The UK government has given the green light to the Rampion 2 offshore wind farm off the coast of Sussex. The project is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power one million homes, with a capacity of 1.2 GWh.
Energy Security Secretary Ed Miliband approved the development, which is estimated to create 4,000 jobs in the construction of 90 offshore turbines. This move brings the UK closer to meeting its clean power goals for 2030. The Rampion 2 project helps the country reach its offshore wind target of 43-50 GWh, as outlined in the Clean Power Action Plan. It is the 15th Development Consent Order approved since July.
The approval follows the introduction of the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which aims to fast-track the approval and construction of clean energy projects, including wind and solar power. The Bill will prioritize these projects for grid connections, allowing for faster development of low-carbon infrastructure.
A Step Towards Energy Security
Miliband commented on the importance of the project, stating: “The UK has an endless supply of wind, which is not controlled by dictators or petrostates. It’s time to move away from fossil fuels, boost clean energy, protect our energy security, and lower bills for good. This project brings us closer to our offshore wind target and helps deliver the clean energy and jobs that Britain needs.”
In the latest government renewable energy auction, nearly 5 GWh of new offshore wind capacity was secured, including the Hornsea 3 project off the Yorkshire coast, which is set to become the largest offshore wind farm in Europe.
