A bid to build the UK’s largest offshore wind demonstration facility have been given a major boost after both the site and onshore substation were approved by planners.
The National Renewable Energy Centre’s 99MW demonstration site at Blyth, off the Northumberland coast, is seen by offshore wind developers as a key part in lowering costs for the next stage of the industry.
Northumberland County Council has now approved the £350million demonstration site, which will feature 15 turbines in three arrays, in depths of 35m, 45m and 55m.
An onshore electrical substation to connect the turbines to the national grid has also been approved.
“We’re delighted to have reached such an important milestone,” said the centre’s chief executive, Andrew Mill.
“We’re now in talks with potential investment partners to build out the demonstration site. Construction of the first array is targeted to be completed in 2015.”
The project will be the first of its kind in the UK after landing both offshore and onshore consent, and will allow wind developers to test technology in appropriate conditions.
The approval comes just days after planners in Scotland rejected plans for an onshore substation for the proposed European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre in Aberdeen Bay.
Shaun Nicholson, Head of Offshore Marine Licensing for the Marine Management Organisation that approved the project, said it was the largest site given the goahead.
“We consider economic benefits alongside any adverse impacts, such as on the environment and other users of the marine area. We have worked with Narec to ensure the development satisfied such conditions,” he said.
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