Vattenfall will proceed with the development of the 49.5MW Kentish Flats Extension (KFE), a 15 turbine offshore wind farm that received approval from the UK Energy Secretary earlier in 2013. The facility, which is an extension of the existing 30 turbine Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm, has now gained a final investment decision from the company’s Board of Directors. When operational in 2015 it will generate enough power to supply 42,000 UK households with clean green electricity.
“Vattenfall’s decision to invest around £150 million in Kentish Flats Extension is the final hurdle that needs to be cleared before construction can start in 2015” said Matthew Green, Vattenfall Project Manager for the scheme. “It’s good to get that and I’m looking forward to leading the construction team over the next two and a half years. We will now complete a period of intense detailed engineering and planning for the construction phase in 2015.”
The UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Mr Ed Davey, added that the project was a testament to the power of inward investment in the UK.
“Offshore wind is a major success story for the UK which brings economic benefit to our shores, supports thousands of skilled jobs and is an important contributor to our energy mix” said Mr Davey. “The UK is well placed to maintain its position as the world’s biggest offshore wind market out to 2020.”
Mark Dance, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Kent County Council said that the decision to go ahead with the Kentish Flats Extension is great news for the county which further strengthens the important role Kent is playing in the growth of the UK offshore wind industry, bringing last benefits to the local economy and people.
Peter Wesslau, Vattenfall’s UK Country Manager, said that the company has promised to invest more than £600 million in two offshore wind power schemes and that the UK is currently one of the most attractive places in Europe to invest in wind power. Vattenfall currently owns and operates the existing 90MW Kentish Flats facility and the 300MW Thanet Offshore Wind Farm.
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