The UK government has approved construction of a massive offshore wind farm off the east coast of England in the latest boost to the nation's alternative energy industry.

Boost for UK renewables sector

Approval of the East Anglia Three offshore wind farm, to be located 43 miles off the coast of Norfolk, was described as a “vote of confidence in the UK's world-leading offshore wind sector” by RenewableUK, the renewable energy trade association.The 172 wind turbines, which could meet the electricity needs of 890,000 homes, represent one of four projects Scottish Power Renewables wants to build off the coast of East Anglia and the second to get planning approval.Emma Pinchbeck, executive director of RenewableUK, said, “This huge clean energy project is a great example of how offshore wind can enable the government's industrial strategy. The project is expected to create thousands of skilled jobs throughout its 30-year lifetime.“Not only will the wind farm use the latest, innovative turbines, but it will also provide a massive boost for local businesses to grow.”

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Construction of the wind farm is scheduled to start by 2022, with electricity generation from the turbines expected to start by 2025.Keith Anderson, chief executive of Scottish Power Renewables, added, “Offshore wind has delivered on its promises from the outset. Our sector has met every technical and political challenge, grown the UK's supply chain and improved the technology at a rapid pace to allow projects to be deployed in ever harsher conditions.“At the same time, the level of cost reductions achieved would more commonly be seen in consumer electronics.“In a little over a decade, our sector has delivered substantial amounts of green electricity for the UK, supported billions of pounds of UK investment and created thousands of high quality jobs.”

UK committed to supporting renewables

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy spokesman said, “The UK is the third-best country in the world at tackling climate change and we've been clear in our commitment to supporting renewable energy through our ambitious industrial strategy and smart systems plan.“The East Anglia Three Offshore Wind Farm will unlock significant economic benefits through the UK supply chain and create jobs while helping to reduce our emissions.”Will Apps, who heads the Crown Estate Energy Development agency, said, “It is great to see the East Anglia Three project pass this significant milestone. Through the continued efforts of Scottish Power Renewables, and their industry peers, the UK now benefits from a strong development pipeline of more than 11 GW of consented capacity.”Scottish Power Renewables said the “next generation” of turbines at the wind farm could be as high as 247 metres – about two and a half times the height of Big Ben.For related news and features, visit our Technology section.

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