The first green power from the wind farm was transmitted to shore in August 2009, and the entire wind farm having a total capacity of 172MW, went into production in March this year.
Charles Hendry, energy minister, said: “Our island is surrounded by some of the windiest coast in the world and that’s a resource we’ve got to use . I want to make sure we grab all the opportunities the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry has to offer, and that offshore wind power can come of age under this government.”
Dong Energy is involved in building the three new offshore wind farms, London Array (630MW), which is due to be commissioned in 2013, and Walney (367MW) and Lincs (270MW), which are scheduled for completion by next year.
The company owns 74.9%, 25% and 50% of Walney, Lincs and London Array, respectively.
In addition, Dong Energy currently operates the offshore wind farms Burbo Bank
(90MW) and Barrows (90MW). Burbo Bank is wholly owned by Dong Energy, whereas Barrows is owned by Dong Energy and Centrica, each holding a 50% stake.
Anders Eldrup, CEO of Dong Energy, said: “The UK has a very ambitious plan for expanding the production of renewable energy and a target of making green energy and reliability of supply go hand in hand.”
