Swedish wind developer Vattenfall has been given the go-ahead for a giant Southern North Sea wind project after the UK Government overturned a decision that would delay the project.
The Norfolk Vanguard wind farm, a 158 wind turbine development planned off the coast of Norfolk, was placed in jeopardy last month when the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) delayed a decision on its future – understood to be related to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy last night granted planning consent for Vattenfall’s application to build the Norfolk windfarm.
Danielle Lane, country manager and head of offshore wind for Vattenfall in the UK, said: “It’s great news for people living locally, who we’ve been working with over the last four years to develop this project.
“They can look forward to a multi-billion pound economic boost, bringing with it hundreds of new long-term jobs, driving forward a green revolution and helping to level up UK opportunities.
“It’s now vital that other shovel-ready renewable and low-carbon projects are also given the go-ahead as soon as possible. ”
It is understood the Norfolk Vanguard development, which will join Vattenfall’s Norfolk Boreas, Kentish Flats and Thanet wind farms off the coast of the UK, could power up to 1.3 million households.
RenewableUK’s chief executive Hugh McNeal said: “Investments in major clean energy projects like these are great examples of how we can get the economy moving again, and the Secretary of State’s announcement will boost our ability to meet the government’s 2030 target of 40GW of offshore wind.
“The landmark decision on Norfolk Vanguard means the UK is taking a significant step closer towards our net zero emissions target, and confirmation of a positive decision on Hornsea Three will get us there even faster.”
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