If the London Array project moves forward (which it seems to be rather quickly), it will be the largest offshore wind energy project the world has ever seen.
The London Array will see the construction of up to 341 wind turbines, 12 miles off the coasts of Kent and Essex. The wind turbines themselves will cover 245 square kilometers in water of depths of up to 23 meters.
When complete it will produce enough electricity (1,000 MW) to power 750,000 homes - roughly one quarter of Greater London homes. The UK government has comitted itself to the laudable goal of seeing 15.4% of all electricity to be produced from renewable sources by 2020. According to the London Array team, their project would address a whopping 7% of the UK government's renewable energy goal.
Offshore wind power turbines generate more power than on-shore turbines because wind speeds are generally higher and the wind is steadier offshore. Currently in the European Union, offshore wind produce about 1,471 MW of electricity. If you're interested, check out my earlier post on 10 facts on offshore wind power.
Construction of the London Array project is expected to begin in the Summer of 2009.
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