Cheap energy project 'will not expand yet' - 15/10/2010

Plans to extend an offshore wind farm to meet more consumers' cheap energy demands have been scrapped after the company behind the project said it would take too long to upgrade the UK's infrastructure.

Energy suppliers Vattenfall were offered the opportunity to boost capacity at the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm, some 12 kilometres off the coast of Kent, by 147MW.

The site currently generates up to 300MW.

A feasibility study has concluded that Vattenfall's commitments to develop other wind farm projects took priority over extending the Thanet site, while questions were raised over the ability of National Grid to take on extra power at the Richborough sub-station.

The company also prefers to observe how the first 100 turbines, which started generating cheap energy last month, will operate before adding further turbines.

David Hodkinson, head of development at the firm, said: "Our decision will no doubt come as a disappointment to many local people."

It is hoped that the wind farm will be extended in the future, "but for now we'll focus on operating the existing turbines safely and productively," he added.

Vattenfall claims that Thanet's capacity will boost UK offshore wind capacity by 30 per cent and will produce enough electricity to supply the cheap energy needs of 200,000 households.

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