Major green energy schemes approved
Consent for three renewable energy schemes have just been granted, the biggest of which was Business Secretary John Hutton’s approval for the UK's fourth largest offshore wind farm.
Known as Sheringham Shoal, the 315-megawatt, 108 turbine offshore project would be situated off the coast of Norfolk by Scira Offshore Energy. It is the first Round 2 wind farm to be consented in the Greater Wash Strategic Area.
The Secretary of State has also approved a 75-megawatt onshore wind farm at Middlemoor near Alnwick in Northumberland. This development, by Npower Renewables, will consist of 18 turbines.
Both approvals are conditional on technical solutions being found to mitigate the impact of the turbines on nearby Ministry of Defence air radar facilities.
Hutton has insisted that by the end of 2009 a further 626-megawatt of offshore power will be plugged into the grid "making us world leaders".
Meanwhile Npower Renewable's re-designed hydroelectric scheme at Romney Weir near Windsor has been given the green light by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) planning committee.
Construction is due to begin next year and the site should be operational by the end of 2009. The energy company is discussing with the Royal Household the possibility of providing power to Windsor castle.
Roger Milne
14 August 2008
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