Two giant energy firms, E.ON and Dong Energy, have rescued the proposed London Array wind farm set to be built off the Thanet coast.
by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
The £1.5 billion scheme was in danger after Shell pulled out of the project in May 2008.
But now E.ON and Danish firm Dong Energy have become 50/50 partners in the farm after buying out Shells stake for an undisclosed sum. The first phase of the array should now be completed by the end of 2012, subject to securing a number of contracts, such as those for the wind turbines.
E.ON UK chief executive Dr Paul Golby: “We believe that offshore schemes such as this have an important part to play as we look to ensure security of supply for the UK, reduce carbon emissions and keep energy as affordable as possible for our customers.”
The London Array scheme will see more than 270 giant wind turbines installed 12 miles off the Thanet coast.
In order to ensure a smooth handover, so it is said, Shell is leaving its staff on the project until the end of the year. As I am, however, always a cynic, I wonder why really the staff remains on station.
Thanet South MP Stephen Ladyman said: “This is great news for the planet and great news for Thanet.
London Array could produce enough clean energy to supply a substantial part of London and the South East and a significant number of jobs in east Kent.
Personally, I am still very angry about Shell's decision and haven't used a Shell station since they announced they were pulling out. I congratulate E.ON and Dong for understanding the importance of cutting CO2 emissions and appreciating the opportunity that the London Array offers. Well done them.”
The news of this takeover was also welcomed by the Secretary of State for Energy, John Hutton, who said: “It is great news that E.ON and Dong will be taking this exciting project forward together. It will play an important role in our ambition to dramatically increase the amount of energy we get from renewable sources.
This is further evidence the incentives we have introduced have made the UK one of the most attractive places in the world to invest in offshore wind.”
All one can add to that is that it can only be hoped that we will see more good wind power arrays in and around this country and also other alternative energy producing plants, whether solar arrays, the latter probably are better placed on buildings and some German towns can lead the way there, such as Marburg, in that they are now trying to have a solar array on every south-facing roof, and the tidal gates and other such. As well as, and especially, (waste) wood-burning CHP plants on every city block and in every village. It can be done and it must be done.
© M Smith (Veshengro), July 2008
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Partnership of E.ON and Dong Energy refloats plan for London Array wind farm
