Press Releases
14 July 2006
UK Secretary of State to mark completion of Britain’s newest offshore wind farm in the Irish Sea
The UK’s newest and equal largest wind farm, Barrow, is set to officially mark its completion today (Friday 14 July) when the Government’s Secretary of State for Trade & Industry, Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP, flies in to learn how the giant wind farm will help tackle climate change.
The visit comes three days after the UK Government’s Energy Review which signalled a greater emphasis on renewable energy.
Secretary of State for Trade & Industry, Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP, said: "The completion of this site by Centrica and DONG is a further boost for the UK’s moves to tackle climate change. The Barrow wind farm is a further signal of the energy industry continuing to invest in green projects which can enhance future security of supply, as well as helping reduce carbon emissions."
The 30 turbine Barrow wind farm is the UK’s newest offshore project and equal largest, representing an investment of over £100 million by its joint owners, British Gas parent company Centrica and Danish energy group DONG Energy. The project will supply electricity to British Gas customers and is capable of powering 65,000 homes with green energy, as well as saving 200,000 tonnes of CO2 in a year.
Barrow wind farm is the first of several large scale renewable energy projects planned for the Irish Sea, which is one of three strategic zones laid down by the government for offshore wind farm development. The rectangular wind farm site covers 10 square kilometres of the East Irish Sea, consisting of four rows of turbines spaced 500 metres apart. The two section turbine towers, blades and nacelles were transported to site six at a time. Each turbine weighs 250 tonnes and stands 120 metres above sea level when the blades are vertical.
Simon Clark, Head of Power & Renewable Projects for Centrica, said: "Not only is this is another milestone on the journey to secure the UK’s future energy needs, it underlines the significant investment to supply our British Gas customers with renewable electricity in the years ahead."
DONG Executive Vice President and BOW Chairman Hans Jørgen Rasmusen said: "This is an important milestone for DONG's activities in the UK and the company’s strategy to become a major wind power player in Northern Europe. It gives me great pleasure to recognise the tremendous efforts of the entire project team."
Enquiries: Andrew Hanson, Centrica Media Relations, 01753 492551
Enquiries
Andrew Hanson, Centrica Media Relations
01753 492551
Head of Projects Simon Clark with Alistair Darling during the visit by the Secretary of State in July 2006 - Picture courtesy of Furness Newspapers
Secretary of State Alistair Darling faces the cameras during his visit to Barrow Offshore Wind - Picture courtesy of Furness Newspapers
