Thanet Offshore Wind Farm

Vattenfall acquired the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm project in November 2008. On completion the wind farm will comprise 100 Vestas V90 wind turbines and have a total capacity of 300 MW. This is sufficient to supply approximately 240,000 homes per year with clean energy.

It will be the largest operational offshore wind farm anywhere in the World. It will make a significant contribution to the Government’s national and regional renewable energy targets.

The Thanet project is located approximately 12 km off Foreness Point, the most eastern part of Kent. The development work is due for completion during 2010. Some elements of the onshore construction work commenced at the former Richborough power station in January 2008 where the onshore substation is being built.

Vattenfall is one of the biggest wind power operators in Britain and is the fifth largest energy producer in Europe. The Kentish Flats wind farm off Herne Bay/Whitstable, Kent is also owned by Vattenfall.

An Environmental Impact Assessment has been prepared to determine the effects on the local environment. The scope of these studies has been agreed with the appropriate government and environmental bodies.

Benefits to the local area

A range of potential benefits may accrue to the east Kent area from this development, including:

• The total investment for completing the wind farm is in the order of around £780 million. A proportion of this could be spent locally with potential benefits for local suppliers and services.
• Local contractors and workers are currently being used in support of the development
• An assembly base is needed during the construction period. Up to 200 workers will be required, some of whom could be provided locally.
• A local maintenance facility is needed during the 40 year operational life of the wind farm. Up to 20 skilled positions will be required, many of whom could be provided locally.
• Tourism may be boosted. Many visitors have been attracted to both onshore and offshore wind farm developments in the past.
• Making a significant contribution towards the South East’s renewable targets to help tackle the problems of climate change.

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 240,000 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 240,000 homes.
• The nearest turbine will be located approx 12km north east of Foreness Point.
• Each turbine would be up to 115m tall at its highest point, with a minimum clearance above sea level of 22m.
• The distance between turbines would be approximately 500m along rows and 800m between rows.