Westminster has given the go-ahead to two UK wind farm projects to be located in the Thames estuary, east of London.
The London Array and Thanet schemes together total 1.3GW of green electricity, enough to power a third of London’s three million households when fully operational.
The London Array will consist of 341 turbines – each capable of generating between 3MW to 7MW – five offshore sub-stations and four meteorological masts. They will rise from the sea 20km off the Kent and Essex coasts. The project has a forecasted build cost of GBP1.5 billion.
The GBP500 million Thanet wind farm will be located approximately 11.3km from North Foreland on the Kent coast and its 100 turbines will occupy an area of around 35 square kilometers. The project is being fast-tracked for delivery in 2008 and expects to provide electricity for around 240,000 homes.
Commenting on the decisions, UK secretary of state for trade and industry Alistair Darling said: Together, once built, they will mark a significant stride towards our renewables target. It is a significant step forward in providing a greener and clean source of power.