It’s been a busy summer for the offshore wind industry, with three major Round 2 projects being officially opened in July and August.

First up was Phase One of the London Array – now officially the world’s largest offshore wind farm – which was opened by Prime Minister David Cameron on 4 July. The mammoth 175 turbine, 630MW project, constructed 10 miles out to sea in the Thames Estuary, will power up to 500,000 homes and reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 900,000 tonnes a year.

Centrica’s Lincs Offshore Wind Farm followed suit on 1 August when it was declared formally open by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Sited five miles off the Skegness coast, the wind farm has 75 turbines generating up to 270MW – enough electricity to supply two thirds of Lincolnshire’s homes.

The third wind farm to open was the 500MW Greater Gabbard project, opened by Energy Minister Michael Fallon on 7 August. Located off the coast of Suffolk, the wind farm has 140 turbines. Greater Gabbard is the second largest wind farm after the London Array, but is set to double in size when construction is completed on the Galloper extension in 2017.

Wilding says: ‘What an amazing summer for the UK’s offshore wind industry. Three major projects opening within a few weeks shows the growing importance of renewables to the UK generation mix.  It’s a moment of real pride for Wilding, too, as we were involved in constructing the onshore substations for both London Array and Greater Gabbard.’

Sources: BBC, This is Lincolnshire and Utility Week