Plans for the commercial start up of RWE npower's Rhyl Flats offshore windfarm, have been delayed by bad weather.
The first of the wind farm's 25 turbines were expected to start-up on 12 July with owners RWE promoting it as the most significant yet in its construction. But a spokeswoman confirmed the switch-on had been subject to a "very short delay" due to "poor weather conditions" and "choppy seas".
She added that RWE Npower renewables were hoping to try again on July 14 but at time of writing a successful start up had not been reported..
UK renewable energy company RWE npower renewables considers the commercial operation of this wind farm, its second major offshore wind farm in the UK a milestone in its business strategy.
The company said on 9 July that it was expecting to start exporting power from the first turbine of the Rhyl Flats offshore wind farm within days. The strart up would als obe a boost for the UK government, which is expecting offshore wind projects to make up a significant portion of its renewable energy target.
The Rhyl development, located off the coast of North Wales, will have an installed capacity of 90 MW when complete. The facility’s remaining 24 wind turbines will come on-line in the coming months, with full operation expected during the last quarter of 2009.
RWE npower renewables completed the 60 MW North Hoyle project – the UK’s first major offshore wind farm – in 2004.
“That power will be generated in the next few days is one of the most significant achievements yet in the construction of Rhyl Flats Offshore Wind Farm,” said Kevin McCullough, Chief Operating Officer of RWE Innogy, RWE npower renewables’ parent company. “We are delighted to reach this milestone.”
RWE npower renewables has also officially opened Little Cheyne Court, the largest onshore wind farm in the south of England, which started exporting power to the grid in November 2008. The 26-turbine development in Kent has a capacity of just under 60 MW and was opened on July 13 by the UK’s Secretary of State for Energy, Ed Miliband.
“The expansion of wind energy, alongside other renewables, new nuclear power and clean coal, is vital for the UK’s low carbon energy mix, and brings with it massive opportunity in terms of jobs and economic growth,” commented Mr Miliband.
The UK government will on 15 July publish the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan for 'decarbonising' the UK and maximising the economic benefits presented by low carbon industries such as wind energy.
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