The East Anglia Offshore Wind (EAOW) could become the world’s largest offshore wind farm, if the plans which were recently submitted are approved and construction is completed. The plans were sent in for review to the National Infrastructure Directorate just several days ago.
When there is enough wind to spin the intended 325 turbines, the farm could power up to 770,000 homes, it has been estimated. The project is backed by Swedish Utility Vattenfall and Scottish power.
“East Anglia ONE is a major project that could make a significant contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction targets, and is larger than any offshore wind farm currently in operation,” said Andy Paine program director for East Anglia Offshore Wind. (Source: Oilprice.com)
Vattenfall and Scottish Power Renewables have been granted the rights to develop up to 7,200 MW (7.2 GW) of offshore wind power off the coast of East Anglia. Though 1,200 MW (1.2 GW) of wind is huge, it still would be just a fraction of the potential that exists there. The area being considered for development is about 6,000 square kilometers, and is about 14 km off the coast of Norfolk and Suffolk.
This area has a low population density, so power would be transmitted to sites like large cities. Norfolk is known as a place with some of the best beaches in Britain, and tourism is a significant part of the economy. Some people say offshore wind can spoil coastal views, but turbines can be located in areas where there are few coastal residents or visitors.
Of course, very large energy infrastructure projects such as these generate many jobs — at least for the construction phase.
Image Credit: Michael Perryman, Wiki Commons
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