A unique dual energy scheme to be located off the Cumbrian coast has been given the go-ahead by the UK government.
The Ormonde project from Eclipse Energy will be sited 10km from Walney Island near Barrow in Furness. The innovative hybrid development has the potential to generate up to 200MW of electricity, with almost half coming from the wind farm comprising up to 30 turbines. This is enough clean energy for around 70,000 homes.
When the wind isn’t sufficient, power will still come via conventional gas sources pumped from two fields in nearby Morecambe Bay.
UK energy minister Lord Truscott said: We are now starting to see a real flow of approvals for energy projects in UK waters. The London Array and Thanet schemes in the Thames Estuary went through in December and the good progress continues in 2007.
The Ormonde scheme is unusual in that it will combine wind and gas power to produce continuous electricity for the region. It is an exciting and innovative technological first that will make a contribution to our renewable energy aims.
The Ormonde project is scheduled for completion in 2010.