30-turbine offshore wind farm gets go-ahead

A new wind-farm development, 8km off the North Wales coast, which will produce enough electricity to power 50,000 homes, was given the go-ahead by the government on Boxing Day.

The development at Rhyl Flats is for client National Wind Power Offshore Limited and will comprise up to 30 turbines, each 150m-high, and produce around 100MW of electricity. Work is scheduled to begin immediately for completion in 2004.

Construction and energy minister Brian Wilson said: "This is the third offshore wind farm development nationally and the second in Wales. Rhyl Flats will make a vital contribution to the government's target to generate 10% of UK electricity from renewable sources by 2010.

"The UK and Welsh Assembly governments will work closely together to secure a manufacturing and supply base which meets the demands of a burgeoning renewables generation sector in Wales."

National Wind Power Offshore also has consent for the neighbouring North Hoyle Wind Farm.