The Rampion Wind Farm, located off the Sussex coast, will generate enough green power to supply the equivalent of almost 350,000 UK homes once complete in 2018. This will help to offset around 600,000 tonnes of CO2.
In recent weeks, it’s been confirmed that all 116 turbines have now been installed. Work on the onshore cable installation is complete and the first generation is due to take place in November. From then, the wind turbines will come on line and be fully operational by mid next year.
Key facts
- With an installed capacity of 400 megawatts (MW), it will generate 1,400 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green power each year, equal to the amount used annually by around 350,000 UK homes.
- The wind farm site covers 70 square kilometres (making it bigger than Guernsey) and is located 13-20 km from the Sussex coast.
- When complete in 2018, it will create around 60 full-time permanent jobs
- During construction, up to 750 workers have been building the onshore and offshore elements of the wind farm.
- The buried export cable runs from the boundary lines between the Adur and Worthing districts to the offshore substations, 13.2km off the coast.
- Reinstatement of the onshore cable route will be monitored for 10 years and the wind farm itself will have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years.
E.ON (who are developing the Rampion wind farm) have also informed the Coastal West Sussex Partnership that they will be launching a Visitor Centre and Community Benefit Fund.
They have also supported a number of local initiatives including: six telescopes donated at strategic locations along the coast, funding the redevelopment of Shoreham Gateway and involvement with local school careers days.
Further details will be available via www.rampionoffshore.com – due to be launched shortly.