Vattenfall has given the green light to a 15 turbine offshore wind farm off the Kent coast.
Vattenfall’s 49.5 megawatt (MW) Kentish Flats Extension (KFE), consented by the UK Government’s Energy Secretary earlier this year, has gained a final investment decision from the Vattenfall Board of Directors to deliver the sustainable energy scheme. When operational in 2015, KFE will generate annually the equivalent power used by 42,000 UK households, in addition to the existing 30 turbine Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm.
Matthew Green, Vattenfall’s Project Manager for the scheme , said: “Vattenfall’s decision to invest around £150mn in Kentish Flats Extension is the final hurdle that needs to be cleared before construction can start in 2015. It’s good to get that and I’m looking forward to leading the construction team over the next two and a half years. We will now complete a period of intense detailed engineering and planning for the construction phase in 2015.”
Peter Wesslau, Vattenfall’s UK Country Manager , said: “Vattenfall is committed to developing wind power in the UK. Since May this year we have promised to invest, in total, more than £600mn in two onshore wind power schemes and now offshore with Kentish Flats Extension. The UK is currently one of the most attractive places in Europe to invest in wind power and we are keen to continue building our business here.”
Vattenfall owns and operates the 90MW Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm and the 300MW Thanet Offshore Wind Farm.
Construction schedule
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Press release, November 4, 2013; Image: Vattenfall