An offshore wind farm five miles off the coast of North Wales in the UK that can power 61,000 homes is now ready for operation, the developer RWE npower renewables announced recently. Called the Rhyl Flats Project, the wind farm will initially use the first of 25 turbines, while construction continues on the 24 turbines and the subsea cables.

Power will be transported to shore through the subsea cables. A newly-completed substation will convert the electricity’s voltage for transmission to the national grid. Full operation is expected later this year when work on the 24 turbines is finished.

"We’re the world number one for offshore wind generation and with Rhyl Flats plugged in we’re adding to the amount of electricity we’re generating. Offshore wind power will be a big contributor to meeting our target of 15% of renewable energy by 2020," said Energy Minister, Lord Hunt.

"The wind farm is bringing benefits to the regional economy through investment in jobs and local services. Local community projects will also benefit from an annual community fund for the life of the wind farm, which will become available when the project is fully operational," said Chief Operating Officer for RWE Innogy, Kevin McCullough. RWE Innogy is RWE npower renewables’ parent company.

The North Wales offshore wind farm is RWE npower renewables’ second offshore project. The company’s first offshore venture is the North Hoyle project in Liverpool Bay that started operation in 2003.

RWE npower renewables operates 17 hydroelectric power projects and 23 wind farms in the country. The company is also working with marine energy technology partners on new wave and tidal stream power projects.


- Jen Balboa