Consense announces two offshore wind projects

(07/10/2009)

A recent report from the BWEA states that the UK will have a cumulative installed capacity of up to 9GW of off-shore wind power by 2015 (equating to enough energy to power over 4.5 million homes). The report also highlights that wind will overtake nuclear in terms of installed capacity within the next 4 to 5 years, as an important milestone in reaching the UK's share of the European Union target of 20% renewable energy by 2020.

The UK has potentially the largest offshore wind resource in the world, with relatively shallow waters and a strong wind resource extending far into the North Sea. The UK has been estimated to have over 33% of the total European potential offshore wind resource - enough to power the country nearly three times over.

Consense has added to its portfolio of sectors with the announcement of two offshore wind projects for clients Mainstream Renewable Power and ScottishPower Renewables. These latest projects mean that Consense is running online consultations for nearly 3GW of proposed power – that is enough renewable energy to power almost 1.5 million homes.

Consense is critically placed to provide the optimum support for businesses looking to develop offshore wind farms, offering a service that goes above and beyond the guidelines on consultation set out by the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA).

The Mainstream Renewable Power project has the potential to generate up to 420MW of renewable energy, which is enough power to supply the whole of Edinburgh. It will offset over 300,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, as well as making a significant contribution towards the delivery of the UK’s 2020 renewable energy target.

Emmet Curley, Marketing & Communications Manager at Mainstream Renewable Power, comments: “We are very impressed with the experience and expertise that Consense has in developing online consultations. Using Consense we will be able to involve more of the community in our proposals and ensure that a really thorough consultation is undertaken as part of the planning process.”

The online consultation for ScottishPower Renewables’ offshore wind farm will be launched later this year.

In addition to the new offshore wind projects Consense is already involved in online consultations for over 50 onshore wind projects across the UK.

Related categories:  Wind power