Vattenfall is investigating the possibility of extending its 300MW Thanet offshore wind farm off the coast of Kent in southern England.
The company plans to install at least 34 turbines with expected turbine capacity between 8MW to 10MW. The Swedish energy-giant has completed public events, where locals of Kent region were invited to give their views about the project’s extension.
The company said that the project still is at a very early stage. The extension could more than double Thanet’s energy generating capacity.
Thanet offshore wind farm, which was constructed back in 2010, features 100 Vestas’ 3MW turbines.
Vattenfall said an extension would further bring in lower cost and a feasible solution of delivering more clean energy to the UK’s grid.
The company says that if the project goes according to plan, it will apply for building permit next year. If the application is accepted, construction could begin in late 2020 with planned completion by 2021.
Vattenfall project director Helen Jameson said: "We think Thanet Extension could be an important contributor in bringing down the overall cost of energy for UK consumers, and provide additional benefits to the local economy and community.
“Work will be done to ensure existing supply chains established in relation to Vattenfall’s operational Kent cluster of offshore wind farms stay up to date and at the forefront of the industry.”
For the extension project, the maximum height of turbines is expected to be 210m, while the hub height will be 125m, with rotor diameter of 180m.