ScottishPower gets approval for 1.2 GW East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm

ScottishPower Renewables, part of Spanish utility and wind energy producer Iberdrola, has received planning approval to build 1.2 GW East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm, 69 km off the coast of Norfolk.

East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm, which will cover an area of up to 305 km², will feature up to 172 ‘next generation’ wind turbines.

The Glasgow-based firm believes that next generation technology will play an important role in driving down the costs of offshore wind energy.

In total, East Anglia THREE will require four offshore collector stations and two converter station platforms, and one offshore platform housing accommodation facilities.

The windfarm will also require an onshore transformer substation at Bramford, Suffolk, to connect the offshore windfarm to the National Grid

At full capacity, the windfarm is expected to generate enough power to meet the annual demand of almost one million homes.

ScottishPower Renewables plans to begin construction of the project in 2022 and commence operations by 2025.

ScottishPower Renewables CEO Keith Anderson said: "With the support of a highly-skilled supply chain, East Anglia THREE will further enhance the UK’s leading position in offshore wind.

“Major contracts are already being delivered in towns and cities spread out all across the UK.  Offshore wind has supported jobs and investment in Hull, Hartlepool, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, Grimsby, Teesside, Tyneside, Fife, Machrihanish and Belfast to name but a few.

"Large-scale projects like East Anglia THREE will continue to help to encourage economic regeneration where it is needed most.”

The Crown Estate Energy Development head Will Apps said: “It is great to see the East Anglia THREE project pass this significant milestone. Through the continued efforts of ScottishPower Renewables, and their industry peers, the UK now benefits from a strong development pipeline of more than 11 GW of consented capacity.”

ScottishPower is currently building 714 MW capacity East Anglia ONE project, which is due to be fully operational in 2020. The company is developing four projects in total in the area, with a capacity of 3.5 GW.

Image: ScottishPower Renewables receives regulatory planning approval for East Anglia Three wind farm. Photo: Courtesy of Jesper Baerentzen/FreeImages.com.