Offshore Wind Development Good News For The South West
26th September, 2010
The Institution of Civil Engineers South West (ICE) has welcomed the opening of the Thanet offshore windfarm in Kent. With one project for a 1,500megawatt wind farm, the ‘Atlantic Array’ planned for the outer Bristol Channel and a second, smaller one in development off the Dorset coast, the South West has been taking a close interest in Thanet.
Trish Johnson, Regional Director of ICE South West said: “Watching Thanet in operation and monitoring its progress both in energy output and public acceptance is important for the region.
“The South West has the potential to be a world leader in offshore wind and other renewable technologies with the right investment in place. It is vital both for the economy and its future development that renewable energy projects here are supported.”
Tom Foulkes, Director General of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) said: "The opening of the Thanet windfarm is a very positive step forward in the UK's progress towards securing a low carbon energy supply and meeting renewable targets, but we must continue to drive forward progress.
“UK's offshore energy resources, if harnessed, could provide a major proportion of the UK's electricity needs and put the UK at the forefront of a rapidly growing sector with enormous export potential.
"However, this will require massive development in a relatively narrow timeframe. Government will need to provide clear leadership, ensuring the regulatory framework and fiscal mechanisms are fit for purpose and the supply chain is developed concurrently to make the UK a hub for offshore design and manufacturing."
ENDS
