region’s economy.
The
decision underlines how the government’s policies have made the UK the
best place in the world to invest in offshore wind.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey
said:
“East Anglia and the rest of the UK have a lot to
gain from this development. The project has the potential to inject millions of
pounds into the local and national economies, and support thousands of green
jobs. Making the most of Britain’s home grown energy is crucial in
creating job and business opportunities, getting the best deal for customers
and reducing our reliance on foreign imports.”
East Anglia One currently plans to install up to 240
wind turbines, meaning the wind farm would be significantly larger than the
current biggest wind farm in the world, the London Array, which is also in the
UK.
Notes to editors
- The
developer is East Anglia Offshore Wind Limited. It is a joint venture owned
50:50 by ScottishPower Renewables and Vattenfall.
- Construction is expected to start in 2017 with the
offshore installation commencing in 2018.
- The
developer estimates that generation will start in 2019.