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Worlds Largest Offshore Wind Farm Open for Business

Published Jan 17, 2011 11:28 AM by The Maritime Executive

Thursday, September 23, the Thanet offshore wind farm off the British coast, boasting 100 Vestas V90 wind turbines, opened. The wind farm covers 13.5 square miles and is situated 7.4 miles offshore, northeast of Margate where the English Channel meets the North Sea.

The turbines are expected to produce 300 megawatts, capable of supplying electricity to more than 200,000 homes a year. Vattenfall, a Swedish energy company who has spent $1.38 billion on the project, will manage all operations.

Thanet Wind Farm Facts

  • The connection of Thanet’s 300MW of capacity in 2010 will boost UK offshore wind capacity by more than 30% and will produce on average enough electricity to supply more than 200,000 homes with clean electricity.
     
  • One of five potential offshore wind farms in the Thames Estuary Strategic Environmental Area.
     
  • The wind farm will be located in water depths of 20-25m and cover an area of 35km2.
     
  • There will be 100 turbines generating a total of 300MW of renewable electricity, enough to power more than 200,000 homes.
     
  • The nearest turbine will be located approx 12km north east of Foreness Point.
     
  • Each turbine is 115m tall at its highest point, with a minimum clearance above sea level of 22m.
     
  • The distance between turbines is approximately 500m along rows and 800m between rows.


The World’s Largest, For Now

Though Thanet holds the title for now, it’s not expected to be long before the London Array wind farm off the Kent & Essex coasts is completed. London Array, when finished, will have 341 turbines generating what is expected to be the world’s first 1 gigawatt offshore wind farm.

London Array Ltd., who is heading up the project is comprised of three shareholders: E.ON, DONG Energy and Masdar, who together boast vast experience in developing offshore wind projects. It is expected to meet the electricity needs of more than 750,000 homes upon its completion.

In the first phase, major contracts have been awarded to MPI and A2SEA to supply marine crew and vessels for the installation of foundations and turbines.


For more on the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm, visit www.vattenfall.co.uk

Click here for more information on the London Array project including details of the awarding of billions of dollars in contracts.